The Summer Vacation
Chapter3
By Rachel76m
Edited by Don Kaufman

As I get accustomed to the trip again, I’m always amazed at seeing the wonders and beauty of the galaxy. I pass Sirius quickly. There are the Orion constellation and the Orion Nebula. I see the Horse Head Nebula nearby and the Crab Nebula above it. I must be going faster than the speed of light; the nearby stars are streaking by me.

Then I see dead star system after dead star system. Uh, Maker, did you show me this in a dream awhile ago?

I did, Richard.

Soon, I approach a familiar star system. Then I see a very large space ship sparkling in the oort cloud and the path it took to get there. I don’t like that path where it came from. When I turn my head, I see I'm flying past the planets and approaching Twainor with the twin moons. Then I approach and enter into the cottage of my friend.

In a flash of light, I am standing in Renard's cottage. “Wow, that is some trip. But it was strange seeing that star ship sitting there in the oort cloud around this system. Fortunately I still remember some of Renard's language. I will need a brush up on it later.”

Looking around and seeing nobody home, “Well, it looks like Renard is not here. He's probably at the castle already. Of course, I don't know which day it is. But I will soon find out anyway. It looks like I will have to walk to the village and secure a horse to ride on.”

I step out of the cottage and onto the porch and close the door. I turn around and see the door glowing in a green color. What's this? I turn the door handle and find it is self-locked. I guess he was expecting me; the door is sealed with a spell. No sooner I step off the porch in front of the cottage. I hear laughter and singing in the wind. “Where are that laughter and singing coming from? I am not seeing it yet. It is getting louder and louder as it approaches.”

Looking all around, I soon see three fairies flying toward me in the clearing. “You're here. You’re here. You received the message in time, Richard.”

“Come, come. We will lead you where you need to be,” as another fairy shouts in excitement.

Smiling and laughing with them, “I'm coming. I’m coming. I think Renard is at the castle.” I continue their singsong lilt.

“He is, he is. He could not wait. He had to give the news to the King. It is the third day since the spy came.”

“Well I have more news to add when I get there. So hold on, hold on while I try to keep up.” I begin to jog down the path following the fairies.

“You're too slow, too slow. There are horses nearby ready to take you to the King.” The fairies laugh, giggle and sing while leading me to the village.

When I arrive in the village, the fairies lead me to one of the stables. Seeing someone in the paddock area, I call out to him as I catch my breath. I try to remember to speak in their tongue.

“Greetings . . . sir . . .pant . . . pant . . . Would you happen to have a spare horse …pant . . . pant . . . that I can rent and ride to Thryson Castle for a day or two?”

“Hello, sir. Rent a spare horse for a day or two? What’s your name?”

“I am Richard, friend of Wizard Renard. I am the Outside Helper for Thryson kingdom. I come from a far place to be here. The fairies here can vouch for me as well.” They shake their heads up and down as they giggle.

Seeing the medallion around his neck and the fairies, he smiles. “I remember you, Richard. No problem. My name is Rolston. Do you still have our coin with you?”

“I remembered to bring it. Let me take a look.” I open the satchel and remove the coin sack and open it. “What's the price?”

“A silver coin will do for the week, for now.”

“Yes, I do.” I retrieve a silver coin and hand it to the Stable master.

“Thank you very much, Richard. I am sure the King will help in caring for him. Bring him back and we will settle our account if it is longer. The horse's name is Swiftwind.”

“Thank you Stable master, stay safe until we meet again.” I bow my head to him. He nods his head as well. The Stable master and I put a simple saddle on him with stirrups and cinch it. Then we put a bridle and bit on as well. I turn to Swiftwind and mount him. “Come, Swiftwind we need to go to Thryson Castle.”

Swiftwind snorts and shakes his head up and down and then he gives me a thought in my mind as if to say, “Yes, let's race the wind!”

Swiftwind looks like the horses from Earth, but here they have a different look. Here their ears are a little more pointed and longer. The twin-tails and coat definitely have a brighter sheen, almost prismatic and glittering effect. Swiftwind has a silver-blue pattern. He is very beautiful just like the rest of the horses here.

