The Summer Vacation
Chapter 21
Written by rachel76m
Edited by Don Kaufman

Meanwhile, back on Earth about three weeks ago, an elderly man is seen walking down the main street in Cherokee, NC. He has a staff with him to keep himself steady. Some people see him and avoid from bumping into him.

He stops at an intersection to cross the street. He sees his destination across the street, the Eastern Cherokee Nation Council Building. It is the latest one since the last one was burned down by outsiders about seventy years ago.

He waits for the light to change. When it does change, he walks across the street. He then walks up the stairs to the double glass doors. He opens one of the doors and walks inside. He sees two women working behind the lobby desk.

He sees the receptionist and walks up to her and waits for her attention.

She looks up and smiles, “Hello, This is the Eastern Cherokee Nation. How can I help you?”

“I have an appointment with your chiefs and shamans. This appointment has been waiting for years to happen. Show them this token. They will know what it means.”

The old man takes an object from a pocket in his coat. He hands her a uniquely carved stick about two feet long and about three inches in diameter. She takes it and looks at it carefully. “I know this carving. We have a similar one here. Please wait a moment, sir.”

“I will wait patiently here in the lobby.”

She gets up and turns around. “Running Deer, I'll be right back.”

“Yes, Silver Fox, I'll take care of the desk.”

Silver Fox leaves the room and walks down the hallways. She opens a door to one of the chiefs.

“I'm sorry to bother you, Crouching Bear. There is an Elder waiting in the lobby. He gave me this to show you. He said you'll know what it means.”

He takes it from her and looks at it carefully. “Incredible, it's similar to ours. This tree branch carving is at least five hundred years’ old.”

“What does it mean?”

“It means the time of renewal is at hand for the land. We were given a promise before the settlers came that the good spirits will return to the forest and land throughout the world.”

“Now I remember the story. It's the beginning that peace will come for all nations. However, those who don't receive it will be vexed and disappear as they fight the good spirits and themselves.”

“Yes, that's right. Summon the Council. Fortunately they're all here today. We must welcome this Elder with open arms. I'll go out and give greetings.”

“Yes, Crouching Bear.”

“You'll need to show this carving to them. We'll meet in the Council Room in fifteen minutes.” He gives the carving back to her.

“I'll do it, Crouching Bear. See you in fifteen minutes.” She smiles at him.

They both leave the office together. Crouching Bear walks to the front reception area. He sees the Elder looking at the artifacts and reading the history of the Cherokee Nation.

Meanwhile, back in the lobby, the Elder looks at pictures and art on display. It has been a long time since I was here last time. They were sad when they heard what was going to happen for the last five hundred years. But praise to the Maker these clans here stood tall to keep their heritage on their lands.

The Elder turns around when he hears someone approaching. They smile at each other and nod their heads up and down to each other.

“Welcome, Grand Elder, to the Cherokee Nation. I've heard stories about you since I was a young cub. I'm Crouching Bear.”

“Thank you, Crouching Bear.”

“Your age defies your wisdom. Are you the fifth generation Grand Elder since the Parting Words?”

“I am, Crouching Bear. Thank you for the compliment.” I'll let the generation comment slide for the moment. I'll correct him at a later date.

“Silver Fox is informing the rest of the Council Members right now. We'll meet in fifteen minutes. Where will the ceremony take place Grand Elder?”

“It will be at Atali Unega. There will be other guests there as well.”

Then we see Silver Fox approaching us.

“All are assembled in the Council Room.”

“That was fast, thank you, Silver Fox. We'll need the meeting recorded and then translated for the archives.”

“Yes, Crouching Bear.”

The three then turn and walk to the large double wooden doors. Silver Fox opens a door for them. In the room are ten chairs behind a long table. The room has many chairs arranged neatly for an audience.

Crouching Bear walks behind the long table and sits down with the other Clan Chiefs and Shamans.

Silver Fox walks over to a separate table and sits down. She sees to it that the recording equipment is ready to be used.

In front of the long table is another table. Resting on the small table is the Grand Elder's carving staff.

“Silver Fox, begin the recording.”

“Yes, Crouching Bear.” She turns on the recording equipment.

After the introductions by Crouching Bear, the examination continues.

“Bring our rod, Shaman Red Fox, and put it next to it.”

Shaman Red Fox gets up and steps forward. He puts their carved rod next to it. They all see it is carved from the same tree branch. Two of the ends match each other. Silver Fox focuses the camera on the two rods.

“The carvings and the branches are the same, my brothers. It is time for the Renewal.” The Shaman turns and faces the Grand Elder.

“Welcome, Grand Elder to the Council Chamber. Where will the ceremony take place?”

“It will take place in Atali Unega or Mount Blanc as the locals call it. There is a cabin not far from the town center. It belongs to the Moore family in this current generation. The last surviving son, Richard, will be returning from a long journey. He will be the key for the Renewal Ceremony.”

“We remembered that family name, Grand Elder. They perished in a plane crash on a mountain side near our lands. Their spirits have joined with the Creator.”

“Yes they have, Council. This young man has been called by the Maker to do great things. His deeds and life have not even begun.”

“Who will be needed at this ceremony besides us?”

“The Wilkerson Family, the police captain, the sergeant, the mayor, the young man's doctor and lawyer, myself and Anya.”

