The Summer Vacation
Chapter 22
Written by rachel76m
Edited by Don Kaufman

“Wizard Trayne, we know where Alia is. She is in Health Ward #2 on your level.”

“Thanks for the tip, Sir Krellen. We'll be there soon.”

~~~000~~~

“What's going on, Tek?”

“I... I don't know . . . Oww . . . ”

“What's wrong with you?”

“My head hurts . . . ”

Then all of a sudden the bridge crew members collapse to the floor or slump in their chairs fast asleep. Darts are found shot into their arms.

Then a wing appears in a flash of light. The two squads disconnect from the wizard and spread out to secure the bridge. The wizard bends over Tek. He sees the implant glowing red.

He puts his hands above it and recites the spell as he concentrates on it. He removes the implant and sends it outside the star ship where it explodes.

He continues with the other crew members there. Then they discover one without an implant.

“Sir Rance, this one doesn't have an implant.”

“He doesn't? Then he must be one of the original crew members.”

“I was thinking the same thing, sir.”

Sir Rance takes out his contact crystal. He contacts his Lieutenant Commander. “Sir Wephton, we've secured the bridge. All are safe. We found Tek and possibly one of the original crew members.”

“Excellent, very good, Sir Rance. You'll need to stay there. Make sure there are no reprisals happening in that room. That's a key room to hold. Let Tek help you when he comes to.”

“I understand, sir.”

Then the image disappears above the crystal. They proceed to revive the crew members on the bridge.

“Ow . . . my head hurts really bad.”

Then Wizard Kendall recites the spell to refresh the Twainor language in Tek's mind.

“How do you feel, Tek?”

“It feels like I coming out of a dark tunnel.” He gets up and sits in the chair.

Then an image appears on the monitor. “I know a world whose grass is red.”

“Heh, heh . . . I remember that voice. I know a world whose grass is green. I saw your clues in various systems, Richard. It took everything in me to control my emotions.”

“Be glad you did, Tek. All of those implants have explosives in them.”

“What?!”

“Don't worry, Tek. Twainor’s forces know all about it.”

“Sir Krellen, it's good to see and hear you again.”

“It's good to see you as well. Work with Richard. We found Evrat, Hikaru and Alia so far. We need to know where the others are. The medallions are on the Supreme's own ship.”

“I understand, Sir Krellen.”

Then another man walks over and stands behind Tek. Tek sees him.

“Sir Braxton, this is Captain Dar-re. He's one of the original crew members.”

“Greetings Captain Dar-re. I hope you don't mind our intrusion.”

“I don't mind it at all. By putting me to sleep with those darts, you broke the mind connection with the Supreme. We sent two scout ships to check you out. Are they safe?”

“The scout ships are safe, including the crew members. They are located in separate kingdoms for now.”

“That's good to hear. The General sent two hundred mech-fighters to the surface.”

“We know about that. Our defenses are holding up. We have most of them destroyed by now.”

“How?”

“Switch your monitors to a mech-fighter view.”

“Yes, Richard.”

“Tek . . . ”

“Switching views on the main screen, Captain.”

Then they see dragons flying in the air. They lead a fighter close to the water. Then several sea dragons jump out of the water and destroy it.

The squad members cheer when they see it go down.

Then the view switches to another mech-fighter. They see a white dragon destroy two mech-fighters at once with his lightning blasts. There is no rider on his back.

The men cheer again.

Then they see another mech-fighter chasing a dragon with a rider on his back. Then in a blink of an eye it disappears. Then all of a sudden flames appear on the screen. They see the same dragon reappear, then fly away. Then the mech-fighter blows up.

The men cheer again.

“That's incredible. For a world who has no technology, you're doing fantastic.”

“We have our own knowledge. Moreover, we have the help of our twelve Outside Helpers.”

“You have twelve Outside Helpers? You mean those medallions are yours?”

“Yes they are, Captain.”

“Who is the twelfth medallion bearer, Sir Braxton?”

“That would be Richard here. His specialty is computers and security. Also some know how in math and science.”

“Excuse me, Captain. Sir Braxton, a wing is approaching Health Ward #2.”

“Thank you, Sir Krellen. We'll check in with you later. See if you can find the other Outside Helpers on the monitors.”

“That we can do. Thanks for the help.”

“You're welcome, Captain Dar-re. Computer, return full access to Captain Dar-re. The password is peras.”

“The password is accepted. Restoring Captain Dar-re's access to ships’ systems, Sir Braxton.”

“Thanks for restoring me access, Sir Braxton.”

“You're welcome, Captain Dar-re.”

Then the doors open to the bridge. Tek recognizes a familiar face.

“Sir Dareh! It's good to see you!” He gets up and quickly steps toward Sir Dareh.

“It's good to see you too. We're back together again, Escort and Outside Helper.”

They greet each other with an arm clasp and a smile.

~~~000~~~

Two squads and a wizard slowly walk down the hallway. There are another knight and a wizard with them. Soon they see the sign on the door. 'Health Ward #2'.

A knight opens the door. The knight, four squad members and a wizard walk inside. The other squad keeps watch in the hallway. Some people in the health ward see them come in.

“You're here!” She runs forward to hug them. She hugs a particular knight first. “Thank you! Thank you!” She pulls away as she looks at him and the others with a big smile.

“Alia, it's good to see you again.”

“Same here, Sir Corce. Is Richard here?”

“Yes, he arrived about seven days ago. He helped us to do this.”

“He better has, Sir Corce.” She turns and introduces someone to them.

He steps forward.

“This is my life mate, Mathes. Mathes, this is Sir Corce, my escort and honor guard on Twainor.”