I lead Swiftwind down the path while being escorted by the fairies. I decide to have Swiftwind trot, gallop, and race and walk periodically so as not to tire him out too quickly. Sometimes the fairies would sit on the horse’s head or one of them would sit on my shoulder. It takes about a full mark on the sundial to arrive at the castle.

We have a brief rest stop at a stream crossing along the way. Seeing the countryside is great, even though their forest trees are different from my world. But yet, seeing green foliage with its unique flowers reminds me to be thankful. The fairies give me the news of daily life. Some of it is whimsical and heartening. They are really enjoying the peace that has finally come between the kingdoms and continents.

The fairies did express their dismay about the intruder. But they hope all will be well soon.

Upon arriving at Thryson Castle, the fairies fly off to the Castle. I bring Swiftwind to a walk to allow him to catch his breath. I then continue and proceed across the drawbridge.

“Good job, Swiftwind, excellent ride. You know there's a stable ahead.” I then lean forward and pat his neck.

He nods his head and snorts.

~~~000~~~

“So, what news have you heard Praxor between the villages and towns?”

“My Lord . . . ”

Then the three fairies fly into the open window and into the council chamber. Everyone looks at them as they fly around in a large circle declaring the good news.

“He's here! He's here! Richard is here!”

“He arrived at your cottage, Renard!”

“He rode Swiftwind from the nearby village to be here.”

Everybody cheers and claps their hands upon hearing the good news. Some of the guests present stomp their hoofs on the stone floor.

“Praise to the Maker”

“Thank you, Maker!”

King Tierion raises his hands to quiet everyone down.

The fairies land on a table in front of Avel the Unicorn to catch their breath.

“Thank you for bringing the good news, fairies. Renard and Trianna, please greet Richard and escort him to the council chamber here.”

Renard and Trianna stand up with a smile.

“Yes, my King, we'll go and greet him.”

“Can we be there too, King Tierion?”

“Yes, you can go, fairies.”

“Thank you, thank you.”

They take off from the table and hover above Renard and Trianna. They do a quick bow before everyone and King Tierion. They leave the council chamber together.

~~~000~~~

The drawbridge spans a chasm that cannot be crossed easily or breached along the walls. The back of the castle is carved into part of a huge mesa. There are tunnels throughout the mesa and to the top. On the top of the mesa is a lookout tower which has a command view of the entire area. There is a rear gate spanning the chasm for a secondary entrance. It is also heavily fortified just like the main gate. There are also two well-hidden escape exits on the backside of the mesa and forest. The chasm makes a very large arc in front of the mesa. The land within can hold twenty thousand people if need be.

When I cross the drawbridge, the Gate Guards stand at attention as I near them. One of them recognizes the medallion around my neck and immediately smiles.

“Greetings, Richard, Friend of Thryson Kingdom, it is good to see you again. Is all well with you?”

I too remember the Gate Guard's name. “Greetings, Sir Landst. I am doing well and in good health. How is Thryson Kingdom faring these days?”

“Everything is glorious and prosperous. But this intruder spy trouble is the last thing we need. I hope all goes well in solving this problem.”

“I do too, Sir Landst. I think my fairy escort left me to inform the King and his guests that I am here.”

“Yes, the meeting just started a quarter mark ago. You have not missed much. You can turn to the right as soon as you get into the Outer Court. The Castle Stable Master will see to your ride.”

“Thank you, Sir Landst. Have a good day and thanks for being diligent in your duties here.”

“I am just doing my duty. But thanks, anyway.” The Gate Guards resumed their positions as Swiftwind canters by.

I slow Swiftwind to a walk into the Outer Court and turn right down the path toward the Castle Stables. Soon a boy comes running out and takes the reins from my hands. A man is not too far behind in coming to greet me.

“Good morning, Richard,” he nods his head toward me.

“Good morning Stable master,” I dismount and face the Stable Master and the stable boy. “This is Swiftwind from the village near Wizard Renard's cottage. I have use of him for the week.”

“No problem. We will quarter him well here and he will be exercised, rested and fed. Are you here for the meeting? The others are here as well.”

I retrieve a coin from my satchel. “Yes I am Sir. Here is a silver coin to help pay for the first week.” I hand the coin to the Stable Master and nod my head as well.

