The Summer Vacation
Chapter 24
Written by rachel76m
Edited by Don Kaufman

Sir Braxton and the others in the transporter room are speaking to King Dryden and Master Wizard Eldwin on his contact crystal.

“That's a good idea, Sir Braxton. I'll inform the kingdoms about collecting the air fighter wreckage.”

“What about the wreckage that is in the waters? The sea dragons can't pick them up with their mouths.”

“No, they can't, especially the spilled fuel tanks and the burning pieces.”

“I know what they can do. They can use the nets from the fishing fleets.”

“Perhaps, Sir Krellen. But sharp metal edges will cut ordinary rope.”

“How about a detection spell for the fuel? Then it can be separated and drawn from the water to containers on shore or anywhere on land.”

“That's a novel approach, Richard.” Sir Braxton turns to the wizards with them. “Can it be done?”

“It's possible Sir Braxton. We can only try. Raising the wreckage will be a challenge from the waters. We'll need direct eye contact to see.”

“How about a wizard who sits on the back of a sea dragon? There are several other wizards sitting there with him. There is no need to be in the Ethereal Space this time. The first wizard creates an air bubble with a barrier shield for them to breathe. There is none needed for the sea dragons. Then the other two wizards sitting there can concentrate on raising the wreckage with the elevation spell. Since it will be dark down there, the use of the light crystals will be needed to see.”

They all look at me for a moment, then they begin to laugh at my suggestion.

I smile when they begin to laugh.

“That's not bad, Richard.”

“It's certainly worth a try my King.”

“There will have to be construction of crates for this, wood and steel.”

“That's true Sir Braxton. It will take several days to gather the wreckage to the training fields of each kingdom any way. Okay, I'll present the ideas to them. May the Maker grant you success in removing the remaining bombs?”

“Yes we hope as well. The Captain will need to review their inventory of resources. They are short on some of them. I don't know which ones they need at this moment.”

“Well, when you get the list. All of the kingdoms will have to be in agreement for that.”

“Yes you're right my Lord. If all goes well with this current situation. We'll be having a meeting up here on how to approach the General and the Supreme soon.”

“Yes, please let us know. I think most of the Kings and the Legion Commanders will want to join in.”

“I'll let you know when that happens my Lord. Tell the Kingdoms that whoever touches the wreckage should use their gauntlets and their armor with padding on.”

“I agree, Sir Braxton. All caution should be used. I look forward to your next contact. Be safe up there.”

“Thank you. You all be safe as well my King.”

~~~000~~~

Renard and Sir Trenton are in the King's Council Chamber, discussing the latest information from King Dryden and Master Wizard Eldwin with King Tierion.

“We're getting good news from the star ship, my King.”

“Yes we are, Sir Trenton.”

“There are one hundred left in the hidden rooms. The only problems I see right now are removing the bombs located in the critical areas of the star ship.”

“Yes, they must be very careful now. At least there are no more air fighters coming. We can concentrate now in cleaning up the kingdom of the wreckage.”

“That's a good idea to crate them up and return the pieces to them. It will help them in asking for less materials and resources from us.”

“We'll give Richard's suggestion a try to retrieve the wreckage in the waters. I'm sure the sea dragons don't want to see it in the waters. They could get hurt or get sick from the fuel spill.”

“As the wreckage comes to the training fields, we'll know how many crates will be needed. We'll need a good container that won't leak for the spilled fuel or any burning pieces.”

“I'll contact King Thranton and let him know of the current situation if he's not been told already. The people need to return to their homes.”

“But what about the Nefelim, my Lord? They could still do something to hurt us.”

“You do have a point Sir Trenton. Hmm . . . let's have them spend a night in the Under Kingdom. If they try to get back today, it will be late for some of them.”

“That's sound advice Renard. Okay, muster your men and the Mystic Order. I'll send word to the other castle lords what needs to be done in their fiefdoms. Don't forget to let the First Ones know as well Renard.”

“Yes my King.” Renard and Sir Trenton respond at the same time.

“That is all, you're dismissed.”

King Tierion, Renard and Sir Trenton get up from their chairs. They walk out of
the Council Room and go about their tasks as directed.

~~~000~~~

Meanwhile, back on Earth. A butterfly lands on a branch. It looks down and see two children playing by the stream near the cabin. Then two more butterflies land near the first one. They speak to each other in low whispers.

“I just received news from our Queen. The wizard told her the day has finally come.” Speaks a yellow and purple butterfly.

“Yes, we have been watching and waiting with honey scented breaths.” Speaks a black, yellow and white butterfly.

“How many will be here?

“I estimate thirty, including that family here.”

“The horse back riders have arrived in the glade this morning. They're making camp.” Speaks a blue and white butterfly.

“Well, we have things to do get the area ready.”

“Yes, we must prepare for this grand event.”

“Fortunately man's big government won't be here to disturb the peace. We'll deal with them later.”

“Okay, let's get busy. I feel a breeze coming our way.”

Then the three butterflies take off and fly in different directions.”

~~~000~~~

“Okay wings, our job is not done yet. There are one hundred crew members left. In addition, we have more bombs to dispose of.”

“I thought we rescued them all, Sir Palinar.”

“You forgot about the hidden rooms and corridors.”

“I remember that from our training scenarios.”

Everyone nods their heads up and down as they look at each other.

“There are bombs in these locations. There are also bombs in critical locations on the star ship. Care must be taken. I have the locations for my level here.”

“What about the armory on this level? Who will guard it?”

“There is no need to if we find it. The room is empty.”

“What?!” The wing members look at each other.

“We're guessing that the General and the Supreme confiscated the weapons long before they arrived here at Twainor.”

“But they did leave some weapons on the scout ships.”

“Apparently they did. Okay, here are the locations for the bombs. One is in the Health Ward. Two are in the hidden rooms.”

“Yes sir.”

“Keep one wing posted by the Health Ward. They will be needed for evacuation if needed. I want three wings on each area. Check out the hidden rooms, find them and the bombs. More than likely you'll have to send the bombs outside the star ship.”

“Yes sir.”

“We must save the star ship. This is for everyone here and on Twainor.”

“For Twainor and the Maker!” They all shout together.

They split into three groups of three wings each. The tenth wing walks to the Health Ward with the other three.

The squad members connect to the wizards. The wizards recite the transport spell. Then they disappear in a flash light one by one.

