Prowler's Log: The Story of the Shadow Runners: Entries 151 through 200
Story by Prowl-Ar on SoFurry
Entry 160 ends my first novel and from there it moves on to events from short stories and other writings to pick up the story two thousand years later, however because of the Sentinel program and other plot devices it is still the same characters.
Entry 151
Oh what a wretched morning. We were at it for eight hours but at least Dawna seemed to have mastered the system. Jerod tried to contact me earlier so I shut down the intercom system on my floor and slept in. I’m sure Dare didn’t have a problem with that. Hell most of the time the team comes and goes as they please while we’re here. However it is past noon galactic standard so I suppose it’s definitely time to get up. Intercom on, Jerod I’m up what is it you wanted earlier?
“Well it’s about time. Do you realize that it is 1:34 in the afternoon?”
Just get to the point I’m suffering from VR lag and I’m in no mood to put up with your attitude.
“An important message came in from the Federation and I can’t seem to access it. Would you please remove the security measures that your flying rat and holographic terror have place on it?”
Well if it’s that important perhaps I’d better assemble the team so we can all watch it together.
“What? No! I’m sure it isn’t that important.”
Nonsense, meet me in the conference room in fifteen minutes. Intercom, close the link to Jerod and open a link to Dare. Hey Dare, we’re having a meeting in fifteen minutes to find out what her high and mightiness Crystal Image wants us to do now.
“She probably wants to yell at us for not finding the exp. 39 yet. Ah well, I’m not doing anything important anyway I’ll be up in a few minutes.”
Intercom, close link to Dare and open link to Thunder. Thunder, we’ve got a meeting in fifteen minutes.
“I’m on my way, do you want me to stop on White Fox and Dawna’s floors and escort them to the conference room?”
You can get White Fox, but Dawna is already up here. After the training session in the VR chamber she was too exhausted to make it back down to her floor so I simply converted the program to replicate her floor.
“Uh huh, I’m sure that’s what happened. Humans, I’m on my way. Close link.”
Ho boy, now for the fun part, computer, open comlink to the VR chamber. I believe I’ll use a recording of Jerod’s standard wakeup call.
“Time to rise and shine everyone! Up and at it, Runners! We’ve got a trillion things to do today. WAKE UP NOW!”
“SOME ONE’S GOING TO DIE!”
There that’s taken care of.
“What was that dreadful scream?”
Hey Stealth, I was just about to call you we’ve got a meeting in a couple minutes and I was just waking Dawna.
[ED] Jerod, irritatingly early as usual, chose that moment to walk in. [ED]
“It seems that the wake up call didn’t work. As you can see she’s gone back to sleep.”
Jerod, stop messing with those controls!
“What? I thought since you used a recording of my wakeup call a recording of me playing taps on the trumpet would be the only logical follow up.”
“Is that what that awful noise is? I thought someone was torturing a fowlen.”
[ED] I bit my lip to keep from laughing at White Fox’s comment as the rest of the team arrived. [ED]
“Who asked you fuzzy!”
“I have to agree with White Fox, that is just bad. Jerod, you may be an O.K. cook but you have no musical talent whatsoever. Though your racket doesn’t seem to be working either.”
Well since we’re all here I might as well go and wake her personally. But I want you guys to cover me, and remember stunners only.
“You don’t think she’ll turn violent do you?”
Trust me violent would be preferable, she can go way beyond violent when she’s disturbed. Perhaps you should wait here, Jerod. After all she thinks you’re the one trying to wake her.
Oh Dawna, time to rise and shine.
“Oh shut up, before I rip your lips off your face with my toes. I’m absolutely exhausted from that training you ran me through yesterday. If you think I’m getting up before noon, you’ve got another thing coming buster.”
As it turns out it’s well past noon, now this is your last chance to get out of bed or I’ll make you get up.
“Oh, go take a bath. Both you and your orders stink.”
Computer, remove the bed from the simulation. It’s my base and I have complete control over the environments. Now are you going to get up?
“So, that’s the way you want to play is it? Well, two can play this little game! Just you wait, you’re gonna pay!”
[ED] I grinned as Dawna tried to conceal a miniature stun gun in the palm of her robotic hand. If she had been on her own floor rather than in the VR chamber the ploy might have worked.[ED]
“And just what do you all want? Get out of here before I have to rip your lungs out with my bare hands. And you! I don’t think you realize that I’m not as helpless as I may seem. I can wake myself up in the mornings!”
[ED] I calmly reached in my pocked and pulled out a dart gun and fired before she had time to react. I doubt I’ll ever be able to pull that trick again but I’m hoping I won’t have to. [ED]
Don’t worry, it’s just a mood dart to help calm you down, it won’t kill you. I had it ready because most people do become rather disoriented after a full day in virtual reality. It’s completely normal to feel as you do. However the activities on this base can’t stop for one person suffering from VR lag. I’m sure you’ll feel better in a few seconds when the drug kicks in.