“That is fine for now. You better turn around. I think some people are coming to see you.” He smiles as he turns around. The Stable Master and the stable boy take Swiftwind to a stall and there he receives an excellent brushing and cool down from the stable hands.

Turning around, I see Renard and Trianna walking toward me with the fairy escort flying around them.

As soon as all three of us are standing together, the three fairies begin to circle around us while laughing and singing while we hug each other.

It is good to be with friends,
For it is a joyous reunion.
May it be a sweet scent that never ends,
For it is a reason to come again.

“There you are, Richard. Hold on one bit, let me refresh our language in you.” He recites a short incantation and touches his head as well as mine. “It is great to see you. I see that The Maker has brought you here in time.”

“Thanks and greetings, Renard. Indeed the Maker is swift with his promises. We will face this problem together. That is what friends are for. Good morning, Trianna.”

“Good morning to you, Richard. We have much to discuss. How long is your stay this time?”

“Well I was about to start a three-moon summer vacation before I finish my last year of studies for my first degree at the school I’m attending.”

“That is excellent. You were not here long enough last time. Stay here awhile longer. You can still be back in time to enjoy it.”

“That sounds great, Trianna. Well, we better get inside and see what is going on. The last time I saw you was about a moon ago.”

“For us, it has been a year since we saw you.”

All three of us turn and walk toward to the castle. One fairy sits on each of our shoulders and continues laughing and giggling. They are so contagious we start giggling and chuckling as well, like remembering an old joke that we only understood . . . giggle . . .chuckle . . giggle . . . chuckle . . .

We continue walking and enter into the inner courtyard. The beautiful gardens are in glorious bloom. The flowers are displaying the many colors of the rainbow with insects buzzing from flower to flower. We also hear the sounds of winged birds in the tree tops singing their calls. We walk up the stairs to the main entrance. Two massive stone doors, a gift of the dwarves in the region, are perfectly balanced. The doors are carved with a bas-relief design of elegance and beauty signifying the style of the Kingdom. The doors are glittering with three crystals of the colors in the rainbow, red, purple and yellow. There is a pair of guards at the door.

A guard opens a door for us and we all enter in and meet the Chamberlain.

“Chamberlain, we wish to be escorted to the King's Chamber for the King's Meeting.”

“Yes, Wizard Renard, follow me please.”

The Chamberlain leads us through several corridors and flights of stairs with ramps next to them. Shortly we arrive at the room. The Chamberlain walks over and opens the door to make the announcement and enters in.

“My Lord King, Governors, dwarves and High Honored Ones; I present to you, Richard Moore, Friend and Outside Helper of Thryson Kingdom.”

I walk in first with Renard, Trianna walking in and the fairies flying in behind me.

“Greetings, Richard, it is good to see you again.”

“Greetings to you too, King Tierion,” I bow my head slightly. The King bows his head slightly as well. We both raise our heads up at the same time and smile at each other. “I came as soon as I received the message. The Maker made sure I was here in time. I hope my talents and knowledge are sufficient for the task at hand.”

“I am sure they will be. Please have a seat. We have one ready for you next to Renard and Trianna.”

“Thank you, my Lord.” I walk over to the proffered chair. The three fairies fly over to Avel the unicorn at another location near his table with some small stone seating carved and designed for them on the table. Renard and Trianna walk over to their chairs as well. Several pages come up to assist us when we're ready to sit. When I stand in front of the chairs, there is a round of applause and cheers, and I join in as well. I smile and bow my head to everyone in the room as everyone else does as well.

The tables and chairs are arranged in a circle all facing inward. So that everyone can see each other. There are glasses of water of various sizes for each of the guests on the tables who wish one. There are several pages sitting near a wall, ready to attend whoever wants their attention for a task to do. Even if it is to refill their glasses from pitchers sitting on tables near the wall.

In the center of this circle is another large table with sixteen crystal spheres sitting on small separate ornate pedestals. Each of these has a small pennant hanging on the pedestals signifying which kingdom they represent.

There are sixteen banners representing the Kingdoms of Twainor hanging on four walls, evenly spaced about, four to a wall. King Tierion's banner is behind his chair. It comprises the three colors found in the Thryson Mountains with a star in the middle with three rays of light.