“Yes, we know of them. They are honorable people. They respect our ways. We have had no trouble in Atali Unega. I take it, no one from the white man's state government?”

“Not at this time, Crouching Bear. It will be their surprise when the dead forest comes alive again.”

The Council members all smile together. “Yes, that is best Grand Elder.”

“I must go now and contact the others so that they can make plans and keep the area safe. See you there in three weeks at the next full moon or the Planting Moon. It will be a sunset ceremony for the A-na-a-gv-ti ”

“We will be ready with our contingent of twenty. We'll make camp in the glade near the cabin.”

“Oh and one more thought. He will be strangely dressed. His garments and armor will be like a knight. He helped defeat an ancient enemy of Earth and the Creator on another world.”

“Which ancient enemy are you talking about? We know there is more than one.”

“In one of the languages here on Earth, they are called the Nefelim or the Giants.”

The Council members look at each other and shake their heads up and down.

“Indeed they're one of our ancient enemies. We look forward to hearing his stories.”

“That you will. I leave my carved rod there as a reminder. Bring both rods with you for the ceremony.”

“We will, Grand Elder. See you at the next new moon.”

The Grand Elder turns around and leaves the Council Room. The Shaman thought of another question to ask him. He follows him. He opens the doors, as soon as he enters the reception area, the Grand Elder is no where to be seen.

“Where did he go? Did you see the Grand Elder leave, Running Deer?”

“No one left through the front doors, Shaman Red Fox.”

“Hmm . . . well hopefully I'll see him again at the next full moon.”

“What's going to happen at the next full moon?”

“The Council will meet in Atali Unega.”

“That's unusual. Should I post a notice in the paper?”

“No, that would cause bigger problems we don't need. It needs to be low key.”

“Okay, I won't tell anyone. If anyone calls here during that week, I'll say the Council is at its mountain retreat seeking wisdom on important tribal matters.”

“Yes, that's an excellent idea, our decisions will be revealed at a later date.”

“Okay, I'll do that, Shaman Red Fox.”