~~~000~~~

The wings search through the rooms carefully. They eventually find the hidden rooms and corridors. When they enter in some of them, they see the bombs and crew members there.

In three of the rooms, the bombs were easy to remove. Another squad looks closer at the fourth auxiliary room. They see one of them connected to the circuits behind a panel. This presents a new problem for them.

Elsewhere, the wings find the bombs in the Health Wards. Needless to say they were not happy about the situation. Once the bombs are located, the wings help the Health Ward staff to move the patients to several other rooms temporarily.

The wings on the lower levels search the locations in Engineering and the Repair Shops. They eventually find them. They find them under the reactor and at the support structures for the engine tubes.

~~~000~~~

Out of the corner of his eye, the movement of the butterflies gets his attention. Chuck stops to look at them. Then Marcie stops as well. She sees them too.

They see the butterflies play with the leaves when a slight breeze picks up. Then the leaves move in a certain direction.

Marcie and Chuck see a path revealed leading away from them through the forest.

Then another breeze swirls around them. The leaves get blown up in the air. Then the butterflies swirl around with the leaves. The leaves get placed far from the stream to reveal a grassy embankment.

“This is neat Marcie. Let's help them.”

“Yes, let's help them. This will be fun, Chuck.”

“We can play with the leaves later and put them in a big jumping pile later.”

“Yes.”

They giggle and laugh while they help the butterflies. When they get done, they see a grassy garden area with several stone benches encircling two black burn spots in the ground. However, the black circles have small stones placed around them to indicate two proper camp fires.

Also around this area are several stone pots blooming with different colored flowers. There are also several log benches on the outside of this in a semi circle.

“I didn't know this was here, Marcie.”

“I didn't either. Let's sit down and catch our breath.”

“Yes, I'm tired, but it felt good to do it.”

They sit down on one of the stone benches and look around at the garden. Then two butterflies hover in front of them.

“Hold real still, Chuck.”

“I am, Marcie.”

The butterflies get closer and closer. Then the butterflies land on their noses.

Marcie and Chuck stare down their nose and focus on the butterflies. The butterflies open and close their wings slowly.

Marcie and Chuck smile while looking at them and breathing slowly. Then several more butterflies fly around them while this is happening.

Then the two children hear a voice whispered in the wind.

“Thank you.”

Marcie and Chuck respond together, “You're welcome.”

Then the butterflies fly off their noses to join the other butterflies. The children laugh when they see them fly away in different directions.

“I like it here, Marcie.”

“So do I, let's show and tell mom about this garden we helped cleaned up.”

“Yes, let's tell mom.”

“Mommy! Mommy! You've got to see this!”

“Yes, you've got to see it! We helped a bunch of butterflies clean up the garden
out here!”

~~~000~~~

“Okay we found the ship crew in the hidden rooms on this level and removed
them. This bomb is tied to a lighted panel in there. If we freeze the bomb, the ice frost will travel to the panel and could still cause an explosion.”

“Perhaps with some help, once the panel is turned off, we cut the wires then the bombs can be sent outside.”

“That can work Warrior Gormon, but the way I look at it, it's more like a timing situation.”

“We must confer with one of the original crew members. We don't have one on this level.”

“I agree, let me contact our Lieutenant Commander.” The knight takes out his contact crystal and contacts his Lieutenant Commander. Soon an image appears above his crystal.

“Greetings Sir Parandor.”

“Greetings Sir Norland. What's the situation?”

“We found the hidden room and were able to remove the crew members and their implants. We have a problem with the bomb. It's attached to a lighted panel. We're thinking that freezing the bomb might still set it off if we can't remove the bomb in time. It seems the best solution is a timing move to freeze it, cut it and then remove it.”

“I see, so you need someone who can turn that panel off while you do your part.”

“That's right, Sir Parandor.”

“Okay, sit tight. Get your team together while I ask Sir Braxton.”

“Yes sir, we'll get ourselves ready.”

The image disappears above his crystal. He puts it into his pocket.

“Okay men, let's get ourselves organized to find who is what we need to do the job.”

“Yes Sir Norland.”

~~~000~~~

The General is pushing various symbols on the panels.

“Grrr . . . “

“What's wrong General?”

“I can't use our transport circle or the transporters.”

“Why not?”

“Somehow the frequencies are being blocked from our use.”

“It's probably Richard.”

“It could be Supreme.”

“Well, contact Dar-re to see if he can release those frequencies.”

“Yes Supreme.” The General walks to another panel and presses a symbol on the glass panel.

The image of Dar-re appears on the screen.

“Dar-re, we can't use the transport frequencies to move about. Can you release the frequencies?”

“I don't know General. But I will try.”

The General looks at Dar-re for a moment. Then he disappears. He then
reappears by sitting in the Captain's Chair.

“I'm sorry General. I can't get access to those frequencies. They are being blocked somehow. You'll have to use the tunnel connection where you are docked on our ship.”

Then the General and the Supreme growl in rage “Arrrghhh . . . Curse that Richard!”

The image of Dar-re disappears from the Generals monitor screen.

~~~000~~~

“So what do you think about this one, Richard?”

“This is a good problem, Sir Braxton. Even if someone is down there turning off the panel. It might be faster to let the computer to do it.”

“Can you impose a test question to the computer to find out?”

“Yes sir. They'll probably need a good cutting tool to cut the wires quickly. But let's pose the question first.”

“Okay Richard.”

“Computer, I need to do a simulation.”

“Simulation mode is turned on. Set parameters for conditions.”

“The scenario is to remove a bomb attached to a light panel in a hidden room or in auxiliary control room. The parameters are one person will freeze the bomb, the second person will cut the cable before the ice frost shorts out the panel. The third person will then remove the bomb from the room to outside the star ship. The unknown is the fourth person to turn off the panel. The question is this. Is it faster by someone to turn off the panel or you the computer to turn off the panel? Display results in percentage on the screen and by voice.”

“Analyzing and calculating . . . displaying results. Computer control is seventy percent. A crew member is thirty percent.”

“That's at least twice as fast sirs for the computer to do it.”

“Yes it is Richard.”

“Computer, what tool is needed to cut the cable quickly? How much time is needed to cut it?”