There are several high window openings in the outside wall allowing the sunlight to come in and light up the room. There is a pair of double doors opening to an outdoor balcony on the outside wall. The double doors have several large panes etched with colorful scenes on them. The doors are open to allow more fresh air into the room. No light crystals are needed at this time, for it is still morning before high noon.

The King sits down first. Then we all sit down in our chairs. Some of the guests remain standing at their location. Then the King gives the introductions. “Good morning, everyone. Let's introduce ourselves before we get started. I am King Tierion of Thryson Kingdom.” The King looks to his right. “You’re next, Quartermaster.”

“Yes, sir. I am the King's Quartermaster, Sir Bregor.” Looking to his right, he nods to the next one.

“I am Wizard Renard.”

“I am Richard Moore, Friend and Outside Helper of Thryson Kingdom. I am from the Sol System, Planet Earth.”

“I am Sorceress Trianna.”

“We're the Fairies who serve Avel the Unicorn.” All three fairies sing as one.

“I am Avel, the Unicorn.”

“I am Tarsi, Dwarf Sea Dragon. I have agreed to represent the dragon clans in Thryson Kingdom for this moon period.” Tarsi, is about eight feet high and fully grown for his species.

Behind Tarsi is an ingenious device built by the dwarves. It is a fan mounted on a stand; the fan speed is easily set by a magic spell. Attached is a metal tube from a small water tank. I recognize it as a fan-mister to help keep Tarsi's skin moist. A page is assigned to make sure it works during the meeting. I see they have improved the design I gave them when I was here last time. I don't see a pool of water on the floor.

“I am Telgon, Dwarf Ambassador to the Thryson Kingdom.”

“I am Durlond, Dwarf Ambassador to the Thryson Kingdom.”

Their wives are sitting near them.

“I am Drenan, Port Governor of Port Treston, and all shipping ports on the coast and rivers of Thryson Kingdom.”

“I am Praxor, Land Governor of the towns and villages in Thryson Kingdom.”

The last one gets our attention, a Centaur nine feet tall. “I am Caltron.” He announces himself with a deep booming voice.

Once all the introductions are taken care of, the King begins the meeting.

“I know this is a meeting of high importance. It is for the welfare of our kingdom and for our world. I will let Caltron speak first, then Renard.”

Everyone nods in agreement.

“My Lord, High Honored Ones and Friends of the Kingdom; approximately three days ago we sensed a disturbance in the Ethereal Space of our home world. We were not sure of its origin. But, we knew it was beyond the Twin Moons. All of the First Ones felt it. We looked to the stars and saw nothing move. But it was there. Master Wizard Eldwin was able to sense it as well. He contacted us shortly thereafter and we confirmed the disturbance with him. Eldwin was able to use the Seeing Stones to help look around the Twin Moons. He saw nothing at first, but then several stars shimmered in a group. He was not sure what it was, but he determined that somebody was hiding behind our inner moon watching us. For what purpose we don't know yet.”

“Thank you, Caltron. Eldwin contacted me two days ago and gave the same news. We agreed to spread the word throughout the Kingdom and Twainor. I contacted the Sisters of our Order and our Outside Helper, Richard to be here. I then went to King Tierion to inform him of the news. We agreed to go and gather all information possible and be here for this meeting, hence the two days.”

“Thank you, both. So let's begin with what we have found out. After this exchange we will contact the other Kingdoms on our world. We will compare notes so that we are all together and in agreement on what to do next.”

Everyone nods in agreement again.

“Let's start with the First Ones. Avel you are first.”

“Thank you, King Tierion. I sensed a change in the air and so did the fairies. The forest animals sensed it as well. We tried to calm them down, but we could not with some of them. The best we could make of it, we sensed harm and hurt coming to our world.”

“We agree, Avel.” Speaks one of the Fairies. “We felt a change in the wind and air. Being small and sensitive allows us to sense danger quickly. If there is a forest fire, we can sense it many leagues away. But since it was in the air from up above, we knew it was coming from beyond the Twin Moons.”

“Lord Tarsi, it is your turn,” spoke King Tierion.

“Thank you. We too have sensed a change in the air and the Ethereal Space above us. Our sharpest eye could not see this enemy. He must have been hiding behind one of the moons. But we felt a movement in the wind. It was going from one area to another. Like it was searching for something, we are not sure what it was.”