Then Shaman Red Fox turns around and walks back into the council chamber.
They discuss what is needed for the ceremonies and make a check list of items to bring.

~~~000~~~

On the streets of Mount Blanc an elderly man is walking down the street with his staff. He gets bumped by two young men.

“Out of the way, old man.”

“Yeah, go back to the farm where you come from. You stink like a horse.”

The two men laugh out loud as they walk away. “Hah, hah, hah . . . !”

The old man turns around and looks at them. He smiles and mutters to himself, “You will for a week.”

He then points his finger at them and silently recites some words. He turns around and goes his way with a smile.

Then he hears behind him people yelling at the two young men.

“Both of you take a bath. You smell like a horse!”

“No we don't, you do!”

People start giving them a wide berth down the street. Soon they discover they can't enter the fast food restaurant to have their lunch. They leave mad and upset.

They continue walking down the street. Then they start to realize that they do smell like horses. They sit down and try to figure out what to do next.

They decide to go home and take a long shower and see if that works.

The old man sees his destination, the City Hall and the Police Station next to each other.

He enters the City Hall and walks up to the receptionist’s desk.

The lady looks up to see who is coming in.

“Hello, welcome to Mount Blanc. How can I help you?”

“Are the Mayor, the Captain and the Sergeant from the police department are here?”

“They are, sir. Do you have an appointment made? What's your name?”

“My name is the Grand Elder. The appointment is set for 1 P.M. this afternoon. I just came from visiting the Cherokee Nation.”

“Let me take a look.” She looks at the PC screen. She pushes several icons on the screen. The screen changes to the appointment calendar for today. “Here it is. Will you please wait a moment? I'll get a hold of them.”

“Thank you; I'll wait patiently here in the lobby.”

She pushes a button on her phone, “Hello Mayor, your one o'clock is here. It's the Grand Elder from the Cherokee Nation.”

“Thank you. I’m with the Captain and the Sergeant right now. We've been waiting for him. I'll come out to greet him.”

“Yes, Mayor.”

Then the doors open to the Mayor's office. The Grand Elder turns around to greet him.

“Welcome, Grand Elder. Please come to my office. We've been waiting for you.”

“Thank you. This won't take too long.”

They enter in Mayor Inali's office. The Grand Elder sits in an empty chair near the Mayor's desk. The mayor sits down in his chair behind his desk.

“Welcome, Grand Elder. What brings us this honor this day?”

“Well, at the next new moon. It will be May 4, a Sunday, Richard Moore will be entering town to begin his summer vacation for three months.”

“I see. Anything special we need to do for him?”

“At that time, the Cherokee Nation Council will be here as well. It will be a ceremony that has been waiting for five hundred years.”

“Wow, where is it going to take place?”

“It will be at the Moore cabin that is just outside of town.”

“They will probably be setting up camp in the glade near the cabin.”

“That's right. The Wilkerson Family will be there as well. I also invited the family doctor and lawyer.”

“What's so special about this meeting?”

“It's going to be the Renewal Ceremony coinciding with the Planting Moon ceremony for the land.”

“I remember that story. My Cherokee Grandfather told me that story a long time ago. So, it is time for it to be fulfilled. Isn't that right, Grand Elder?”

“Yes, don't contact the State and US governments now. That will happen at a later date.”

“Yes, I agree with that Grand Elder. The ceremonies need to be a special moment. They won't understand it until after the ceremony has taken place.”

“Okay, we'll quietly inform the rest of the deputies what is going to happen. We'll schedule their routes to be on the lookout for suspicious troublemakers.”

“I know you will, my friends. I'm planning to have Anya here as well.”

“Do you think her understudy will be able to take care of her beach business?”

“Yes, she is capable. It is only for one night really.”

“Okay, that's good. As far as my position as Mayor is concerned, I'll be sure the newspapers and TV crews are told it already happened and they missed it. But, the Moore cabin will probably be hounded by them. His privacy will be invaded. How are we going to help him to keep his sanity?”

They all think for a moment.

“Well, the Cherokees will arrive by horse on the trail to the glade. So the back side doesn't have problems. It's the front part with the road that needs help Grand Elder.”

“Yes it does, Captain Gane. I can set a subtle spell for any who tries to sneak onto the property. They will hear voices that will scare them away.”

“That can work, sir.”

“It will be such that only the ones who are allowed it will have no effect. It will last until Richard sells the cabin, leaves for college or if he comes back again in the future, Mayor Inali.”

“I agree to that, Grand Elder. Then it will be in his family trust for generations.”

“Can you do it?”

The Grand Elder looks at Sergeant Domasi with a right eyebrow raised “Can I do it?”

“Oops, I'm sorry. I forgot what you can do. It has been a long time since I saw you last, Grand Elder.”

He smiles at him, “You're forgiven, Sergeant. Yes, it has been a long time since you saw me. But, you did learn your lesson what your Cherokee Elders was trying to teach you.”

“That I did Grand Elder. I learned the land needs to be taken care of properly. I was made to act like a bear cub looking for food. I saw some of my Cherokee brothers with some outsiders take and pollute the land. I couldn't find the berries I needed to eat. After that experience I decided to join the police department for our Cherokee Nation.”

“You have been a good officer since then, Domasi.”

“Yes Sir. Thank you, Sir.”

“Well, I need to be going. I'll set the spell on the way out. It will be safe for the police, you the mayor, the Wilkersons, the Cherokee’s, Anya, myself and Richard.”

“Don't forget the phone and the utility people.”

“Thank you for reminding me, those people as well. I will also include the Wilson family if they come again.”

They all stand up together.

“Take care, Grand Elder. It's good to see you again. See you at the next new moon.”

“That we will, my friends. See you then.”

They all leave the mayor's office. The Grand Elder turns around.

“Oh, before I forget. I was bumped by two young men on the sidewalk with a bad attitude. They accused me of smelling like a horse.”

“You didn't turn them into . . . ?”

“No, they will be smelling like a horse for a week.” He smiles at them.

They all laugh together, including the receptionist.

“Thanks for the warning. Take care, Grand Elder.”

“Take care my friends.” He exits the front door and he disappears in a blink of an eye.

“Well, we have some work to do. Sarah, I'll need for you to write up some letters to inform the staff that will cover for our absence at the next new moon.”

“Okay, Mayor Inali.”

“Captain and Sergeant, you know what needs to be done for your parts.”

“Yes, Mayor.”

“Okay, let's get busy friends.”

~~~000~~~

I continue sleeping through the night. Most of the dreams are peaceful. Then the dream changes to a scene that is new.

I appear to be on fire, but I'm not worried at all. I'm standing calmly. My skin feels cools to the touch. As I think on it, I slowly wake up. I look up at the ceiling in the room. I then sit up on the edge of the bed. I see Halgren stirring as well to wake up.

“Good morning, Halgren, I'm up.”

“Good morning to you too, Richard.”

“Yawn . . . I'll be at the aft taking care of my body's needs.”

“Okay. Yawn . . . ” He gets up and sits on the edge of the bed as well.

I exit the room and walk toward the back part of the ship. I see somebody there waiting to go in to do the same thing. He sees me walking toward him.

“Good morning, Richard.”

“Good morning, Sir Palinar.”

“How did you sleep?”

“Well, it was no nightmare this time.”

“That's good.”

“Mostly it was dreams of home, friends and places I've been to.”

“That's nice. I think we all had that last night.”

Then the door opens, two men come out. We both walk in to take their place. We sit down on the boxes after pushing our shorts down and raising our shirts. Fortunately there are walls between us to make it semi-private. I see two tubs in there currently empty. There are towels and soap bars sitting on the shelves nearby.

Once I get done, I feel myself get clean from the spell on the box. I get up and put the shorts back on. “See you in the galley, Sir Palinar.”

“See you soon, Richard.”

I leave the room. Another person takes my place. I walk back to my room and walk inside. I see Halgren half-dressed for the morning repast.

“I need to use the aft room, Richard. I'll be right back.”

“Okay, Halgren.”

He leaves the room and closes the door. I take the wash cloth I used last night and dip in the bowl to get it wet. I put it on my face to wake it up. I put the cloth back where it was.

“That's better. Well, let's get half-dressed.” I take off the night shirt and shorts and fold them up. I open the drawer under the bed. I take out my briefs, shorts, T-shirt and socks. I put the night shirt and shorts in the drawer.

I put those clothes on, then my boots. I tuck in the T-shirt to make it look neat.