“The cable is optic with fiber covering. You will need a cable cutter from the Repair Shop. Time to cut is not a factor. I can reroute functions until cable is cut and bomb is removed.”

“We'll need to inform Captain Dar-re of this solution sir.”

“Thank you for the reminder, Sir Halgren.”

“Richard, will you please contact Captain Dar-re.”

“Yes Sir Braxton.” I push a symbol on the glass panel. The image of Captain Dar-re appears.”

“How is the progress, Sir Braxton?”

“The last one hundred crew members have been rescued. We found the remaining four original crew members in there. The control implants have been removed.”

“So all that remains are the bombs?”

“Yes Captain. Richard was able to do a scenario. It has been determined that it will be faster for the computer to do the re-routing while the panel is shut down.”

“That makes sense. The computer on board here is the best we made when we left our world. It's designed to keep us safe. But, when the virus hit us, all of our design techs perished. We had no one to monitor it and fix the holes in the program. Even the new crewmen we brought on board didn't have the understanding.”

“Don't worry Captain. I'll provide a help file for your computer to analyze and keep those holes from appearing when we are done with this giant problem.”

The Captain smiles, “Thank you, Richard.”

“You're welcome.”

“Have you found the bombs near the reactor and the support trusses for the engine tubes?”

“Our wings have found them. They're planning as we speak. How the General mounted them is a mystery in itself. Those are very tight spaces and hard to reach.”

“He probably used the transporter room to send them there. Ask the computer for the coordinates then send it outside the star ship.”

“Thank you for the idea, Captain. We'll definitely try it.”

“What about the bombs in the Health Wards?”

“All patients have been removed to other rooms for safety. The wings are getting ready as well.”

“That's good. So far the General and the Supreme haven't done anything. Richard did you lock down their transport circle?”

“No sirs, not on their space craft, just access to yours. That includes blocking the use of the transporter frequencies from their ship.” I smile at him.

“Good, they just contacted me. They're red hot with rage that they can't get access to us unless they use the doors to our ship via the tunnel connection.”

We laugh together.

“That's the intention Sir. I also commanded the computer to lock down the clamps on your star ship that's holding their ship. It is password protected for the Legion Commanders and your own.”

Captain Dar-re laughs, “I like that Richard. I just hope they don't do anything foolish when they realize they are trapped.”

“I just realized something Captain. It's possible they found a way into your systems if they know what's going on. When we confront them, I should be able to reverse that with my program.”

“Good, then we can turn the tables on them. We'll keep monitoring here. Your forces have done an admirable task in this campaign. The bombs have just been removed here on the bridge. Thank you.”

“You're welcome. I look forward to your next report.”

“Same here, Sir Braxton and Sir Krellen.”

Then the image disappears from the screen.

Then the two ship crew members step forward in the transporter room.

“Sirs, we can remove those bombs in Engineering. We still remember how to operate the controls.”

“Let us help save the ship. If the reactor blows, there will be very few of us alive to tell the story.”

“You do have a point Rhand and Thasten. I suggest you begin right away.”

“Thank you Sirs.”

They step up to the console and begin making adjustments. Once they agreed on the steps, they ask the computer for help.

“Computer, search and locate the bomb under the reactor. Display and enter coordinates into transporter.”

“Searching... found bombs under reactor. Displaying and entering in coordinates.”

“Lock onto bombs and transport the device forty K's beyond the outer moon orbit.”

“Transporting bombs from under reactor to forty K's beyond the outer moon orbit.”

~~~000~~~

The wizard and knight watch underneath the reactor from the Ethereal Space. The bomb disappears from view. They come up from under the floors and reappear in Engineering in a blink of an eye.

“The bomb is gone Lieutenant Commander and Phy-tar.”

“Excellent.”

“That's great . . . ”

Then the bomb explodes. The shock wave buffets the ship slightly.

“Well that's a relief. Now for those two bombs on the nacelle engine support structures.”

~~~000~~~

“Computer, search and locate the bomb in the nacelle support structure on the port side. Display and enter coordinates into the transporter.”

“Searching . . . found bombs in port nacelle support structure. Displaying and entering in coordinates.”

“Lock onto bombs and transport the device forty K's beyond the outer moon orbit.”

“Transporting bombs in port nacelle support structure to forty K's beyond the outer moon orbit.”

“Computer, search and locate the bomb in the nacelle support structure on the starboard side. Display and enter coordinates into the transporter.”

“Searching . . . found bombs in starboard nacelle support structure. Displaying and entering in coordinates.”

“Lock onto bombs and transport the device forty K's beyond the outer moon orbit.”

“Transporting bombs in starboard nacelle support structure to forty K's beyond the outer moon orbit.”

~~~000~~~

Just like before, a wizard and knight watch the bombs from each of the nacelle support structures. Then they fly back to the Lieutenant Commander and Phy-tar.

“Both sets of bombs have been removed.”

Then the multiple sets of bombs explode one after another. The combined shock waves buffet the star ship a little bit more than the last time.

“That is it. Thanks for being here to rescue us, Commander.”

“You're welcome Phy-tar. Now we need to plan the next move for the General and the Supreme.”

“Yes, that's right.”

~~~000~~~

“Sir Braxton, they're going to need a cable cutter from the repair shop. Who's going to go get it and deliver it to them besides me?”

“One of us can do it Sirs. We can get to the Repair Shop and deliver the cutting tool to your forces.”

“Okay, you will be escorted by two knights. Computer display location for bomb in auxiliary control room.”

Soon the room is highlighted in 3-d in the room.

“Displaying location of bomb in auxiliary control room. It's on Level 8 above the Environmental Control Room.”

“It seems they are making sure of a total disaster.”

“Yes Sir Braxton.”

“Open doors to the transporter room computer.”

“Opening doors to transporter room.”

Sir Krellen steps out of the transporter and walks down the hallway until he sees a squad and wing doing its best to keep the peace in their area. He walks up to them.

They snap to attention.

“What's the problem here?”

“They want off this star ship. We told them we have not secured the star ship yet from the General and the Supreme influence yet.”

“Yeah! We want off this star ship now! If you don't soon, there will be a riot here.”

“Calm down, calm down. We're doing the best we can. We must take care of the General and the Supreme before that happens.”

The crewmen look at each other and nod their heads up and down.

“Okay, we'll remain calm.”