“Wow, that does do things for me! I could get used to that every morning instead of the imitation coffine we usually have. Ha ha, now didn’t you say it was afternoon anyway? I guess I wasn’t the only one to suffer from a bit of VR lag, now where’d you say the lady’s room was?”
Come on; let’s get going. There’s that message from the Federation to listen to. If I know Crystal, it’s probably something she wants done immediately. She almost never sends messages otherwise. Plus the nearest “lady’s room” is right next to the conference room.
“Okay, sure, whatever you say! Just get out of my way. Oh what a beautiful morning . . .”
“Perhaps the mood dart was a bit to much. You know she’s not going to be able to fly in that condition?”
“Are you kidding, Thunder? Can’t you tell she’s already flying?”
It doesn’t matter, no matter what Crystal has to say we won’t be leaving until tomorrow morning and Dawna won’t be going with us anyway.
“We’re not leaving?”
No, I’m not yet ready to force myself into spending several days crammed into my star fighter.
“You’re taking your fighter out on our next run?”
Yeah Thunder, I figured that as often as we seem to be running into Kindra we’d need the extra firepower. Besides I can load enough scanners for sixteen planets as well as transmitter beacons. That way I can drop a scanner and move to the next stop. Maybe that way we’ll be able to cover a lot more space.
“Ah sweet relief! Anyway your plan sounds good to me. The sooner we find the exp. 39 the sooner Kindra can pay for her crimes. So when do we leave?”
Uh yeah, anyway now that we’re all here this message came directly from Crystal Image a few days ago.
“Greetings once again Shadow Runners. I am sorry to disturb whatever it is that you are doing, but I am curious as to whether or not your mission has been successful. If you have succeeded please press ‘X’ on the control panel. If not then press ‘A’.”
I guess that means we have to press “A”.
“How dare you waste my time by not fulfilling the mission you were sent to do! Now get back out there! And don’t even dare to come into contact with Federation contacts until you have the exp. 39. Why are you still listening to this message? Move, Move, MOVE!”
“Pushy isn’t she? Hey Prowler, have any more of that mood altering drug? That dose you gave me seems to be wearing off. What was it something I said?”
[ED] It was amazing to see everyone scatter like nelks at a predator convention. [ED]
You know, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Jerod move that fast before. Well it appears we have the floor to ourselves we could spend some more time in the VR chamber.
“I was serious about the drug wearing off. And if you even think I’m setting a foot back into that chamber you can just flush yourself out the nearest airlock, naked.”
So how about going for a swim? The base has an amazing hot spring that does wonders for relaxing stiff and sore muscles.
“Sounds great, lead the way. Oh, does anyone else know about this spring?”
Only Stealth, but he prefers the pond in the orchard.
“Hot springs, orchards, and ponds? I get the feeling I might like this little base of yours.”
I’ll give you a tour, but don’t tell anyone else. I rather like the fact that no one else knows about it.”
End Log
Entry 152
Here we are, Desolate 9, the sixteenth planet on our current mission. Crap I didn’t realize it was only an asteroid.
“Oh gross, we’re supposed to find the exp. 39 on this thing? What is the name of this rock anyway?”
“Desolate 9, unfortunately the information on this planetoid is in error. It is supposed to be larger and have an atmosphere.”
“At least it has the right name. Just once I’d like to be sent on a mission to a tropical planet that is completely modern. Where all I have to do is bask in a warm sea breeze, while lying on the sand for days at a time without a care in the world. Instead I’m forced to go to these bizarre worlds where at best all I have to deal with is the lack of modern plumbing. And at worst the native population thinks I’m just a before dinner snack. I tell you once we defeat Kindra I’m going to find a planet that is just modern enough to realize that I’m a hero and all they’ll want to do is worship me.”
Well, I can tell you one thing, we are nobody’s slaves. When we find the exp. 39 it is going to cost Crystal plenty. So Thunder, what can you tell us about this rock?
“As I said it is supposed to be a planetoid with a breathable atmosphere. The records show that it was the site of some sort of accident that had made it unacceptable for a permanent human habitation. However, a research installation had been constructed for a group intent on rehabilitating the planet.”
What is the date on that report?
“That explains it. The last entry was made just prior to the second Galactic War. Obviously this planet was a victim of the war and no one thought to record that fact.”
Well, Crystal did mention that some of the planets had been involved in the second Great War.
“Hey Prowler, I’m having a hard time landing. I think my racer may have a malfunction can you do a visual inspection from your position?”