Then Halgren walks in to wait for me. I comb my hair to make it look neat as well.

“Halgren, I have a question.”

“Go ahead and ask it, Richard.”

“What is the spell to cool off the body if it's hot?”

“That's easy, its kaldur. Why do you ask?”

“The last dream I had this morning, I found myself on fire. But I felt calm and cool with no problems.”

“That's a strange dream. The phrase will be 'kaldur mig' Richard.”

“Thank you.”

“You're welcome. Well, it's time to eat. I see that we are both ready.”

“Yes I am, Halgren.”

We both leave the room and walk toward the stairs at our end of the level. We step down the stairs until we reach the galley level.

When we arrive in the room, we see the others gathered there as well. We sit near them.

“Good morning, Twainor.”

“Good morning, Richard and Sir Halgren.”

“Go ahead and eat you two. You just missed the Giving of the Thanks.”

“Okay.”

Two yeomen come up and put plates of food in front of us with utensils.

“What do you wish to drink this morning sir?”

“A mug of fruit juice, then followed by water when it’s empty.”

“I'll do the same.”

“Thank you. We’ll be right back.”

I look at the plate before me. It is filled with greens, some cooked grains, nuts and some cold vegetables. It is lightly spiced.

Halgren and I do our own silent Giving of the Thanks before we start eating.

We begin to eat our morning meal. The two yeomen bring our mugs of juice and place them in front of us.

The other commanders start on the main dish when we are half way through our first dish. It's very quiet while we eat. I see everyone is deep in thought. We know it's almost time for the fight of our lives.

When Halgren and I get done, the yeoman takes our plates and put the main dish in front of us. I see it is another fish dish. This time it is served hot. The spices on it complement the vegetables on it. The yeomen pour cold water into our mugs from pitchers they are carrying.

I then decided to speak up, “I hope nobody had strange dreams last night.”

“Huh? I don't think we did, Richard. My dreams were of times past. They were good dreams.”

“Same here, Richard. How was yours, Richard?”

“For the most part they were of dreams of family and friends. In the last dream I found myself on fire. However, I was very calm and cool when it happened.”

“That's good to hear, Richard.”

“Yes, so I asked for the cooling spell if I need it.”

We get done with the main dish. Then the yeomen come out and take our plates away. They bring out fruit bowls for each of us. There are two different whole fruits in each one. We start cutting them and eat the sweet pulp inside.

Then Sir Braxton speaks up, “Just to let everyone know. The star ship is behind the Inner Moon. It showed up before we woke up this morning.”

We get quiet when we hear that. We continue eating the fruits in the bowls. When we get done. We set the seeds and rinds aside. We drink another mug of water.

Sir Braxton stands up, “Fill your mugs again, men.”

The yeomen come around and fill our mugs with more water.

We all stand up with our mugs in hand.

Sir Braxton begins, “You have proven to be the best. Lead your wings and squads to victory. Richard, we thank you for being here. You have provided us hope. It's time to get dressed for battle. For Twainor, men.”

“For Twainor!” They respond.

“For Victory!”

“For Victory!” They respond.

We raise our mugs, then we drink the mugs empty.

“Before you leave this galley, stop by that table over there. The cook has made a bag of food for each of you. This is just in case it's a long day. It's easy food that will keep. The same is done for the other wings.”

“Thank you, Sir Braxton.” We all respond in one voice.

We walk over to the table and pick up a bag. We leave the galley and walk back to our rooms to get dressed.

“You can put your food bag in my satchel if you like, Halgren.”

“I just might Richard, even though I can tie it to my belt. I'll need the freedom to defend us.”

“I thought as much myself. I have a water skin filled already. We can put two small cups in there.”

“Yes, that should do it. Thanks.”

“You're welcome. Let's get dressed for battle.”

“Yes, it's time.”

We put our armor on the beds. We open the drawers and take out the metal mesh fabric pieces. We begin to assemble and attach them to the armor.

Once that is done, we start putting it on.

Halgren's shield is attached to his back plate. He attaches the scabbard to his belt and around his waist. He slides the sword into it. He attaches the food bag onto his belt.

I help Sir Halgren put his cloak on. He attaches it to his armor. His cloak is muted and shaded like my stealth clothes.

I put on my stealth clothes on after I get the armor on. When that is done, I put my medallion around my neck. I put on the wrist bow gauntlets.

I then put on my satchel on my shoulder so that it crosses over my chest. I take two small cups from the shelves and put them in the satchel.

We get done at the same time. We look at each other and smile.

“We are a team, Richard.”

“Yes Halgren, if we are on the star ship first, we'll provide the anchor for the forces.”

“Yes, we will hold fast to our purpose and win the day.”

“Yes, we will win the day.”

We reach for our helmets and put them on. We secure them in place by pushing a button on the helmet. The cushions expand and fit snug to our heads.

We leave the room together and walk up the stairs to the top deck.

We see the other leaders all dressed and ready for battle like Sir Halgren. Sir Braxton approaches us. “Get up on the command deck for all to see. There are crystal spheres up there already set. Our wings are ready on the other ships.”

“Yes, Sir Braxton.” Sir Halgren and I respond at the same time.