“Good. Now keep it that way. We have to be very careful who we let onto our planet below. We are not prepared for such a huge influx of people. You might create more harm than good.”

“What is that to us? What's so special about your world?”

“For one thing our world prevents us from using and creating high powered electrical machinery. So your ideas for improvement will not work.”

“What?!”

“That's right. Besides there might be other worlds more suitable to your needs than down below. Besides our world is not prepared to fight the virus that infected this star ship.”

“Okay, I get your point. We'll behave.”

“Good, Sir Crighten and Sir Belmont. I need you to escort someone from the transporter room to the Repair Shop for an errand.”

“Yes Sir.”

“Wizard Palind, contact your Lieutenant Commander if you need any more help here.”

“Yes, Sir Krellen.”

Sir Krellen and the two knights walk back to the transporter room and enter inside it.

“Be quick about this and discrete, Rhand. You heard their emotions out there.”

“Yes, Sir Braxton.”

“Once the delivery is made and the hidden room is safe, return here.”

“Yes Sir.”

“I need you both here to help monitor this room.”

“Yes Sir.”

Then Rhand, Sir Crighten and Sir Belmont walk out of the transporter room. The door closes.

“Computer, secure room to transporter room.”

“Transporter room is secured. The door is locked Richard.”

~~~000~~~

The three men walk down the hall ways in the opposite direction from the previous confrontation. They stop in front of the carriage doors. Rhand touches the glass panel.

A little bit later, the doors open. They walk inside.

“Destination please.”

“Repair Shop near Engineering.”

“Destination is confirmed.”

The carriage moves to the side then downward to Level 10.

The doors open. They exit the carriage and into the hallway. They walk down the hallway until they get to the door for the Repair Shop. The knights open the doors for them and they walk inside.

Someone there sees them come in. He greets them.

“What can I do for you?”

“We need the fiber optic cable cutters. We found a bomb hardwired in an auxiliary control room.”

“That's not good. I'll go get what you need.”

He turns around and walks to a cabinet. He takes a small case out and the cable cutters. He turns around to them.

“Do you know what's needed there?”

“Well, the cable needs to be cut, then the bomb can be released. I understand that the computer will re-route the functions there after the power is turned off.”

“Good, after you cut the cable. You'll need to trim the ends so the cable is cut square, then you can cap it.”

“I think I know what you're talking about.”

“Here, let me show you.”

He opens the small case and takes out a special cutter. “You put it on the end. Then you can squeeze it to trim the end. Put this small device on the end and look into the eye piece here.”

“Okay.”

“You'll know if you did a good cut when don't see any fuzzy lines. It must be clear.”

“I understand.”

“Once that is done, then you can select the right cap that will fit the ends of the cable and crimp it carefully. It shouldn't come off.”

“I understand. That’s not too hard to do.” The repair tech put the pieces back into the kit.

“No, it's not. Good luck. Return the kit when you're done.”

“I'll be back.”

Rhand picks up the kit and the cable cutter. He and the two knights leave the Repair Shop and walk back to the carriage doors. Rhand presses the glass plate, and the doors open immediately. They walk inside the doors closes.

“Destination please.”

“To Auxiliary Control room on Level 8 above Environmental Control on Level 9.”

“Destination is confirmed.”

The carriage moves upward two levels then moves sideways for a short distance. The doors open. The three men exit. They see a full wing there waiting for them.

“Do you have the tool?”

“I do sirs. I've been briefed on what to do in there while you do your part.”

“Good, the panel is over here for access to the room. We'll have to crawl down a walkway to get to it.”

“Can't we just appear in there with your magic?”

“We could, but there is not much room in there for all of us. It will be a wizard, a dwarf warrior and you in there.”

“I see. Okay let's get this done.”

They walk over to the open panel. A knight standing there opens the panel for them. They enter the walkway and crawl down the corridor.

They see various optic cables with lights moving along the length of the cable. There also various panels with read outs on various conduits indicating the conditions of the pipe contents.

It takes them about two-thirds of a mark to get there. They exit the other end and stand up in the small room.

“You're right. This is a small room. I would think only two or three people would be here.”

“We did find three in here.”

“Okay, let's get ready. I was told that the computer can be spoken to here.”

“Let's find out.”

“Computer, are you ready to re-route functions?”

“Ready to re-route functions and power down the panel.”

“Commence when I say so.”

“Standing by.”

“I'll be shooting a freeze dart at the bomb. Then you cut the cables before the ice travels to the panel. I'll catch the bomb and hold it up carefully.”

“Then I will send it outside the star ship.”

“I understand. Once it is gone, then I can take care of the optic cables and cap them.” Rhand puts the kit down on a small ledge in the room and gets the cable cutters ready in his hand.

“All right, let's do it.”

“Computer, re-route functions at panel.”

“Re-routing functions and powering down panel.” The panel becomes dark.

The dwarf warrior shoots a dart at the bomb. The ice frost spreads from the dart and covers the bomb. It starts to go along the length of the cables.

Rhand cuts the cables as quickly as possible. He does so before the ice gets there. The dwarf then holds the bomb in his hands. They make room for the wizard to use his hands.

He puts his hands above it and concentrates. He recites the transport spell. The bomb disappears in a blink of an eye. He then sends it outside the star ship as far as possible. They feel the explosion buffet against the ship.

“Wow, that's incredible. Well, let's get those cable ends trimmed and capped.”

Rhand proceeds to trim the ends with the special cutter. Once that is done, he takes the small device and puts it on the end. He sees no fuzzy lines in one of the cable, but he does on the other one.

He chooses the appropriate cap for the good one. He crimps it carefully. He takes the tool again and trims the other one carefully. He checks it again. He sees a clear surface. He caps it and crimps it.

“It's done.” Rhand puts the tools back into the kit.

“Good. Computer reestablish functions in auxiliary control.”

“Rebooting . . . Analyzing data . . . getting no leaks in signals. Continuing monitoring Environmental Control conduits to rest of the star ship.”

“Excellent. Good job. We can leave now.”

Rhand carries the tool kit and cutter with him. They crawl down the walkway and exit the corridor where they came in. They are given a hand to stand up as they get out.

We felt the explosion. Is it all clear in there?”

“Yes, the panel is operating normally.”

“Very good, I was just informed that was the last bomb to remove. Now we can make plans for the General and the Supreme.”

“That sounds good to me. I need to return this repair kit back to the Repair Shop. Then I'll be stationed in the transporter room with Thasten.”

“Very good, you go ahead and do that.”

Then Rhand and the two knights walk back to the carriage doors and return the repair kit back to the Repair Shop.