“I'm pleased to meet you. She told me the most amazing stories when she came back. She is counted among the ambassadors on our world.”

“It's my honor to meet you, Mathes. What do you know about these implants or control devices?”

“We make sure the captive's minds are balanced. We don't put them in the necks.”

“I'm afraid to tell you this. All of the implants have explosives if the balance becomes upset.”

“No! We must remove them immediately.”

Then Wizard Trayne steps forward. “I can help with that by transporting them out.”

“How can you do that? The ship's special armor plating protects against most planetary radiation types.”

“Richard found a way to generate our Ethereal Space inside the star ship. Look at your finger tips. They should be glowing a bit.” He smiles.

She looks at her finger tips. Then she smiles, “Why that sneaky Outside Helper.” She shows it to her husband. He sees it as well but not on his fingers.

Then they start to laugh.

“Let's get those implants removed Alia and Mathes. They will be in for a shock when it's removed. Old memories will be returning and be in conflict with the present.”

“That's right. Let's get busy, friends.”

~~~000~~~

“Sir Braxton, Tek has found four of the Outside Helpers.”

“Where are they, Richard?”

“Three are in the transport carriages.” I push a series of symbols on the glass panel. “Look. They have bomb vests on them.”

They see them on the monitors.

“I see them, Richard. It's Chls, Belisar and Kanyaa. Where is the fourth one?”

“It's Ariella. She's in the cargo bay on the fifth level. She's wearing a bomb vest as well. All four are holding on to a hand trigger.”

“What kind of trigger is that, Richard?”

“I think it's a dead man's switch. Once they let go, the bomb blows up.”

“That means they can't be put to sleep first.”

“That's right, sir. There might be more bomb surprises or other traps. I bet those cargo bay doors will open when something is triggered.”

“I'm sure you’re right, Richard. It looks like we have a challenge. Let's hope our wings can figure it out.”

“Those carriages are moving. I hope those carriages don't stop. If those doors open, well, I don't want to think about it.”

“Me too, Richard. Let's contact some Lieutenant Commanders, Sir Krellen.”

“Yes, Sir Braxton.”

“I'll contact Tek and Dar-re and let them know what's going on.”

“Yes, go ahead and do that, Richard.”

~~~000~~~

“Okay, listen up men. We have three Outside Helpers on the carriages that move from floor to floor. They are wearing bomb vests and a hand-held trigger. The trigger is called a dead man's switch. Once they let go of it, it will probably set the bomb to explode.”

“There's probably a second bomb for the doors when the carriage stops and the doors open.”

“If that's true, we'll need to freeze the bombs and trigger first then put them to sleep.”

“Who are in the carriages?”

“They are Chls, Kanyaa and Belisar. Ariella is in a similar situation in a cargo bay.”

“Belisar is in a transport carriage? He'll be too scared to move.”

“Either way, they must all be rescued. Wizard Glyphur take two knights to find one of them. The other wings on the other floors will find the others.”

“Right, since we are dealing with a small space, I'll take Warrior Craglan and Sir Armstead.”

“That sounds good. You two go and connect. This phase is to check it out. Take a look at the trigger, the bombs, anything else that is in there or even hidden. Take nothing for granted, be suspicious. You can do a lot from the Ethereal Space.”

“We understand, Sir Branson.”

The wizard recites the transport spell once they are connected to him. They disappear in a blink of an eye.

“All right, while they are doing that, let's check on the ship crews who are asleep. Let's wake them up and get them calm. Try to explain to them what is going on.”

“Yes, Sir Branson.”

~~~000~~~

Wizard Glyphur flies through the corridor until they see a double door with a square panel. They pass through it easily. They fly as fast as possible until they see one of them moving toward them.

He stops and let's it pass through them. They don't see anyone in there. The wizard continues down the tunnel. He sees a vertical shaft ahead. He flies straight up and sees another carriage coming down. He waits for the carriage to pass by.

They see a man flash by inside the carriage. The wizard flies and chases the carriage. Soon they are inside in the carriage. They see it is Chls.

They begin to inspect the situation. They see the implant bump on the back of his neck. They take notice of the hand trigger and how it's built.

Then they check behind the walls. They see nothing there. Then they check above the ceiling and underneath the floor. They become concern when they see the bombs mounted in both places.

They take another look at the bomb vest setup. They see a lighted panel mounted there. Once they understand the situation they leave the carriage.

Then they fly back to their squads. This time the flight back is further then they have to go. They go up a level to find them. They appear before them in a blink of an eye.

“Well, what's the situation?”

“There are bombs above the ceiling and below the floor. The bomb vest is there with a hand trigger. What's the path to make it safe?”

“Let's think on it and contact Richard or Tek to confirm.”

“That sounds good.”

~~~000~~~

“Here is the door that leads to the docking bays. Look. It has two small windows at different heights to see inside.”

The wing members look inside to see. The two dwarf warriors get to see inside the cargo bay through the lower window. They see several large crates on the floor between them and Ariella.

“It looks simple, but I don't like where she is standing.”

“Yes, she's near those large doors. That leads to the empty black space.”

“We must find the other triggers that can open the doors.”

“Okay, take two in there with you. Look for anything and check inside the boxes. Spread some dust to make sure.”

“Yes, Sir.”