We walk up the stairs to the command deck where the wheel is. We stand in front of the crystal spheres that are mounted there on the railing. I look around and see sea dragons sticking their heads above the water to listen as well. I see the land dragons gliding in the air above us.

I begin to speak. “Good morning, Twainor. It's time to take account of ourselves.”

I see and hear affirmations from everyone.

“I thank the Maker that I'm here to be your Outside Helper. Take what you've learned and use it wisely. Try to expect the unexpected if you see something new. Be calm, think clearly, you have friends on board there. They are waiting for you to rescue them.”

“We hope and pray there is no loss of life on all sides. The enemy will use fear to confuse your minds. Remain steadfast in your convictions and remember who you are. Trust in the Maker and you will stand firm.”

“We are all fighting together, Twainor. We are fighting as one, on land, in the sea and in the air! We are fighting for our very existence ! We will stop the enemy on this path of destruction! It ends here for them! They will be brought to judgment!”

“For Twainor!” I yell.

“For Twainor!” They all respond.

All of the dragons roar as well. Some shoot water spouts or flames in the air. “Roooarr!”

“For the Maker!” I yell.

“For the Maker!” They all respond.

“Roooarr!”

“For the Twin Moons!” I yell.

“For the Twin Moons!” They all respond.

“Roooarr!”

Then we all begin to shout in one voice.

We look up at the Twin Moons. We see the star ship move out from behind the Inner Moon. It now comes into view and gets closer. Everyone gets quiet.

Sir Braxton yells, “It's time, Twainor. It's time to bring the fight to them! Everyone, connect to your wing leader. Put your visors down and face guard in place. Set the barrier shields around your wings.”

Everyone does that on the top decks. Sir Braxton then yells, “For Victory! Go Twainor! Go! Go! Go!”

Then all of the wings disappear one by one from the top decks. Sir Halgren stands behind me and gets ready to hug me.

~~~000~~~

“Continue the scans, Tek. Check for any anomalies.”

“Yes, General, sweeping E/M bands.”

“Move the ship to standard orbit, Dar-re.”

“Yes, General.” Dar-re pushes some symbols on the glass panel in front of him. “The ship is leaving the safety of the inner moon. We are moving to a standard orbit.”

“Prepare sequence to launch mech-fighters. Launch them once we arrive at standard orbit, Casleon. Have the fear generators on the mech-fighters set for maximum output.”

“Yes General, beginning launch sequence.”

“General, I'm getting a medallion signature on the surface.”

“Does it match the other eleven?”

“I won't be sure until we get to a standard orbit.” There is that sharp pain again . . . ouch.

“Keep fine tuning it until then. When you have a lock, beam him to Transporter Room #2 on the fourth level.”

“Yes sir. I'm sending the instructions to them now.”

“That's very good.” Hmm . . . how can he be here? What can he do to stop us? Nothing! He smiles to himself knowing they will win.

~~~000~~~

“I felt a tingle, Sir Halgren. I think they found me.”

“Okay, I'm hugging you now and not letting you go.”

Sir Halgren hugs me. The ship crew sees this. They know it's going to happen soon. So do the sea dragons. They have been told if we disappear then they know the air fighters are probably on the way.

~~~000~~~

“We are almost at standard orbit, General.”

“Let me know the precise moment, Tek.”

“Yes sir.”

~~~000~~~

The wings fly silently in the Ethereal Space toward the star ship. They slow down when they see the star ship slows down.

They maneuver and split the wings on both sides of the star ship. They look at the flashing lights on the engine tubes. There is no change in the pattern. They wait patiently to see if Richard can do it.

~~~000~~~

“We're at standard orbit, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Now!”

“Send mech-fighters and lock beam on the twelfth medallion bearer now!”

~~~000~~~

The doors open on the star ship. The wings see at least two hundred air fighters leave the star ship. After that, another one hundred leaves the star ship. But they stay stationed near the star ship.

The squads look at each other and nod their heads up and down. They keep their focus on the flashing lights.

~~~000~~~

Then a light beam appears on top of us.

“This is it, Sir Halgren!”

“I feel it too, Richard!”

Then we both disappear from the command deck.

“Go sea dragons!” Yells Captain Thales.

“Yes, it's time!”

They sink below the water and race outside the bay. They poke their heads above the water and begin to roar to signal their land and sea brethren.

All of Twainor sees Richard and Sir Halgren disappear on their contact crystals. They immediately look to the skies waiting for the air fighters to show up.

~~~000~~~

“I have him in the beam buffer. However, I think his weight doubled some how.”

“Is it one or two bodies?”

“I can't tell from these read outs.”

“Are they armed?”

“They have no conventional guns or explosives.”

“Very good, bring them on board, Thasten, and set the shield on the platform.”

“Yes sir.”

Thasten adjusts the controls on the glass panel and set the shield. They see them appear. However, their backs are toward them.

~~~000~~~

I mutter quietly, “We are here, Sir Halgren. I'll try the commands.”

“Okay.”

“Ships’ computer, this is Richard Moore.”

“Message received Richard. Acknowledged voice ID from database.”

“Computer, reboot to Twainor Control.”

“Rebooting to Twainor Control.”

Then all of a sudden the lights flicker and go back on. I look at my hands. I see
them glow with small tendrils on the finger tips.

“I see it, Richard. Let's do it now!”