“Telgon, it is your turn.”

“Thank you, King Tierion. We don’t get much contact or news quickly, except with the trade routes or with the dragons that use the caves as we do. We make sure our paths do not cross too often. But, our people are glad for the peace that we have made now with the dragons. We each have a lot more understanding of our needs since those dark days. We also realize we could be the last defense as the surface dwellers seek protection if a war goes badly up here. For that the dwarves and the Dragons stand ready to help out when needed.”

Tarsi nodded in affirmation. “Yes, the Dragon Clans have agreed to help when the time comes. Each of us has a role from small to great dragons. King Tierion, just let us know what to do.”

“Thank you, Tarsi and Dwarf Ambassadors. The help is always accepted.”

“Drenan, you are next. What is the status of our seaports?”

“Our fleets of ships are in excellent health. There is one in dry-dock being repaired from a serious storm at sea several weeks ago. It is serviceable to be seaworthy in a few weeks time. It has been very profitable in the ports this past year. All goods and foodstuffs in the warehouses are nearly full. We have made the tithe of goods and food into the secret caches in times of trouble my King.”

“Thank you. Praxor, what is the situation with the villages and towns in our Kingdom?”

“Well, the presence of the intruder has disturbed the livestock.”

“I confirm that as well, the livestock have been jittery for the last several days in some of the villages and towns I visited. Some of them wanted to run and bolt out into the forest,” added by Trianna and nodded in agreement by Drenan and Praxor.

“Yes, the Elders of the villages and towns are concerned about when this anxiety will ever end. Even the people are expressing concern. Because when they see the restlessness in the livestock, they see it as a sign of bad days ahead. But the people are holding together as expected. They are trying to remain calm and keep to normal buying habits in the markets.”

The King nods in agreement. He looks to his right at the Quartermaster. “What is the current accounting of our provision and armaments here in the castle and in the kingdom abroad?”

“I have a good report from your brother, Duke Traylor. The food and water stores are filled to the brim here in the castle and other fiefdoms. Our crops are plentiful and I give 'Thanks' to all in the Kingdom, from the lowliest to our Honored First Ones who helped keep our blessing here. Including the advice we received when all of the Outside Helpers were here last year.”

Caltron nodded in appreciation. “You’re welcome. Thank you for the acknowledgment.”

“You’re welcome.” I respond likewise.

“I estimate a siege duration of two to three moons, depending on consumption and keeping our supplies protected. The hidden caches throughout our Kingdom which are located near strategic villages, towns and ports are ready as well. Those caches give another year if used wisely.”

“That's good news, Sir Bregor. What is the condition of the armory?”

“The armory is in good supply right now. Probably less than one percent is in need of repair or needs to be replaced across all weapon stores. We have enough to outfit an army of ten thousand soldiers, my Lord. If we conscript from the local population every able man from 16 on up to 70; that number can swell up to fifty thousand if needed. That number doesn’t include the women, children and the elders my Lord. Our entire population count of our Kingdom, not counting the First Ones, is about one hundred and fifty thousand my Lord. All castles within the kingdom can house our population if need be within their walls. The standing counts of the military, army, navy and dwarf brigades are five thousand throughout the kingdom.”

“Thank you, Sir Bregor. Well that leaves us with Richard. Do you have any news to add?”

“I do sir. While I was coming here, I was able to see the wonderful creation of our Maker. But as I was approaching your star system, I saw something out of place. Beyond your furthest gas giant planet and distant planets, lies a field of loose rock and debris. It is a word we use that is called an 'oort cloud'. This field of debris surrounds all star systems anywhere in the Maker's Universe. It helps shroud your system or it can be a source of pain. If a disturbance happens out there, a rock can be sent toward your sun and become a comet or meteorite. If too many come at once, there's a good chance one or more of these will impact your world or another planet in your system causing great damage. For such a thought occurred to me, because I saw a very large star ship trying to hide in the oort cloud as I arrived here.”

“What is the size of this star ship?”

“It's very big. I think it would hold several thousands of people, perhaps more. It is very large. But, I was dismayed when the Maker showed me the path it took to get here. In the star ship’s wake, there are dozens of star systems dead and empty. Rocks and dead planets are circling live and dead suns. I am sorry sir, but we're next.”