~~~000~~~

“Well, that is it. All bombs have been removed. Computer, compare inventory of weapon rooms and the bombs created to destroy the star ship. Is there a one to one correlation?”

“Analyzing data and inventory . . . calculating . . . That is confirmed. All bombs created to destroy the star ship came from the weapon rooms.”

“Curse those two, Tek.”

“I agree with you, sir.”

“Do you have the list of resources we need to continue on?”

“Yes Captain Dar-re. I also checked the gas giants in this system. You can get the gasses from them. There will be no effect in disturbing those planets.”

“That's good. What about the minerals and metals we need?”

“There are sub-worlds around the gas giants, Captain Dar-re.”

“Did we analyze those, Tek?”

“No, we have to be closer to the gas giants. Their radiation belts are very strong.”

“Hmm . . . okay, what of the wrecked mech-fighters?”

“If the wreckage of the mech-fighters are returned, the needs are cut in half.”

“So we still need to fill those. Is there anything on the fourth planet that's available to us?”

“We can get half that from the fourth planet.”

“That's good. What about the two inner planets?”

“Those surfaces are hot. The second planet has an acidic atmosphere and can dissolve the equipment. The first one will burn up the extraction equipment.”

“Okay, once we are back up to full power and the giant problem is solved. We'll take a closer look at those sub-worlds. Let's hope we can fill our needs from them and not the planet below.”

“Yes sir.”

“Do you know how we can contact them directly down below?”

“There is a way Captain Dar-re. If I remember the stories when I was here last time. All you need is the frequency number of their contact crystals.”

“Do they know this?”

“Yes they do sir. I was told the Emissaries analyzed them and discovered their frequencies. Now they can contact the surface from here or beyond the moons. It depends on how strong your transmission equipment is.”

“That's good to know. Well, let's get ourselves together and have this meeting. We need to come to an agreement on what to do about these two giants.”

“Yes sir. Contacting Sir Braxton in the transporter room.”

Tek pushes a symbol on the glass panel. They see everybody in there.

“Everything is secure and safe on the star ship, Sir Braxton and Sir Krellen.”

“That's good to hear, Captain Dar-re.”

“We are ready to have our meeting. There is a meeting room on the second level toward the bow. There's plenty of room there for about a hundred people.”

“Okay, we'll have the Outside Helpers, the escorts and the commanders there. That adds up to thirty-six so far. We should include your original crew as well.”

“Yes, we'll be there. Meet there in one-quarter click.”

“That sounds fine.”

The image disappears from the screen.

~~~000~~~

“What's one quarter-click, Richard?”

“Let me look on the screen here. Hmm . . . it appears to be about one-quarter mark for you Sir Braxton.”

“Okay, let's contact whom we need for this meeting. I'll contact King Dryden. You contact the commanders and the others’ Sir Krellen.”

“Yes sir.”

They get out their contact crystals and contact the people for the meeting. They agreed to be together on Twainor and in the meeting room on the star ship.

~~~000~~~

Everybody is in the meeting room. Everyone is talking between themselves and greeting each other. They're waiting for the last group to enter.

“You wouldn't believe what we went through after Richard left. Our commanders came up with some interesting training sessions, Evrat.”

“Yes, in the end our pride got broken down and rebuilt back up. Our eye and hand coordination is a lot faster after training with the First Ones.”

“I bet you did, Sir Palinar.”

“So who is this Richard? What's he like?”

“He is very smart for his age, Phy-tar. He just likes to learn all he can about the world around him.”

“He sounds a bit young to me.”

“He is in a school of higher learning. He is about twenty years old. He can defend himself very well.”

“That's incredible. I hope we can figure out how to fight these giants.”

“I hope so too.”

Then the doors open. Sir Braxton, Sir Krellen, Sir Halgren and I walk into the room.

The other Outside Helpers gathers around me and hug me. We laugh, we cry as I hug each one. The others stand back and watch the emotion being poured out among us. They smile when they see it happening.

“Well, done Richard.”

“You did it again, Richard.”

“Hey, you would have done something similar too.”

“Not all of us, but we're thankful you got to Twainor to solve the problem.”

“The day is not done yet Geve. We still have the giant problem.”

We get interrupted by Sir Braxton after I hug all eleven. He approaches us with a smile.

“Come you twelve. Let's sit down and discuss this. You need an update on the enemy who did this.”

“Okay Sir Braxton.”

We break apart. We gather around the tables and sit down. It is a big circle of tables and chairs. In the middle is a single table with seventeen contact crystals sitting there.

Captain Dar-re speaks up, “Computer, isolate this room from the General and the Supreme.”

“Room is sealed Captain from the General and the Supreme.”

“Well, we need to add your Kings and Mal-tor to the meeting. You may go ahead, Sir Braxton.”

“Thank you, Captain Dar-re. Wizard Manthion, you have the honors. Please contact Twainor.”

“Yes Sir Braxton.”

Wizard Manthion steps to the center table. He recites the spell. One by one, an image of each King appears, including Mal-tor. Then Wizard Manthion recites another spell so that all can see each other.

“Welcome Twainor. First I just want to thank you for rescuing us of the mind control from the General and the Supreme.”

“You’re welcome Captain Dar-re. I think the first item to discuss are the two Nefelim themselves. Who they are and where did they come from.”

“We are very curious about.”

“Richard, if you please begin.”

“Thank you, King Dryden.”

“The Nefelim was on Earth more than four to five thousand years ago. They made an attempt to rule the planet. After a few hundred years, the conditions on Earth greatly deteriorated. The Maker decided to start over with one family in the area where the Nefelim resided. They settled around a large inland sea between two continents.”

“The family that was chosen was one of the few that could hear the Maker's voice. The family built a very large boat to house as many animals as much as possible. Then one day, the Maker brought a Great Flood to Earth in the area where they resided.”

“The Great Flood wiped all life in that area. The record does not indicate how the Maker did this in too much detail. The boat survived and floated on the waters of the Great Flood. When the water receded, life was reestablished in that area on the world. Our lives became shortened from eight hundred years to one hundred and twenty years maximum.”