The two knights connect to the wizard. He recites the transport spell and they disappear in a blink of an eye.

~~~000~~~

“General, why are the fear projectors not working on the mech-fighters? Everyone should be running in fear.”

“Again, I don't know. It's like they know what we're doing.”

“How can they know and know what to do? Where are the people hiding?”

“Again, I don't know. If we ever find out, we must plan better. I don't want to lose this star ship and start over.”

“I agree, Supreme. Let's hope our gambit ploy pays off. Hopefully, we can figure out what their secret is.”

“It's all we can do, General. Let's keep watch on the ones you choose.”

“Yes, Sir.”

They look at the monitors. They see nothing out of the ordinary. In the cargo bay they see her still there. But, the air slowly gets dusty.

~~~000~~~

The knight holds the bag open. The other knight reaches into it and pinches some dust. He blows it from his fingers.

He does this about ten times throughout the room. They see the light beams criss-crossing everywhere. The squad members look through the window. They all see the light beams.

The wizard flies near Ariella to see if there is room to stand there to transport her out. They see room for two more people, just barely. They see her standing there trying to stand still and hold onto the trigger.

She looks scared as she sees the light beams near her. They fly through the boxes to check them out. Then they leave the bay and enter in the hallway. They appear in a blink of an eye.

“That's a lot of light beams.”

“Yes it is. Ariella is trying really hard to stay standing. If she collapses, she will trip the light beams.”

“Can we freeze the light sources and where it ends?”

“I don't know. This trap is very different. We are dealing with electricity this time.”

“Okay, I'll contact Richard. Check what we'll need in there, darts, rope, anything.”

“Yes sir. Also, the three large boxes on the floor are empty. They are not tied down.”

~~~000~~~

“We're getting the same story with the other two, Richard. What are they going to do?”

“Well freezing the bombs and the vest will work. It's that hand trigger that I'm concerned about. That switch can be built several different ways. If the inside parts of the switch are frozen, then they have a chance to get it out of their hands.”

“That's a good point, Richard.”

“I just remembered something, Sirs.”

“What is it, Sir Halgren?”

“It took about six wizards to deliver the Emissaries' ship back to their larger star ship.”

“That's right, Sir Halgren. Hmm . . . now I know what you're saying. Our wizards can remove the carriage and transport it outside the star ship.”

“Yes, that's a good idea Sir Halgren.”

“I need to ask the computer some questions. Computer, how many carriages are in the transport tubes at this time?”

“There are six, Richard.”

“How many carriages are being repaired or being built at this time?”

“There are two, Richard.”

“How many are ready to replace if failure takes place?”

“There are always two carriages ready at a given time.”

“Are there any emergency brakes and clamps for braking?”

“Yes Richard.”

“What would happen if they are released?”

“The carriage would crash at the next turn in the tubes to another floor level.”

“That's the answer, sir.”

“Yes it is, Richard. The wizards will remove the carriage once the clamps are released.”

“Okay, let's relay this information to them.”

~~~000~~~

“Okay, we have the plan. Once we get one of them rescued. Then six wizards will transport the carriage outside the star ship. This will be done once the clamps are released.”

“We understand. We'll freeze the bombs, the vest and inside the hand switch. Then we'll put him or her to sleep. How do we know which one is coming our way?”

“Richard will tell us when it reaches our level. You'll have to act fast.”

“Okay.”

~~~000~~~

“Look out, one is on a crash course to Thryson Castle! Redirect it's fall, dragons!” Yells Sir Trenton from the parapet.

Two dragons chase down the falling air fighter. They don't see anyone inside the air fighter. They push it away from the castle in time.

It crashes onto the training field into a large fireball and explosion. Some practice wooden structures get burned in the process.

Then all of the knights cheer when they see it crash. They look up and see five more air fighters left in the sky. The air fighters are flying fast toward a nearby town and their main port at Marseby. Some dragons with wizards on their backs fly after them to take them down.

“Put out that fire, knights and warriors!”

“Yes, Sir Trenton!”

~~~000~~~

“Quickly send the one hundred outside, General, including the one hundred on board.”

“Computer, send the one hundred outside the star ship. Release and launch the one hundred on board.”

“Sending the one hundred mech-fighters already launched to the planet surface. Cannot send mech-fighters from the star ship.”

“Why not, computer?”

“Mech-fighters are locked in berths. You need Legion Commander password code to release them.”

“It needs a Legion Commander password code? Who authorized that?”

“Richard.”

“Richard! That can't be, Arrrghh!” Yells, the General.

“That's impossible! He can't be here! Computer, where is Richard now?”

“Richard is on the star ship, Supreme.”

“Find his location and display it on the monitor here.”

“Cannot display location of Richard. Richard has blocked access to his location and monitors.”

“Grrr . . . well, if he is here. Then we must not disappoint him. General, he'll probably try to come here to stop us.”

“Yes, we'll be ready for him.”

Then the General and the Supreme begin to laugh with malice and hate.

“Hah, hah, hah, hah . . . ”

~~~000~~~

A computer voice speaks in Mech Fighter #301. “Supreme Force #3, split into ten groups.”

“Receiving message Leader MF #301. Executing commands stored in memory.”

The one hundred mech-fighters split into ten groups of ten each. Each group flies to a different part of the land masses. They zero in on the population centers as they enter the atmosphere.

A computer voice speaks in a mech fighter. “System overload . . . barrier shields can't be raised . . . losing control . . . ”

BOOOOM!

Another computer voice speaks in a mech fighter. “Wing leader, can't buffer electrical overloads.”

A computer voice speaks in Mech Fighter Wing Leader. “Switch to ….”

BOOOOM!

“Repeat messa . . . ”

BOOOOM!

Lightning is flashing from the clouds. The mech-fighters explode one by one when they enter the atmosphere of the planet.