Everyone mumbles and ‘gasps’ at the news.

“What are we to do my Lord? Who can fight such an enemy?” Asks Trianna, who is on the verge of tears. Others voice the same fears and concerns as well.

“We must remain calm. We must open the meeting to the other Kingdoms and let them know. Renard if you please.”

“Yes, my Lord.” Renard gets up and walks into the center of the ring; he approaches the table with the crystal spheres. He recites the contact spell and puts his right palm above each one, and then a face appears above each one. A King or Queen from each Kingdom is represented.

For such a meeting has not taken place since when Richard was here last. That is when the Maker called for the Kingdoms to establish their Outside Helpers in a time of crisis for Twainor.

One of the Kings speaks, “Lord Tierion, I take it we all have the same news concerning our enemy?”

“I am sure we all do. But I have a question and piece of news that needs to be added, King Dryden.”

“Go ahead, King Tierion.”

“First is the question. Have any of your Outside Helpers arrived?”

They all look at each other and shake their heads negative with sad faces.

“Apparently they did not come. Did yours arrive?”

“Yes he did. He came just in time for the meeting.”

“Praise the Maker.”

“Praise the Twin Moons.”

They all exclaim with thanks and praises.

“Who is it that came, Lord Tierion?”

“It is Richard Moore from the Sol System and his home planet called Earth.”

“Welcome back Richard, Friend of Thryson Kingdom.”

All sixteen Kings and Queens smile, especially King Thranton and Queen Rosina and the rest of the dwarves’ royalty.

“Thank you, Kings and Queens. It is an honor to be here again. The news I bear will give the magnitude of your enemy. This star ship has become mine as well, because they threaten all life in our quadrant of our Galaxy.”

“Tell us, please, how big is this enemy, Richard?”

“On the way here, the Maker showed me a path of destruction. I saw a star ship at the edge of your star system, trying to hide among the rocks surrounding your system. It is only one ship my Lord. However, it is large enough to hold several thousands of people, perhaps more. In their wake lie many star systems that are dead, empty shells of planets and gas giants no longer glowing in the night. All life is gone. They consume these worlds for their hunger of power, energy and resources. Then they hunt for another star system to consume and devour. I am sorry my Lords. We're next on their list.”

Then all of their faces show astonishment and sadness, some with tears and weeping. Even the faces of the Kings and Queens expressed sadness and tears as well.

“What are we to do?” cries one of the Queens.

I clear my throat loud enough for everybody to hear, “Ahem.”

They all get quiet and try to calm down.

“Apparently the Maker saw fit that I am the one for the task at hand to help, my Lords.”

Everyone agrees to that and begins to have a brighter face and outlook on life.

“Can you please remind us what your specialty Richard is?”

Lord Tierion and Renard smile at each other because they already knew the answer from my first visit.

“My specialty Lord Dryden is Security Systems and Programming of Computer Systems. In addition I have a good understanding of the sciences and mathematics.”

“Oh, praise the Maker!!”

“He did send the right one!!”

“Praise the Twin Moons!!” The other Kings and Queens exclaim, along with everyone else in the King's Chamber.

Soon a Lord interjects. “Excuse me. May I have your attention?”

Everyone quiets down again.

“Go ahead Lord Keltan.”

“I have just received news in my kingdom. A small craft appeared in one of our caves. It is being guarded by several dragons. Some of our wizards were able to go there and put a sealing spell on the craft so that it can't harm others or tried to leave. Also, I am informed that all main energy on the craft is spent. But the craft has just enough energy to sustain their lives. No contact has been made yet.”

“That is excellent news, Lord Keltan. We will send Richard to you as soon as possible.”

“Thank you, Lord Tierion. We look forward to meeting him. It will be a pleasure and honor to welcome you, Richard.”

“I am sure it will be a fine meeting Lord Keltan. But until then, I think we should remain alert for any changes beyond the Twin Moons. That star ship is still out there. It may react before we're ready. Have the wizards use their Seeing Stones and look toward your two gas giants. They're blue and multicolored. They're in that direction. In addition, here is an idea. Find a way to remove the crew from the craft safely. Split them up and put them in separate kingdoms for safe keeping. We will need to talk with them eventually. That way it will be on your terms and not theirs.”