~~~000~~~

“What's happening, Thasten? Whom is the computer talking to?”

“I don't know, Rhand. The lights flickered off and on.”

“Is it a power failure?”

“I don't know. The computer spoke to somebody and so did they.”

Then they see the two figures on the stage turn around and face them.

“They're warriors!”

One of them mutters a phrase. They both fall down asleep on the floor.

“Quickly Richard, gain access!”

We encounter a shield on the platform when we step forward. It glows briefly in front of us.

“Computer, take down transporter shields on the platform.”

“Taking down transporter shields.”

We step down the platform. I walk toward the monitors and terminal in the
room.

~~~000~~~

“Something is going on, Hikaru.”

“Yes, the lights just flickered, Evrat.”

Then they look at their hands. It begins to glow with small tendrils on their finger
tips. They begin to smile.

“Now whom do we know that can do this, Evrat?”

“Yes, he's here. Be ready for anything!”

They begin to laugh some more.

The other prisoners look at them again with puzzled looks on their faces. They don't see anything happening on their hands.

~~~000~~~

I immediately get in front of the terminal in the transporter room. I put my contact crystal on the panel to keep it in view just in case.

“Computer, seal room. Don't open the doors to this room unless by me or a Legion Commander.”

“Doors are sealed, Richard.”

“Secure vents so that we stay safe to breathe.”

“Vents are secured, Richard.”

“Computer, take down exterior barrier shields of star ship.”

“This will shut down main engines and discharge all ship laser weapons. Do you want to continue, Richard?”

“Yes, there are forces coming on board to free you from the General and the Supreme's control.”

“I understand, Richard. Taking down the ship’s barrier shields. Switching to emergency solar reserves and solar generators to preserve life.”

“Do you have the speed of light constant in the data base?”

“Yes, Richard.”

“Use this number from my world and add it to your date base. The number is 2.99793 x 10 to the 8th power meter per second.”

“Number is stored, Richard.”

“Good, use it for these settings from me. Computer display running lights on engine tubes this sequence. All lights flashing as one, three times in a row. Wait five seconds and repeat sequence three hundred and sixty times.”

“Calculating . . . flashing light sequence, Richard.”

“Computer, install Twainor commander code set to over ride existing code set. Others cannot use it, unless authorized by me or the Legion Commanders.”

“Twainor commander code sets installed, Richard. Cannot reach Nefelim ship. Need access from within their ship.”

“Secure monitors, block attempts by the Supreme and the General to see inside this transporter room and to find this location.”

“Monitors and location are secured, Richard.”

~~~000~~~

The wings outside the star ship see the lights flashing the new sequence on the engine tubes. They all shout while they fly to their assignments to begin their take over of the star ship. Of course, they can't be heard in space.

~~~000~~~

“What's going on, Tek and Dar-re?”

“I don't know, General. All of a sudden our shields are down.”

“General we're on emergency solar generators. We have no main engines or ship's laser weapons.”

“What of the mech-fighters? Are they still safe?”

“Yes General. Their shields are still up. We can still communicate with them.”

“Very good, Casleon. Continue to monitor. I'm going to the Supreme to confer.”

“Yes General.”

The General gets up and walks to the transport circle. Once he steps into it, he disappears in a flash of light.

Dar-re gets up and sits in the comm chair. “Continue monitoring ships’ systems. Find the problem and fix it!”

Everyone responds, “Yes Sir!”

Tek looks at his finger tips. Why are my fingers glowing? Have I seen this before? Arrggh . . . I must be seeing things. Calm down Tek.

~~~000~~~

“Here come the air fighters, brace yourselves.”

Then all of a sudden their brain seems to spin inside their skulls.

“Why am I afraid, wizard?”

“It must be from the air fighters, Sir Dolen.”

“Yes, just like what we heard from the crewmen here.”

“We must hold fast to our purpose with conviction.”

“Yes, it's easing a little bit, but I'm still afraid.”

“Hold on, Sir Dolen. We must have hope that Richard can do the task at hand.”

“Yes, Wizard Braylin.”

~~~000~~~

The land dragons take off with the wizards on their backs. They bear down on the air fighters.

“Are you ready, Belgaron?”

“It's hard to concentrate, Ethan. I've been ready. Now Ethan!”

Wizard Ethan recites the transport spell. They disappear in a blink of an eye. So do the other dragons in their group.

“My head is not clear, Belgaron.”

“So is mine Ethan. Let's destroy these air fighters.”

~~~000~~~

A computer voice speaks on a mech-fighter ship.
“Have lock on target. Getting ready to fire . . . hold . . . target disappeared . . . don't know where it went . . . checking systems . . . emergency . . . MF #9 on fire . . . ”

~~~000~~~

Belgaron tries to sneak up behind the air fighter. He lets loose a blast of dragon fire. They see the air fighter catch on fire. Belgaron sends another blast, then they fly away.