~~~000~~~

The General and the Supreme look on the monitors and see the next one hundred mech-fighters blow up as soon as they enter the atmospheric clouds on Twainor.

“Computer! Why are the mech-fighters blowing up?”

“Shields are down on mech-fighters. On board computers can’t react fast enough to reroute functions to stay flight worthy.”

“Who turned off the shields on the mech-fighters?”

“Richard.”

“Arrrghhh! I hate this Richard! He will pay for thwarting our plans!”

“Yes, General. I hate this Richard as well!”

“I think we know what Richard’s specialty is now, Supreme.”

“Yes General. Curse him!”

They see another mech-fighter blow up on the monitors.

They both yell, “Arrrghh!! Curse that Richard!”

~~~000~~~

“Richard, I have a report.”

“Yes, computer. What is it?”

“The General and the Supreme know you are here. They are not happy. They are waiting for you.”

We all laugh in the transporter room.

“We understand computer. Let's continue monitoring the rescue operations and find the other Outside Helpers.”

“Continuing monitoring and searching, Sir Braxton.”

“Computer, replay your last communication with the Supreme.”

“Replaying communication, Sir Krellen.”

We all laugh when we hear their frustration.

~~~000~~~

Just when the people of Twainor thought it was safe, they look up and see more air fighters coming toward them. However, they're flying erratically as they enter the atmosphere.

Then all of a sudden lightning is discharged from the clouds. The lightning hits all of the air fighters. Then they blow up.

BOOOOM! BOOOOM! BOOOOM! BOOOOM! BOOOOM! BOOOOM! BOOOOM! BOOOOM! BOOOOM! BOOOOM!

The air fighters fall from the sky in pieces while they burn.

“Be steady, Evenshard. Some are falling to the forest. Be ready to lend a hand and put out the fires. We'll pick up the scrap metal later.”

“Yes, Sir Dolen!” Responds Sir Torreno.

They see about ten fighters falling toward their kingdom.

~~~000~~~

King Sherwyn walks toward Sir Elion on the parapet of their castle.

“What's the status, Sir Elion?”

“We are holding, King Sherwyn. All of the dragons have destroyed the air fighters so far.”

Then a knight runs to them and stops. “Sir, my King. Look to the skies. There are ten more coming!”

“What?!”

“It's another group of air fighters. However, they aren't flying right.”

“Let us take a look.”

They look up and see them blowing up as they enter the atmosphere.

“I bet Richard was able to turn off their shields before they got here my King.”

“I'm sure you're right. Look. They’re falling down in pieces and on fire.”

“Yes I see it. Dragons, see what you can do in redirecting them.”

“Yes, Sir Elion. We'll try to steer them away from the buildings.”

Another dragon speaks up, “We'll need help to put the fires out when they crash.”

“That's right, Dragon Lea-Ondra. We'll be out there with the equipment. You'll probably have to lead us to the burning sites.”

“Yes, Sir Elion. Come dragons, let's fly. The day is not done yet.”

They all roar while they take off to meet the falling debris.

~~~000~~~

“Avel, the herds are running away to other parts of the forest.”

“Are any headed to villages or towns?”

“We found ten running toward a village. We were able to change their directions and away from the village.”

“Very good, my fairies. I sense more air fighters out there. The day is not done.”

Then a fairy flies toward Avel and hovers in front of him.

“There's a burning crash in the forest. It has burned the trees.”

“Was anybody hurt? Has the fire spread?”

“Nobody is hurt. However, the fire is spreading toward a town.”

“Go and send word to the town leaders, they need to know. If you don't see anyone there, go to the Castle Lord in that fiefdom.”

“Yes, Avel.” The fairy turns around. Several fairies follow him to the town to warn them and the Castle Lord.

“Let's keep watch on the herds my fairies. They are still skittish. They can stampede at any time.”

“Yes, Avel.”

The fairies fly to their positions in the forest. Watching the herds as they move across Thryson Kingdom. They work with the centaurs to help keep watch over the herds.

~~~000~~~

“Are you ready? You have your assignments for each task?”

“Yes, Sir Palinar.”

“Good, go with best speed. May the Maker grant you success?”

“For Twainor!”

“For Twainor!” They all respond.

A knight and a warrior connect to a wizard. There are two groups arranged for the rescue of each transport carriage. The wizards recite the transport spell. They disappear in a blink of an eye.

The two groups are followed by six wizards. They fly through the doors and enter in the transport tube.

They were told that one of the hostages is coming their way. They match the speed of the carriage. They enter inside the carriage. They see Chls there. One of the groups stays there while the other wizard goes outside the carriage.

The knight and dwarf warrior shoots freeze darts at the bombs above and below the carriages first.

They enter the carriage.

“It's done.”

The other group shoots a freeze dart at the vest. The knight hits the vest. Ice spreads from it. A dwarf warrior shoots a dart at the hand switch with a very good aim.

“What's going on here? This vest is ice cold, so is the switch. Where did this dart come from?”

Then another dart is shot at Chls's shoulder. This time he falls asleep.

“Huh? Why am I so sleepy? Yawn . . . ” He nods his head downward and finally falls asleep.

The two wizard groups appear inside the carriage in a blink of an eye.

A knight takes some rope and ties one end to the vest. The other is attached to a ceiling frame piece. The dwarf warrior carefully pulls the fingers away from the hand switch.

“It's done. Chls is free.”

“Very good, Craglan. Let's reconnect and get him out of here.”

“Yes, wizard.”

They all rejoin hand to shoulder to their wizard. They recite the transport spell and they all disappear in a blink of an eye. Only the bomb vest remains and the frozen hand switch.

Once the six wizards see the rescue team leave the carriage, they get ready for their part.

“Have your helmets set for outside wizards.”

They push the buttons on their helmets to make it safe for them.

“Each of us grabs a part of the carriage. Be sure to make a barrier shield for air around yourself to breath just in case.”

“Yes, Wizard Manthion.”

They recite the transport and barrier shield spell and time it right to appear and to hold onto the carriage.

“That was a little tricky.”

“Yes, it was. Look at the clamps. As soon as they are released, we'll transport this carriage out of here.”

Word is sent to Richard to release the clamps when the rescue teams return to the Lieutenant Commanders.