Everyone nods in agreement and assent to the plan.

“Thank you, Richard. You have given us hope in the darkness.”

“That's what friends are for, Lord Dryden, to be there when needed.”

“Would it be all-right, Lord Keltan, for Richard to arrive the day after tomorrow? That will give us time for more preparation and give time for Richard to get reacclimated to our world.”

“That's a fine suggestion, Lord Tierion.”

All the other Lords, Kings and Queens assent in agreement as well.

“So be it. We all know what to do now. I am sure we will get more news from what Richard discovers in the small space craft. So be ready for that,” announces Lord Dryden.

Everyone else nods their heads in agreement.

“Take care everyone. Be safe until next time,” responds Lord Tierion.

Everyone stands and bows their heads slightly, including the images above the glass spheres. The images disappear and everyone breathes a sigh of relief with some smiles on their faces. There were others who kept reserved because the danger has not passed yet. But they're glad something is being done.

“This concludes the meeting. We will meet here in two days to see Richard go to Lord Keltan's Kingdom. If anybody wishes to attend may do so. It will probably be early morning.”

Everyone nods their heads in agreement.

“I had my knights set up one of the larger tents on the grounds near by while we are having this meeting. It is to welcome Richard and for those wish to partake of the noon repast. You may not realize it, but we have been here for three marks on the sundial.”

While some fly out the windows, most of us walk through the corridors and down the ramps and stairs to the front door of the castle. When we exit the castle, we see a large colorful pavilion tent erected. It is serviced by several of the King's cooks and attendees. Everyone soon shares in the celebration that the Outsider Helper has come and there is hope for all.

The King walks up to me and asks, “So, Richard, how long can you stay here this time?”

“Well I was about to start a three-moon vacation before I finish my last year of studies. Trianna suggested a longer stay since I was not here long the last time I was here.”

“I agree, Richard. After this crisis is over with, we'll make sure you enjoy the trip this time. You're welcome any time if you want to come.”

“Thank you, my Lord. Right now I need to clear my mind and get ready for the task at hand. Besides, I need to have some private words with Renard and Trianna. I will share it with you, my Lord, soon thereafter.”

“I understand Richard; have a close talk with your friends. I will be in my private study room when you're ready.”

“Thank you, Lord Tierion.” We nod at each other and turn away as we both went to mingle with the rest of the guests from the meeting.

“Come, let's join the celebration; we will talk more of this later.”

“Yes Renard. I just had my noon meal on my world before I came here. Now it looks like I get to have it again. It will probably give me a day to readjust to the time lag between our worlds.”

We all laugh together.

“That may be so, Richard, but you are here now. It is a glorious day to praise the Maker.”

I walk to the table and choose what is available. All foods are cooked vegetables that have cooled and some are set in crushed ice. In addition there are a wide variety of fruits and choices of drinks. There are quite a few that I barely recognize from the last trip. But I knew from the fruits that they would be sweet tasting with their own unique flavor.

For meats, only fish dishes were put out this time. The other meat dish is from the fowl variety, domesticated and wild. There are no beef type cattle here on Twainor. The wool bearing animals are not killed for their meat after the wool is sheared from them. For that is unthinkable.

I was told there was a dish set aside for Lord Tarsi, a large bowl of fresh whole sea-cantrell. It looks like a type of fish for all I can tell with the fins sticking out of water.

I was also told that Tarsi can swim, fly in the air and walk on the ground if he has to. But, he is not a fire breather like his land cousins. He is a flying sea dragon.

There are several fan-misters placed in several locations under the tent to keep the air cool and moist for everyone on this warm morning.

I walk up to each one and greet them. When I approach Avel, I hug his neck. Avel presses his head into my side. The fairies fly around us and sing a song of friendship.

“It's good to see you again, Avel and your fairies.”

“Yes, it’s good to see you again.” Hmm . . . I sense something new from Richard. What is it? He's trying to act as if nothing has happened since he was here last. Avel looks at Caltron.

Caltron looks at Avel. I sense it too, Avel. There is something new about Richard. He'll tell us when he is ready.