“The giants came from the Heavens. That is all we know. After the Great Flood happened, I found written records that a giant survived the Great Flood. His name is Og of Bashan. He called his sons the Raphaim plus some other names. It took some time to defeat these giants again. It took about twelve hundred years to do it. There are no more giants on Earth.”

“When I came here to Twainor, the Maker started to give us dreams in our sleep. Some were stories from Earth's past. It wasn't until we met Mal-tor that the dreams made sense. Once I heard the name, I knew what the Maker intended to do.”

“Last night we received a message from the Emissaries. They told us that all of the Nefelim should have perished on Earth. But apparently one escaped to the stars. From the dreams I have had. This survivor's name is Lechstar. There are seven First Ones on Twainor who have met the Nefelim personally.”

“They must be very old, Richard.”

“They are Captain Dar-re, however, they are not old and decrepit. They are young and vibrant. The Maker made sure these witnesses survived to this day.”

“So Lechstar continued the Nefelim race. Apparently he's planning to return to Earth to continue their plan.”

“That seems the case. However, with my arrival here, the Maker wants to put a stop to that. They have killed and destroyed many worlds in the process.”

“Yes and the survivors are on my star ship. I hear you want to retrieve those medallions that they found, King Dryden.”

“Yes, they belong to our Outside Helpers.”

“You know they will have traps and weapons on their ship.”

“We figure that much. But Richard did something unexpected that might turn the tables for us.”

“What did you do, Richard?”

“I analyzed Twainor's Ethereal Space on the first scout ship. This radiation is from the planet itself. This provides the magic for Twainor. I was able to create a mathematical equation. I was able to sneak it on board the ship when Brin sent the distress signal.”

Tek laughs to himself as he mutters, “That's the way to do it, Richard. I love it.”

The other Outside Helpers giggle and chuckle when they hear what I did in sending the distress signal.

“That's what going on here. That radiation knocked out our hand-held laser weapons.”

“That's right, Captain.”

“Captain, that might explain why the virus is not attacking their forces. This radiation might be neutralizing it somehow.”

“That's possible, Lyl-na.”

“We do have our own set of illness on Twainor.”

“I'm sure you do, Sir Braxton.”

“In fact, we know for sure if we eat the meat from our wild herds, our magic capability will diminish as well. We only eat fish and certain farm birds for meat. But some of us do not eat meat.”

“That's unusual, King Dryden.”

“It is, now how are we going to approach these two giants?”

“I'm sure they are expecting me to show up in there to confront them. But I don't want to be alone in there.”

“I wouldn’t be either, Richard.”

“I need to do an investigation on how they infiltrated your computers Captain. I should be able turn it around if I'm on their space ship.”

“That would be great Richard. Did your world discover any weakness these giants might have?”

Then all of the people of Twainor and myself begin to laugh. We calm down when we see their confusion on their faces. The other Outside Helpers begins to chuckle and realize what has happened.

“Apparently I missed something.”

“The night before we met Mal-tor, the Maker gave all of us a dream from Earth's past. We each had a part in the dream, Captain.”

“What was the dream about, Richard?”

“It was the story of a young shepherd boy who tends goats and sheep. His father sends him on a journey to deliver some food and water for his brothers on the war front. The boy has been chosen by the Maker to do great things. In time, he eventually becomes King. When he arrives there, he hears a booming voice coming from the valley ahead.”

“When he gets into view, he could not believe what he sees. He sees a giant who has aligned himself with the local enemy. The giant put fear into the minds of others. He was also cursing the army and the Maker himself. However, the boy has the conviction to stand up to the giant.”

“The generals relented and let the boy face the giant. The only weapon he had with him was his sling and few stones in his satchel.”

“What is that against such might, Richard?”

“That maybe so, but the young lad was determined to bring him down. He looked at the giant. His armor and weapons were formidable. But the young boy saw his weakness when he looked at his helmet. There was no protection for his forehead.” I point to my own forehead.

“You mean to tell me, that's their weakness?”

“Yes, it does not state how many times the boy sent the river stone to his head. He could have hit him on the first try. Once the stone hit his forehead, the stone sunk into it. The giant fell to the ground unconsciously. The boy ran up and took the giant's own sword and killed him with it as he woke up.”

“Then the fear was lifted from the army. They ran forward and defeated their enemy. Eventually, peace came to the land years later.”

“That's incredible. I remember them wearing some strange head gear. They must have blocked it from me.”

“They do have the power of moving objects, Richard. They can pick you up and slam you against the wall.”

“That might be so Phy-tar, but we must confront them. If I can send the river stones to their foreheads in time, then we have a chance to defeat them.”

“All of the escorts have been trained, Captain Dar-re. They are very aware of the light weapons and how to reflect them back.”

“Did you give them that idea Richard that we had light weapons?”

“Yes I did Captain. I'm guessing that most advanced worlds have those type of weapons. I know we have them on Earth.”

“Have any other civilizations come to your world?”

“I don't know Captain. If they did, it was thousands and thousands of years ago. It could be even recently. I think our nations have been trying to hide it from the people. Up until two moons ago, I thought we were alone. It's possible the Emissaries have visited our world before. But they appeared liked us. We have more than seventy different languages and three billion people on Earth right now. We are a bit suspicious and yet there are some groups who still seek world domination.”

“I see, I can see that your world does have its problems.”

“It's going to take a lot of work to get the people to stop killing each other. I hope the Emissaries have a plan to do something about it. Captain I need to ask the computer some questions.”

“Go ahead Richard.”

“Computer, analyze the take over of your systems by the General and the Supreme. Where is the hole they found?”

“The General found a hole in the protocol port servers. They have blocked all access from their side.”

“Verify and analyze ports, are there data stream gaps from their ship to the star ship?”

“Analyzing data streams from protocol port servers . . . there are gaps in the data stream at irregular patterns.”

“Can you match those gaps and go against the data stream to reach their ship?”

“Analyzing gaps . . . I can send data to their ship. The speed is slow. Will need command from inside the Nefelim to gain access to their ship and over ride their protocols to eliminate gaps and stop their transmission of data.”

“Set protocols using the same files to establish Twainor Control on Nefelim star ship as I did here on the star ship at my command.”