~~~000~~~

“Computer, release the clamps once the carriage is empty.”

“Releasing clamps, Richard.”

~~~000~~~

The wizards look at the clamps. In the next moment the clamps open.

“Now as one Si! Sai! Oli!” (one, two, three)

They all recite the transport spell in unison. Then they and the carriage disappear in a flash of light. They take it outside the star ship. They push it away from the star ship and let it go.

They see it float away. They stay in the Ethereal Space for safety until it blows up. After a half mark or so, the carriage blows up at a safe distance from the star ship.

BOOOOM!

Then they see two more carriages being brought out by the other wizards. They do the same thing as they just did. They return to the star ship to rejoin their squads.

The computer sends the command to the repair shop to release two carriages into the transport tubes.

~~~000~~~

“What happened, General? Those three hostages in the transport carriages are gone.”

“I don't know, Supreme. We saw some soldiers appear in the carriages. Then we see them disappear with the hostage. The bomb vest should have exploded.”

“Slow down that video. Let's look really close at what happened.”

The General replays the recording. They see a dart appear. Then the vest gets covered in a thin layer of ice crystals.

“Did you see that, Supreme?”

“I think I did. Somehow they found a way to freeze it.”

“If they can do that, they have the knowledge of explosives and thermal properties.”

“Let's see how they are doing with the one in the cargo bay General.”

~~~000~~~

“Richard, Sir Braxton and Sir Krellen.”

“Yes Tek.”

“We found Iulia, Geve and Brentann. Geve is located in the area for propulsion
on the tenth level.”

“Iulia is in the green house for plants. This is where the ship's future plants are kept. She's on the third level. There are some large windows for direct sunlight. So be careful in there.”

“Brentann is in an area called Environmental Control. That's on the ninth level. Be careful as well. The air can be bad to breathe if there is a leak.”

“Thanks, we'll let the Lieutenant Commanders know.”

~~~000~~~

“I have an idea.”

“What is it?”

“Do we have enough rope from her to the door here?”

“I don't think so. Not even from the three of us.”

“I know who has some rope with him. It's Richard. He has some in his satchel.”

“How do you know that?”

“Sir Valmar told me the day I was chosen to be with you. He said it might be
needed if a situation arises.”

“How strong is it?”

“It can hold four of us with no problems. The rope is from Richard's world, Sir.”

“Good, go with Wizard Rheylin. Come back with it or anything else he gives you.”

“Yes, Sir Gorshin.”

The knight connects to the wizard. He recites the transport spell and they disappear in a blink of an eye.

Sir Gorshin takes out his crystal to contact his Lieutenant Commander. He relays the message what is needed from Richard.

“Thanks, Sir Gorshin, I'll contact Richard.” The image disappears above his crystal. He concentrates on it again to reach Richard.

~~~000~~~

I see a glow coming from my contact crystal. I reach over and put my left hand above it and concentrate on it. An image of the Lieutenant Commander appears.

“Greetings Lieutenant Commander Thedfor.”

“Greetings Richard. Wizard Rheylin and Sir Velnor will be there shortly. They need your rope to help rescue Ariella.”

“I have no problem with that. We're looking on the monitors here for any advantage for them.”

“Thank you, Richard.”

“You're welcome, Sir.”

Then the image disappears. Then in the next instant, the wizard and knight appear. They see Sir Krellen and Sir Braxton. They snap to attention.

“At ease you two. Richard will get the rope out for you.”

I reach for my satchel and open it and hand it to them.'

“Thanks Richard. Is there anything else we might need?”

“I don't know yet. I was looking on the monitors for an advantage. Computer, can you display in 3-d the cargo bay where the hostage is held?”

“Yes Richard.”

“Then do so, Computer.”

Then the images of the ship levels disappear. Then an image of the cargo bay appears.

“Show the trigger light beams. What are they set to?”

Then all of the light beams appear in the image.

“There are several triggers. The main entrance door is the first one. The others are the ones near the hostage. All light beams will trigger the cargo bay doors to open. The room will lose air. It will take any loose item outside the ship.”

“Identify and hi-lite loose objects in the room Computer.”

“Identifying items.”

Then the three large crates light up near Ariella. They are poised to push her out.

“Computer identify bolted structures that can be tied to.”

“Identifying bolted structures.”

The shelves along the wall are lighted up.

“That's great, Richard.”

“Computer, can Legion Commander password over ride control of light beams?”

“No Richard. The light beams are hard wired by the General in the control panel.”

“I have one more question Computer. Computer, what is the best path to tie a rope from the hostage to a bolted structure without tripping the light beams?”

“Analyzing . . . found a path and displaying result.”

A rope is shown on the floor from the structure to the hostage.

“Look at that, Sirs.”

“Yes, What is the clearance under the light beams Computer? Use hand width for distance.”

“The distance is two hand widths above the floor everywhere.”

“Okay, that answers that. What did that hand trigger look like, Richard?”

“This one appears to be in two pieces. It is hinged at the top. I can see she is struggling to keep it closed.”

“Yes, she is using both hands to keep it closed.”

“Hmm . . . I think I know what it is. There is a spring in there that is forcing it open. You'll need something to tie them together. Then she can release it.”

“We don't have any string with us. We do have our boot laces.”

“I know what you can use.” I open my satchel again. I retrieve my sewing kit.

They all smile when they see it, including me.

I open the bag and take out one of the spools of thread. “This should do it.” I hand the spool to the knight.

“Thank you, Richard.”

“It will probably take ten loops around the switch. Then tie the knot. If you're not sure, use some more thread.”

“Yes, Richard.”

“Keep the spool, Sir Velnor, for now. You might need it for another situation. There are three more Outside Helpers to find.”

“Yes, Sir Krellen.” He snaps to attention.

“Good luck. We'll be watching. I'll tell the Lieutenant Commander on your floor to have some wizards ready to assist if needed.”

“Thank you, Sir Braxton.”

Then Sir Velnor puts his hand on Wizard Rheylin's shoulder. The wizard recites the transport spell. They both disappear in a blink of an eye.

“Thanks, Richard. Thank the Maker you came prepared.”

“You're welcome Sirs. I thank the Maker always for my father. He had me join the outdoor youth camping organization. They have a good motto, be prepared.”