After awhile and most of the guests have eaten and left for the day. I was then able to talk discretely with Renard and Trianna.

“So, what’s this private news Richard?”

A tear starts to come down my face, “When I was here last, I had a wonderful family to go home to. Then a moon ago, my time, I lost my parents and two brothers. They were all killed in an aircraft in a bad storm.” More tears are running down by now. Renard and Trianna come forward and hug me.

“I am so sorry, Richard.”

“That is not all. Trianna will you please press your palm to my palm. You will sense something new about me.”

“All right, Richard.”

We touch our hand palms together. After a few moments of concentration; Trianna gasps and pulls her hands away.

“Oh, Richard, I don't believe this. I sense two spirits within you. One is male and the other female. How is this possible?”

“How can I say this in your words? But I will try. It has been known on my world that a small percentage of people can be born with both sex organs.”

Renard and Trianna gasp and their hands flew to their mouths with eyes in astonishment.

“What are you going to do? You know there will be a conflict in you as you get older. When did you know?”

“Well right now I am presenting myself as male on the outside. But on the inside I am also female. I did not know about it at all until one moon ago when the plane crash occurred. My parents kept it hidden from me, thinking I did not need to burden myself with the knowledge until I was ready to know.”

“When I came home for the funerals to take care of the matter; I had a meeting with our family legal representative. When we opened my parent’s will and read it, we discovered they had created a video letter explaining everything.”

I was shedding some more tears; I reach into my satchel to retrieve a handkerchief to dry my eyes.

“I have kept these emotions in check as much as possible. I had an examination by the family doctor and informed me of the current situation. She told me everything is okay. As long as I don't injure myself in the groin severely or come under extreme stress, my well being is safe for now. If the female organs do become active then there will be a conflict as you guessed Trianna. The organs are small fortunately. When I learned that I was coming here, I had high hopes to continue talking about this and to be examined by you. Moreover have some soul to soul talks and be just friends.”

“Of course, Richard, we can do that easily.”

“Thanks Renard and Trianna. You're the best.”

“Come, we need to tell the King the latest news. All of the other guests have left for the day. The King is inside.”

We walk back into the castle. The Chamberlain leads us to the King to update him on my new situation.

~~~000~~~
~~~000~~~

“Tek, Tek!!! What just happened? ! I saw a flash of light on the monitors.”

“Yes, General. I am checking telemetry readings now.” After a moment of searching through various band waves, “I am getting no telemetry readings at all from the Scout Ship. They're gone, Sir.”

Tek continues adjusting the controls on the control panel; then a signal reaches the console. “General, I just received the last transmission.”

“Good. Clean it up and play it back.”

“Yes, Sir.”

After a few minutes of filtering the data file, Tek plays the data file. When seeing the data scroll by on the screen, he smiles and turns around.

“Sir, the data file is a compressed data file of several data logs. The resource inventory data file is incredible. From looking at this data file, this system is very rich. We can last for about twenty stellar cycles before we need to search for another system.”

“That is good news. What about the tel-comm that we detected earlier? How are they communicating?”

“That file contained only one image Sir.”

“Show it.”

Tek presses a symbol on the panel, and then a 3-d image appears on the main viewing screen. Why does that look familiar? …Ouch . . . there is that pain in my head again. I’ve got to pay attention to my job here. I will check in the health ward at my next break.

“It is very degraded, Sir. All you see is the planet, the two moons which appear as white objects and the Scout Ship, the small white object behind the furthest moon.” The whole picture is washed out with light and a black background. “There are no other details discernible. I cannot make sense of it, Sir. There is no time-date to know when this image was taken.”

“I agree, Tek. But at least we have the resource inventory data. I am sure the Supreme will be pleased. He will be saddened by the loss of the Scout Ship and its crew. Their lives are a sweet scent for our Supreme. Their lives will be remembered so that we may live. Dar-re, take the command chair. Continue analyzing the data file. I'll go see The Supreme and inform him of the good news.”

“Yes Sir, General.”

The General gets up and walks over to a circular pad and disappears in a flash of light. Dar-re gets up and walks to the center of the control room and sits in the command chair.

“All right everybody, let's get the details on the data files. We need the exact numbers to know their volume and weight.”

“Yes Sir.” The other crew members respond to the command.