“Protocols are set Richard. Waiting for your command on the Nefelim star ship.”

“Well done Richard. That is excellent.”

Then everyone cheers in the meeting room, including the Kings in the images.

“Okay that part is done.”

“We must ask this question to the Outside Helpers. Are you up for it to confront the two giants despite what they can do in there?”

“I need to tell you something that they have in there.”

“What is it Evrat?”

“They found a fear generator on a world we sold to a long time ago. That warlord tried to use it on us to eliminate us. However, we were able to render it useless. He went back to his world defeated.”

“So when the Nefelim conquered their world they found that machine.”

“Apparently they did Captain. They rebuilt it and improved on it. I was able withstand it to the third level before I collapsed.”

“How does it work, Evrat?”

“It amplifies the input from the user. There is a small wire and band around the head. It sends the signal to the machine. It's a wireless connection.”

“If they max it out, can we all succumb to it and collapse?”

“It's possible Captain, even on the planet surface.”

“It will have to be a quick fight there to defeat them, Richard.”

“Do you think the new helmets will block it Evrat?”

“It's possible Hikaru, we won't know until it happens.”

“I know it takes a strong will and conviction to stand up to them. But with that machine, it will be tougher to stand up to them.”

“Captain, I have a suggestion.”

“What is it, Mal-tor?”

“There are fear generators on the mech-fighters. They can test the helmets there.”

“That's a very good idea, Mal-tor. We should do that right away.”

“I agree with that. What are their attitudes when you met them Evrat?”

“They can be goaded King Loran. They seemed to be very arrogant. They act like bullies.”

Most of us laugh on that comment.

“Well, that might be the key to break their concentration. Especially if I tell them that I'm from Earth.”

“Yes, you would be like a ghost to haunt them. That should stop them for a brief moment for you to mount an attack.”

“So, Outside Helpers are you ready to confront them? You'll have your escorts with you.”

“What about the helmets you're wearing? Do we all get to wear one of those?”

“Yes Ariella, everyone will be wearing the helmets.”

“Good, but let's see if they can pass the test against the mech-fighters.”

Then all of the Outside Helpers look at each other and nod their heads up and down.

“We agree to meet them. They must be held accountable.”

“That's great. However, we already received a request from Eingana. She wants them first.”

The twelve Outside Helpers nod their heads up and down and smile.

“Who is Eingana, King Dryden?”

“Eingana is a very large sea dragon Captain. She wants to bring them down to the cold depths. Apparently, some of the Nefelim has killed some of their own kind back on Earth.”

“I see. I would like to visit your world.”

The kings look at each other and nod their heads up and down.

“We agree to that Captain Dar-re.”

“Thank you. There are two groups of survivors on the star ship that are enemies. That can't be in the presence of each other.”

“What happens when they do Captain?”

“It's the strangest reaction that I have ever seen. They emit electrical charges to each other. We haven't been able to figure out.”

“Hmm . . . that's a mystery. Perhaps we can solve it while you're here.”

“I hope so Geve.”

“We almost encountered a riot on Level 4, Captain. They wanted to get off the star ship. I was able to calm them down when I explained a part of our world.”

“I see Sir Krellen. Hopefully we can get this resolved as quickly as possible.”

“We are expecting the Emissaries to arrive soon Captain. Perhaps they have a solution to help us.”

“I hope so King Dryden. Any help is appreciated.”

“When we have this confrontation, Richard. Can you send any images to us on Twainor. We would like to see it happen.”

“Once I initiate the reboot to Twainor control, we should be able to get access to their ship's cameras. Or the Escorts could use their contact crystals to do the same thing.”

“Yes that can work Richard. Do it both ways Escorts and Richard. Have your crystals turned on as you approach their ship.”

“Yes King Dryden.” They all respond.

“Well, let's test the helmets with the mech-fighters. I'm curious how it will work.”

“So do I.”

“I understand you might have a list resources that you need to fill Captain.”

“We may not need to get them from your world. We found some of them with the gas giants and your fourth planet. There are also sub-worlds around those gas giants. We need to do a close inspection of those.”

“I didn't know there are moons or sub-worlds around them. Apparently our Seeing Stones cannot see them yet, or at least refocus them for the details around the planets.”

“We can do a survey for you. At least we can do that in saying 'Thank you.'”

The kings look at each other again and nod their heads up and down.

“That is greatly appreciated. Okay, you need to check those helmets out now. Contact us when you're ready to confront them.”

“Yes King Dryden.”

Then the images disappear above the crystals. The Outside Helpers and their Escorts stand up.

“Meet back here when you are done. We'll go over the possibilities of defense and offense.”

“Yes Sir Braxton.”

“Sir Krellen and Phy-tar will go with you. We need to know for sure if those helmets will be of any use in there.”

“Yes Captain Dar-re.”

All twenty-six of us walk out of the meeting room.

“We'll use the carriages to get there. It will be faster.”

Belisar looks at Sir Peridan quickly. Sir Peridan sees his concern.

“We'll be last Belisar with the fewest people.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

We approach the double doors. Phy-tar presses the glass panel. Soon the doors open. About eight get into the carriage the doors. The doors close. Then Sir Krellen presses the glass panel again. A little bit later the doors open. Another eight get into the carriage.

Sir Halgren and I hang back, we see what is happening.

“We'll ride with you Belisar, if you don't mind.”

“Not all Richard. Thanks.”

Geve presses the glass panel again. The doors open, six get into the carriage. Once the doors close I press the glass panel. A little bit later the doors open. The four of us get into the carriage. Belisar stands in the center of the carriage, he breathes in and out slowly.

“Destination please.”

“To the mech fighter launching bays.” I say out loud.

“Destination is confirmed.”

The carriage moves forward then down three levels. Then it moves forward. A little bit later the doors open. We get out of the carriage. Belisar breathes easier now that he sees a bigger space in front of him.

We see the others standing there with the helmets on. They're waiting for us.

“Good we are all here. I have a mech-fighter here. I opened a side panel here that allows me access to some of the controls. I will start it at the lowest setting. Then I will increase it step by step. We'll know by your reactions if the helmet works. Go and set your helmets and put the ear muffs into place.”

We adjust the helmets to make it fit snug. Then we close the ear muffs into place. We leave the eye and mouth guard open so that we can see our reactions.