~~~000~~~

“Okay, we were told the air can be bad in there to breathe if there is a leak. Wizard Larksen, go and check it out. We'll be out here to make it safe as possible. Take a knight with you as well.”

“Yes Warrior Talon.”

A knight connects and puts his hand to the wizard's shoulder. He recites the transport spell. They disappear in a blink of an eye.

~~~000~~~

“Oh . . . my head hurts. I had the weirdest feeling. I was in a box with no hope of escape.” He moans with his eyes closed lying on the floor.

“I can only imagine your pain, Belisar.” The knight looks down at him with a smile.

He opens his wide open in surprise, “Sir Peridan! I'm so glad to see you. Wait a moment. If you're here, then we're near Twainor. How did you get here?”

“With Richard's help.” He smiles at him.

Sir Peridan stands up and lowers his hand to help Belisar up.

Belisar takes his hand and stands up beside him. “Richard is here?” He looks around. “He's on this star ship?”

“Yes Belisar. Do you remember how you got here?”

“Not really.”

“Don't worry about it. We'll help you there. Alia can help you, if you like.”

“Thanks, how many of us are here?”

“All twelve Outside Helpers are here.”

“Now I'm really getting confused.”

“We'll get you all together to explain it. There is still the confrontation with the two who started this. It's the Supreme and the General. They have the medallions.”

Belisar puts his hand to his chest to confirm it. “We must get them back.”

“Yes, we will. Come let's go join the others We'll stop by and see Alia in Health Ward #2.”

“Okay.”

They walk down the hallway until they come to the double doors. Sir Peridan pushes a symbol on the glass panel. A little bit later, the doors open. They walk inside.

“Destination please.”

Belisar stands in the middle of the carriage and closes his eyes.

Sir Peridan speaks out loud. “To Health Ward #2.”

“Destination confirmed.”

The carriage moves until it reaches the destination.

~~~000~~~

I think they are ready to try and rescue her, Supreme.”

“Yes, it will be interesting to see how they do it.”

They watch the monitors that show the cargo bay and Ariella.

~~~000~~~

“Okay, the first step is to remove the implant. You'll have to do it by yourself. Calm her down and explain what is going to happen.”

“Right, then I get out. We already know the three crates are empty.”

“Then you'll go in with Warrior Stelhan and freeze the switch and the bomb.”

“We appear next to her. Then I'll use the thread to keep the switch closed. Once that is done, she can release the switch.”

“Right, Warrior Stelhan. Then you two wizards with a knight each will take the rope and suspend it in the Ethereal Space between here and the shelf support on the left side. The rope is laid on the ground.”

“I appear on the shelf and tie the rope securely to the shelf.”

“The other end will be put in my hand. I will tie the other end to her and not the bomb vest. Then the three of us can get out.”

“If those doors open too soon, the rope saves her and pulls her to the left. Those crates will rush out the bay very fast. The wizard and I can then transport quickly to safety.”

“Then we transport to Ariella and get her out with the vest and bring her here. We remove the vest and send it outside.”

“But, the best solution she is out of there and the vest is left behind. The crates and the bomb vest will then rush outside and hopefully it will explode there.”

“Once all that takes place, Dar-re will then send the command to close the doors.”

“Are you all ready?”

“Yes sir!”

“Then go with the Maker and bring Ariella out safely.”

“For Twainor.” They all shout.

~~~000~~~

“Did you hear that name, Supreme?”

“Yes, this world is called Twainor.”