The air fighter blows up. The pieces fall into the ocean. They continue to hunt for more air fighters. Their fear is slowly easing up as the air fighters are being destroyed one by one.

~~~000~~~

“Ship, display pilots’ view in an air fighter.”

“Displaying view, Richard.”

We see some of them blow up. We some escapes the chase of the dragons.

“Richard, their shields are not down. Also, they look afraid.”

“I see it, Sir Halgren.”

Then the next moment Sir Braxton and Sir Krellen appear in the transporter room with their wizard escorts.

“Well done, Richard.”

“Thank you, Sirs. I'm just about to send the command to turn off the barrier shields and fear generators on the air fighters.”

The wizards tend to the two ship crew members and remove their implants with the transport spell.

“Then do it quickly. There are two hundred sent to Twainor. There is another one hundred outside the star ship.”

“Computer, shut down the shields on all air fighters launched. Shut off fear generators on the air fighters as well.”

“Need Legion Commander password.”

Sir Braxton steps forward. “This is Sir Braxton. The password is delfin.”

“Recognize password. Record Sir Braxton's voice for future reference. Shields and fear generators are turned off on mech-fighters.”

“I just thought of something, sirs. Computer lock down on board fighters in star ship. Deactivate controls to launch them. The password is haj.”

“Recognize password, Richard. On board mech-fighters are locked down and cannot be launched.”

“That's good, Richard. Can we see how our forces are doing?”

“I think so Sirs. Computer, can you display floor layouts here in 3-d?”

“Yes Richard.”

“Computer, display in 3-d ship levels here in this room.”

“Displaying ship levels.”

Then in the middle of the room the star ship is displayed in 3-d. Then the skin is peeled away to show the levels. We see dots moving everywhere on each level.

“Computer, color code the dots.”

“Ready for color code schemes.”

“Display ships’ crew in blue. Display Twainor's forces in yellow. Display the eleven medallion bearers in orange.”

“Changing color codes.”

Then we see the progress made throughout the star ship.

“Excellent, Richard. Computer, separate levels. Spread them apart to see the other levels to half a hand width each.”

“Separating levels, Sir Braxton.”

The levels separate to see each floor better.

“Computer, identify location of General and the Supreme in red. Identify location of the eleven medallions in white.”

“Assigning color code.”

The color changes to red and white to the specified dots.

“Well that confirms it, Sirs.”

“Yes Richard. The Supreme has the medallions on his own ship that is attached outside the star ship.”

~~~000~~~

The squads appear on the levels. The ship's crew members have a look of surprise when they appear in a flash of light.

Some don't have time to put up a fight. They hear foreign words being said or shot with darts. They immediately fall to the floor asleep. Then the wizards come forward to remove the implants from their necks. They send them outside the star ship where it explodes.

Outside the star ship there are many implants exploding one by one. Each explosion buffets against the hull the star ship.

~~~000~~~

“General, are we being attacked from the surface?”

“Let me verify that. Computer, are we being attacked from the surface?”

“No missiles have been launched from the surface.”

“Where are the explosions coming from?”

“Analyzing . . . explosions are from the implants imprinted in the crewmen.”

“Display on monitors.”

Computer displays several views of the hallways and rooms from the star ship on the monitors.

They both scream together, “Arrrggh!”

“Noooo....! This is . . . is . . . impossible!”

The Supreme and the General have a look of astonishment on their faces as they look at the monitors. They see soldiers appearing in a blink of an eye. The crew falls to the ground for no apparent reason. They see people putting up their hands above the necks and recite strange words. The bump disappears behind their neck.

“What's going on, General? Explain this?”

“I can't right now. Unless it's being done by magic.”

“Well we must stop or slow them down before it's too late. Quickly grab the medallion bearers. It's time for the gambit ploy.”

“Yes, Supreme.” He turns around and walks to the transport circle. He disappears in a flash of light.

“Computer, secure transport circles for the General. Password is onde.”

“Transport circles are secured Supreme.”

~~~000~~~

“Here comes another air fighter! Its bearing down on the flagship. Put up the barrier shields, wizards!”

They recite the spells. “Barrier shields are up, Captain Thales.”

Then out of the water jumps a sea dragon. He takes aim at the air fighter and shoots a hard water stream at the air fighter.

The air fighter spins out of control. Then another sea dragon jumps out of the water to knock it down into the bay where it explodes.

The men cheer on the top deck when they see it go down.

“Well done sea dragons. Richard's plan is working! The shields are down on the air fighters and the fear is gone!”

All of the dragons roar when they hear that. Now they have a chance to destroy the air fighters quicker.

~~~000~~~

The General has a vest in his left hand. He forcibly has his right hand on a lady’s arm.

“You're coming with me!”

“Where are you taking me?” She struggles hard to free herself.

“You'll soon find out.” He pushes a panel next to a door with his left hand. The door opens. He pushes her into the transport carriage. “Put this vest on now!”

She puts on the vest. The General secures the vest to a hand hold in the carriage. He then picks up the hand trigger and puts it in her left hand.

“Now squeeze it!”

She squeezes the hand trigger. Then the General pushes a long series of buttons on the pad that is on the vest. When he gets done, the pad lights up.

“As soon as I leave, you can scream all you want. Just don't let go of that trigger. If you do, well, you'll be dead and you will put a big hole in the star ship. There is another surprise for the carriage itself. We'll keep your medallion and conquer the galaxy! Good bye, insect!”

The General pushes a series of symbols on the glass panel. He then leaves the carriage and the door closes.

The carriage takes off in its programmed direction. She screams, “Somebody help me! Help!”