Phy-tar extends a finger to indicate the first level. He adjusts the controls for the fear generator.

We don't feel anything. We nod our heads up and down as we look at each other. Then Phy-tar extends two fingers for the second level. He adjusts the controls again.

Again we don't feel anything. We look at each other we smile that we don't get any reaction.

This continues for the next several levels. When Phy-tar reaches the seventh level, we all start to feel panicky and afraid. Phy-tar sees it and shuts down the fear generator. We see his hand signal. We then disengage the ear muffs to hear each other.

“I'm surprised how far it went. The threshold level is seven. What do you think Evrat?”

“So am I, Phy-tar. The padding in the ear muffs did a really good job in canceling those high end sound waves. The people on Twainor should find refuge in the mountains, hopefully being underground will cancel most of it.”

“That's possible Evrat. But I think most of the people are trying to return to their homes right now. This is because no more air fighters are coming down.”

“They must be warned before we have this confrontation.”

“I agree. If they put it at max output, it will effect the crew here.”

“Then we must trust in Maker that we succeed as quickly as possible.”

“Okay, let's report back to the meeting room.”

We all walk back to the transport carriages. Just like before, we did it the same going back to the Level 2 and the meeting room. We walk into the meeting room. We sit in the chairs where we were earlier. Wizard Manthion contacts the Kings and Mal-tor again on the crystals.

“How did it go? Did the helmets work, Evrat?”

“They did a really good job, we got up to level seven before we started to feel afraid.”

“That means they must have maxed it out when they came down to the surface here.”

“Apparently so King Dryden. The people should be in the Under Kingdoms, but it might be too late if they are returning back to their homes now.”

“Not all went to the underground caves. Most of the towns and ports did, but not the villagers.”

“It will affect everyone regardless.”

“Maybe not for the sea dragons, but the other First Ones will be King Dryden.”

“I'm sure Avel and the others will have fastback memories when it hits them.”

“I'm sure your right, Richard. Either way, everyone must be warned.”

“Okay, give us a full mark to warn everyone. You can start preparing yourselves and go over the tactics you'll need.”

“Yes King Dryden.”

~~~000~~~

“I don't like this waiting Supreme.”

“I know General. They have severed our ties to the star ship. The only way out is through the tunnel connection.”

“At least we have everything prepared here for their arrival.”

“Yes, there is no way they can defeat us. This is our home base. We can always detonate the clamps that's holding us here. There won't be much damage to our ship when that happens.”

“Yes, we will rule the universe once we get their magic.”

Then they start to laugh with an evil tone like last time. “Hah, hah, ha . . . ”

~~~000~~~

“How are you holding up King Thranton?”

“We're doing fine down here King Jeriel, King Loran and King Tierion. I'll keep the people here through the night to be safe.”

“Yes, if that fear generator is as bad as Evrat says it is, we'll be feeling the effects really quickly.

“I agree, it seems those helmet improvements will give them an edge they need to fight them. But the people will be the ones who will be suffering.”

“Let's hope they are successful and quickly defeat them. At least we get to see the fight unfold before us. We'll definitely have it recorded for future reference and proof.”

“Yes, that is best King Thranton. We'll check in later if all goes well.”

“Yes keep in contact, my friends.”

Then the images disappear above the contact crystals.

~~~000~~~

”You won't be needing your satchel this time Richard.”

“I agree Sir Halgren. I just need to carry the stones and a sling with me. I really can't put the stones in the pockets of the clothes. If they get burned up, they will fall to the ground.”

“See if you can put one behind your breast plate Richard.”

“I'll try that Evrat.” I put it there. It falls out easily.

“Well, that didn't work. Try the gauntlets.”

“Okay.” I push up the sleeves. I tuck a river stone in the gauntlet next to my forearm.”

“That's better. We just need to secure it so it won't fall out.”

“Yes, it’s a lot better.”

“Some of us Escorts are carrying river stones Richard. You can use ours as back up.”

“Thanks, you just need to send it to my hands, then I will grab it.”

“Yes that can work very well.”

The escorts look at the Outside Helpers, “You need to be behind us if the light weapons are fired.”

“I wish we had some shields, Sir Dareh.”

“In fact we do Tek. Escorts, let them use our forearm shields.”

“Yes, we all have two with us.”

The escorts remove the forearm shields.

The Outside Helpers smile when they see them.

“This is great, thank you.”

“You're welcome everyone.”

The Escorts show them the straps and how to hold it in front of them.

“You realize we'll need that Ethereal Space generated in there Richard to use the barrier shield spell.”

“Yes, that's very important Chls. I just hope I can judge the right time to initiate the program to use it.”

“Okay, let's go over the positions when together. The best is in a small circle of five or so with shields out. If any light weapons come from above, you'll need the shields up there as well.”

“Yes Sir Braxton.”

“Okay get into your groups.”

We get into groups of five or six and huddle together. We put the shields in front of us and above us. We make sure we are coordinated and get together quickly. Including the use of the sleep and freeze darts when needed.

The original crew members like what they are seeing.

“This is great teamwork Sir Braxton. You should have no problems in taking them down.”

“Thank you, Captain. We've been doing a lot of practice on the training fields. Brin supplied us with some floor layouts to practice on.”

“Well, is everyone comfortable to confront them?”

“Yes Sir Braxton and Sir Krellen.”

“Very good. Get yourselves lined up. Make yourself last Richard and Sir Halgren.”

“Yes Sir.”

We all pair up side by side. Escorts on the left, Outside Helpers on the right.

“The tunnel entrance is on this level toward the rear of the star ship. Be very aware in there. They will try to kill you when all else fails.”

“Yes Sir Braxton.”

“May the Maker grant you success, bring victory to all? Here on the star ship and to Twainor, you represent us and the worlds where you come from. This will be your biggest test.”

“Remember who you are when the fear generators are activated. Your minds will be surely tested.”

“Yes Captain.”

“Go and bring victory!”

“For Twainor!”

“For Twainor!” We all respond together.

“For the Master and Maker of the Universe!”

“For the Master and Maker of the Universe!” We all respond together.

We exit the meeting room. We begin the long walk to meet the Nefelim. Soon the confrontation will begin. Each one of us deep in thought of what to say or do when we meet them. We are escorted by Sir Braxton and Sir Krellen.