“Look. They are about to start.”

~~~000~~~

Ariella stands as close to the cargo bay door to get away from the light beams. Then a wizard appears next to her. She is startled and tries to scream.

“Hold still, stay calm. Think good thoughts of home.”

“I know you from somewhere.”

“Shh . . . Keep holding the switch closed.”

She gets quiet and nods her head up and down.

The wizard sees the implant getting red. He puts his hand above the implant. He recites the spell to remove it.

Once he removes it, he sends it outside the star ship where it will explode. The wizard holds her up when she relaxes. She keeps looking at the light beams as well.

“Easy now. A little longer, keep holding the trigger.”

“I'm trying. I remember you now. You're a wizard from Twainor.”

“Yes, I am.”

“I need to leave now. Another wizard will be here with a dwarf warrior. He's going to freeze the bomb and secure the switch.”

“Okay.”

The wizard disappears. A moment later, a wizard appears with a dwarf warrior. The warrior shoots a freeze dart at the vest fabric. The entire vest gets coated with a thin layer of ice.

The ice travels to the switch and it gets covered as well.

“That's cold.”

“We know.”

The dwarf warrior takes the spool of thread and begins to tie the lower end of the switch. He wraps it twenty times and ties the knot. He cuts the thread with a small knife.

“That should do it. Let me take your fingers off the switch.”

Ariella nods her head up and down.

The warrior carefully takes her fingers off the switch. He then takes more thread and ties some more loops on the switch and ties it tight. He cuts the thread again.

He then continues to remove her hand palms from the switch. They see the threads hold the switch closed.

Ariella drops her hands in exhaustion.

“That should do it.” He puts the spool of thread and knife into his pocket.

The hand switch is still in position because the cable is curled and frozen. He looks to the door window and nods his head up and down.

Then they see a rope appear on the floor. A wizard and a knight appear by the shelves and secure the rope to it. The other end of the rope appears in the dwarf's hand.

“This is just in case the doors open before we are ready.”

“The air will rush out of here very fast.”

“Yes, I've seen the effect before, wizard.”

“We also know that those three empty crates will rush out as well.”

“Yikes!” Ariella mutters quietly.

The dwarf warrior ties the rope around her waist carefully to avoid the light beams.

The light beams can still be seen in the air after all this time. He looks to the wizard and knight by the shelves and the door. He nods his head up and down.

They all nod their heads up and down.

The wizard speaks quietly to Ariella. “Here we go. Put your left hand on the warrior's shoulder Ariella and put your right hand on my shoulder.”

She does so. The warrior puts his hand on the wizard’s shoulder and the other one on Ariella.

“Okay, I'm ready.”

“On three I start the spell. "Si! Sai! Oli! . . . liikenne dewin, karzel and Ariella.”

Then all three disappear in a blink of an eye.

~~~000~~~

“Look at that, Supreme!”

“Yes, we must have that power!”

“We'll be more powerful than ever!”

“Hah, hah, hah . . . ” They both laugh together with an evil tone.

~~~000~~~

The vest falls. The rope and vest trigger the light beams. The cargo bay doors open. The knight pulls in the rope and coils it. He unties it and puts the rope around his shoulder. He puts his hand onto the wizard's shoulder. The wizard recites the transport spell and they disappear in a blink of an eye.

Any loose item in the bay rushes out. The three crates and the bomb vest fly out. The other cargo items on the shelves stay secured.

~~~000~~~

“Computer, close the cargo bay doors. Command code alpha-beta.”

“Recognize password and Captain Dar-re's voice. Welcome back Captain Dar-re. Closing doors.”

“It's good to be back. Continue monitoring.”

“Continuing monitoring ships’ systems . . . There's an imbalance in
Environmental Control.”

“Which system is it computer?”

“It's the air scrubbers. Element #1 is too rich.”

“What caused it?”

“The General input the new ratios and disabled the controls for bypass and regeneration.”

“What's the solution?”

“The control module needs to be replaced and rebooted. Total time to repair is one-quarter click.”

“I can do that, Captain Dar-re. I'll have a wizard with me. It will be faster.”

“Hmm . . . I don't like doing this, but you need clearance from Sir Braxton and Sir Krellen as well.”

“I understand, sir. It that module doesn't get repaired, the star ship will be in serious trouble if that element #1 ignites.”

“I know Tek. Contact them now. The extra module is located in two places. There is a storage room near Environmental Control. The other one will be in the repair shop where the transport carriages are built.”

“Yes, Captain Dar-re.”

Then they hear and feel an explosion buffeting against the ship.

“Computer, is the ship safe?”

“The Ship is safe, bomb vest exploded outside star ship. Hull is not compromised.”

“Very good, keep monitoring Environmental Control as well.”

“Continuing monitoring ships’ systems.”

~~~000~~~

Then the three appear in the hallway. Ariella collapses to the floor in exhaustion.

“While she recovers, go inside and freeze those light sources and sensors, knights and warriors with a wizard.”

“Yes, Sir!”

Four knights and a dwarf set their wrist bow gauntlets with freeze darts. They connect to a wizard. He recites the spell and they disappear in a blink of an eye.

~~~000~~~

“These people are too resourceful. We underestimated them from the very beginning, General.”

“Yes we have, Supreme. They will be here soon to confront us. We must prepare something for them.”

“Yes, let's use the fear generator and the other weapons here.”

“Yes, let's use them all. No way can they withstand our technology and special abilities.”

They laugh again as they prepare the room for the confrontation. “Hah, hah, hah . . . ”

~~~000~~~

Sir Braxton contacts King Dryden on his contact crystal.

“Greetings, my King.”

“Greetings, Sir Braxton. How is the campaign progressing?”

“It's going well. Richard really made the difference up here. We have three more Outside Helpers to find and rescue. How is it down there?”

“For the most part all of the kingdoms are okay. There are a few buildings in towns destroyed in each kingdom. There are some people injured, but not serious. No castles are damaged. No one has died yet. Are there any more air fighters coming?”

“No, my King. Richard was able to lock down the last one hundred air fighters before they could be launched.”

“Excellent.”

“How did the dragons do, my King?”

“All of the dragons did a wonderful job. Some air fighters did crash into the forest. The explosions did burn some trees. There was a town that was threatened. Fortunately the Castle Lord received word in time to get his men there to put out the fire and contain it.”

“That's good. Well at least the dragons get to do something new.”

“That's right.”

They both laugh and smile. “Heh, heh, heh, . . . “

“What about the star ship’s weapons?”

“The star ship's main weapons are disabled. The ship is on emergency power.”

“Excellent. I'll spread the news. Any word about the enemy yet?”

“None yet, my King. We expect a confrontation soon. He does have the medallions on his own ship.”

“I understand. Let us know when that time comes.”

“Yes my Lord. We'll try to have the meeting relayed to you somehow.”

“Yes, it would be great to see it. If you can't, have it recorded for our archives.”

“Yes, my Lord.”

“Be safe, Sir Braxton.”

“You too as well, my King.”

They nod their heads to each other. Then the image disappears above the contact crystal.