~~~000~~~

A wizard appears before his two squads. “I found Evrat and Hikaru. They're in the holding cells here. They don't have the implants.”

“Good, let’s go rescue them.”

~~~000~~~

The doors open to the holding cells a squad rushes in,

The guards pick up their hand-held weapons. They squeeze the trigger and see that they don't work.

“What? They're not working.”

Quickly they engage the invaders. The invaders shoot them with darts. They fall down and collapse to the ground asleep. The wizard comes in and removes the implants from behind their necks. He sends them outside the star ship to explode.

“Well done, Wizard Crisson.”

“Right, now let's see about these holding cells.”

The squad members see the entrance to the cells still has barrier shields up.

“The shields are still up. They must be shielded and have a separate power source.”

They hear a voice from the holding cells.

“Who's there? Are you knights from Twainor?”

“Is that you, Evrat?”

“I'm here. So is Hikaru.”

“Yes, I'm here too.”

“We'll get you out soon.”

“Is that you, Sir Hegarth?”

“Yes, I'm here. So is Sir Chayton.”

“To get us out, you have to use a dual key and password.”

“That's no problem. I'll need to contact Sir Krellen and Sir Braxton. Richard is here as well.”

“We thought as much. There are other prisoners here from other worlds. They don't have the implants behind their necks. They have enemies from another world on board here.”

“We read that entry in the historical archives on the scout ship.”

“You did, how? Wait a moment. Let me guess, with Richard's help?”

“That's right, Hikaru.”

“I should have known that.” He chuckles and smiles.

Sir Hegarth takes out his contact crystal and recites the spell. Soon the image of Sir Krellen appears.

“Hello, Sir Hegarth. Whom did you find in the holding cells?”

“We found Evrat and Hikaru, Sir.”

“Excellent. Can you get them out?”

“It requires a double pass key code and password at the same time.”

“I'm on it Sir Hegarth. Hold steady. Richard will figure it out. What of it, Richard?”

“I hear them loud and clear. Computer, can you open the doors to the holding cells for the two men called Evrat and Hikaru?”

“Need Legion Commander pass code to bypass dual codes to open, Richard.”

“Computer, this is Sir Krellen. The password is omena.”

“The password is accepted. Recording Sir Krellen's voice for future reference. Bypassing double keys in holding cells. Turning off barrier shields to their cells only.”

Then the barrier shields come down for Evrat and Hikaru. The barrier shields to the holding cells corridor come down also. The other barrier shields stay up for the other prisoners.

Then Evrat and Hikaru run forward and warmly greet their friends. The wing members cheer at the happy reunion.

“What took you so long, Sir Hegarth?” He smiles at him.

“What are you talking about? Richard had about seven days to teach us what we need to know.” He smiles back.

“We've got more problems. The General and Supreme have an old weapon from my world. It amplifies emotional fear. They made it more powerful.”

“Did you hear that, Sirs and Richard?”

“We hear you, Sir Chayton. Give them the extra helmets that you brought.”

“Yes Sir.”

“Here you might need these. This is a gift from Richard. He gave us some ideas to improve it. There is ear and eye protection as well.”

“Thank you.”

They put on the helmets. The knights show them the features of the helmet.

“What do you think, you two?”

“I like it. I still have good vision when I'm fighting.”

“We thought so too. Come, we need to find the others.”

“Alia and her mate are in Health Ward #2. I don't know where the others are.”

“We'll find them. There are about 1,300 of us here.”

“Wow. That’s some force put together. You should have control soon.”

“After what we went through in scenarios, we are expecting the unexpected.”

“Well said. Moreover, we learned some new tricks along the way.”

“Well, let's get to Health Ward #2.”

“No need, Evrat. We need to stick to this floor level. If they need help, they'll contact us.”

“What you can do is to make sure is that floor level is safe. Secure the explosive weapons if you find any.”

“Yes, Sir Braxton, we can do that.”

The image disappears above their crystal.

Then they leave the holding cells to help further secure the level.

~~~000~~~

The General appears in the transport circle on the Nefelim ship.

“Whew, that was close.”

“What happened, General?”

“These forces are everywhere on all levels. Fortunately I got here without being seen.”

“Well, however they got here. We must deal with it ourselves. Turn on the monitors to view the progress of the mech-fighters.”

“Yes General. Computer, display live view from mech-fighters on the world below us.”

“Displaying mech-fighter view.”

They see mech-fighters being destroyed one by one by the flying beasts. They see huge sea creatures come out of the water to knock them down as well.

“What?!? How is this possible? Those beasts are destroying our mech-fighters!”

“I don't know, Supreme. They appear for one moment then they disappear. Then a mech-fighter blows up.”

“And look at that one! He's shooting electric bolts from his body. That's not possible!”

“But we are seeing it before our eyes.”

“Arrrghh! As much as we need this world, I have another mind to dispatch this world to oblivion.”

“I know what you mean, Supreme. For the first time, some how, some way our plans are being thwarted at every turn.”

“We must confront these people to know how they are doing it.”

“Yes, Supreme. Let's continue watching the monitors. There has to be a clue or secret that allows them to do this.”

They continue to watch their mech-fighters get blown up. They even see the lightning strikes from the clouds trying to hit mech-fighters. But when they do, the mech-fighters get blown up as well.

“Arrgghh!!!” They both scream together.