~~~000~~~

“Okay we're approaching their green room. It's where they keep and grow their seedlings into trees. Wizard Faltner, take a knight and a warrior with you. Check it out, be careful.”

“Yes Sir Logano.”

A dwarf warrior and a knight put their hands onto the wizard's shoulder. He recites the transport spell. They disappear in a blink of an eye.

~~~000~~~

“Ariella, are you okay?”

“Oh . . . my head. I don't think I can stand up.”

“We'll get you to a Health Ward. Alia is there.”

“Alia is here? Wait a moment. How did you get here knights?”

“The short story is that Richard helped us to rescue you.”

“Richard is here?”

“Yes, my lady.”

Ariella's head moves from side to side.

“Get me to the Health Ward. My mind is so confused. It hurts in trying to think and remember clearly.”

The knight looks up at another knight. “Get her to Alia, Sir Carlton. Don't use a wizard to get there. Use the transport carriages.”

“Yes sir. How does the carriage work?”

“The carriages are the double doors with a glass panel next to it. Push the symbol on the glass panel. The carriage will arrive and the doors will open for you.”

“If I remember right, it is voice command. Just say the destination. It's Health Ward #2. Take another knight with you just in case.”

“Yes Sir. I'll get her there. Come with me, Sir Brandt.”

“Yes, Sir Carlton.”

Sir Carlton picks up Ariella and carries her in his arms. Sir Brandt escorts them down the hall. They see the glass panel next to the double doors. Sir Brandt touches the symbol on the glass panel.

They wait a bit, then the doors open. They walk inside together.

“Destination please.”

“To Health Ward #2”

“Destination confirmed.”

The doors close, then the carriage moves in a straight line direction to the side.
Then it travels straight up three levels. Then it moves forward. After some distance it comes to a stop. The doors slide open for them.

They walk out and look around. The doors close behind them. They see a fellow knight nearby. They walk toward him. He sees them walking toward him.

“That's Ariella. What's wrong?”

“She's exhausted. We need to take her to Health Ward #2.”

“You're not far. It's the third entrance on the left.” He points down the hallway.

“Thank you.”

“You're welcome.”

They continue walking down the hallway. They come to the third entrance on the left and enter in. The door is already open.

“Can someone help me? Ariella is emotionally spent and exhausted.”

Then two people come forward.

“Bring Ariella here, knights. You can set her on this table.”

Sir Carlton walks in and lays her on the table carefully.

“What happened?”

“She was used in a life and death situation. The General put a bomb vest on her. She held a spring loaded type trigger. She was wide awake the entire time.”

“Oh my.”

“That's not all, Alia. She was standing near the cargo bay doors with light beam triggers all around. If they get tripped, the doors open to the empty black space.”

“She makes the fourth one put into a similar situation. Have no worries. We'll take care of her.”

“Hopefully she will be well enough when we meet the General and the Supreme.”

“Perhaps. We'll do our best to heal her.”

“How many are left, Alia?”

“I think there are three left.”

“Well, we must return to our wings.”

“Take care, Alia.”

“You do as well. Thank you for rescuing us.”

“You're welcome, my lady.”

The two knights bow quickly and turn around. They go back to the carriage doors to return to the fifth floor cargo bay doors.

Then Alia puts her hands to the sides of Ariella's face. She concentrates.

Ariella, can you hear me? It's me, Alia. I'm one of your best friends.

Alia? Alia, it's true. You're here. What's going on? Why are we on this star ship?

It's a long story. Try to remember the day before you came aboard.

Remember . . . remember . . . I remember I just finished a day of work at the hospital. Then the sirens went blaring. The Planet Guard said we're being invaded.

Do you remember wearing a medallion with two crystals?

Yes, it was a gift from Ringol Kingdom on Twainor. I was there some time ago. I think I got there by magic.

That's right Ariella. You're doing fine. You do remember.

I remember being taken by the star ship. I was quickly subdued. Somehow I became a member of the crew working in a health ward.

That's right. You worked in Health Ward #1.

Somehow I felt imprisoned. There was another part of me that took control.

That's right. They put a mind control implant in the back of your neck.

They did? That's not right. Who are they?

The Supreme and the General.

Those two are giants. Where did they come from? I've never seen such a race of people.

They are new to me as well, Ariella. I think Richard knows who they are.

I kind of figured he would. I need some rest, Alia.

You go ahead and rest. You are recovering very well. I'll check in on you later.

Okay Alia.

Alia breaks contact with Ariella. She looks at the monitors above the bed. They indicate a great improvement in her energy and emotional well being than earlier.

“How is she doing, Alia?”

“Ariella is doing fine. We are going to need her help if anyone gets seriously injured. She's the best surgeon on the star ship and Twainor right now.”

“Yes, we have been fortunate since we have been here.”

They hug each other. Then they look at each other with a smile.

They let go of each other and resume their duties in the Health Ward.