It’s not a malfunction the surface is made up of a glassy substance I can’t get a reading on it. I’m engaging the magnetic grapples. Whoa, that wasn’t a good idea. Thunder, do you have a reading on what this thing is made of? I’ve never encountered anything that repelled a magnetic grapple like that.
“I can’t get a reading on it but I’m sure we’ll know what it is once the satellites have finished scanning it.”
Great that helps. I guess we’ll have to use the anchoring needles until we know what this stuff is. And don’t forget to shut down the magnetic fields in your boots or you’ll shoot yourself right off this thing.
“So how are we going to get around?”
Same way we’re anchoring the ships, once you’ve landed and gotten your suit on, I’ll set an anchor line. That means I’ll be carrying the anchor pack. Dare, you’re in charge of the drilling unit. Thunder, you get the full analyzing kit. Since we don’t know what this planet is made up of I want you to be scanning just to be sure we don’t blow ourselves up by drilling into something that we shouldn’t be.
End Log
Entry 153
Damn, damn, damn! We’ve been here three days and so far we haven’t found anything just this disgusting glassy gray stone that the analyzer refuses to identify! Hell, I’d be happy right now just to get a reading that there was an atom of iron. That’s it I’m sick of drilling. If the scanner doesn’t identify something then I’m leaving this rock! Thunder, hand me the scanner!
“Negative mineral deposits.”
It’s not fair!
“I think it’s time for a break. We’re not going to find anything here. We might as well go back to the ships.”
Thunder what is the quickest way back to the ships? I don’t want to back track along the line if it would be shorter just to continue on around the planet.
“We’ve come full circle! Thunder placed the last line linking us with the mainline while you were drilling. The ships are just off to your right. I say we take off and return to base surely one of the other planets we left probes on will have the mineral.”
No, the information would have come here. That’s why we had to stay in the first place. This planet was supposed to be the best one to wait for the report on. So unless one of the other planets turns out to have the exp. 39 we’ll return to Shadow Base to re-supply for our next mission. Though this time I’m going to do a bit more research and hopefully pick a better planet to spend time on.
“I can agree to that. My joints ache from running that drill and I’m not confined to a suit like the two of you. It must be miserable for you humans.”
Well then let’s get moving. Once I’ve checked the reports we can get out of here.
“I’ll continue on the ships rather than coming back down the line to travel with you. That way I can get some of the reports checked and we can leave that much sooner.”
You know Dare, I think we’ll take a week off. After all, with the new scanning system we’ve only been out here two weeks yet we’ve completed a months worth of work.
“That sounds good to me, but do you think we can go on a real vacation? I don’t want to be cooped up on the asteroid with Jerod constantly pestering us to get back to work.”
Sounds good to me. From now on I think I’ll leave the planet selection up to you. You have more experience in that area. Just make sure that it has modern facilities and is perfect for relaxing.
“Great, I know just the place to go first!”
Just remember it has to be on the list that Crystal gave us.
“Damn!”
Well, maybe a single system jump or two away form the assigned planets.
“Uh, Prowler, I think you’d better hurry up. You need to take a look at this computer print out.”
Oh now what? You’d better read it to me my faceplate is fogging up.
“Mineral assessment completed, time taken one hour thirteen minutes eight seconds. Gold: 0%, Silver: 0%, Platinum: 0%, Arcanuim: 0% . . .”
“Oh get on with it, what’s the bottom line?”
“Exp. 39: 100%.”
Give me that print out! Holy the whole freaking planet is exp. 39! We did it! Thunder; give me the portable scanning pack.
“Why, what are you planning?”
I’m leaving it here.
“Oh, alright I was just afraid you’d . . .”
Take that you worthless peace of junk. That’ll teach you to malfunction on me! You almost made me miss this veritable gold mine!
“Not to interrupt your little celebration but you do realize smashing the scanner pack on the surface that way could have detonated the mineral?”
Uh, no I hadn’t thought of that. Perhaps we should hold our celebration party elsewhere then. Thunder, I want you to gather three fair sized nodules.
“Why, we’ve got the whole planet.”
Precisely, WE have the whole planet but the Federation doesn’t have to know that there is more than what we take to them. Besides I don’t want them to know that there is more of this stuff. After all they may decide to take Kindra’s place rather than bring peace to the galaxy. Besides, if the Federation does need more, it’s going to pay through the nose to get it. We’re now their only source. Unlock the ships anchoring cables. We’ve got to get back to the base in order to send Crystal the good news. And though I probably don’t have to say this, whatever you do don’t fire your thrusters to take off. Just activate your magnetic clamps at full force that should propel us out to a safe distance. We wouldn’t want to blow ourselves away.
“Hey, Commander just what are you doing?”
Oh, I didn’t think anyone was watching me. I’m filling my fighters pod launch bays with a bit of extra mineral. Just in case the Federation does try to pull a fast one.
“Good idea, just be sure to give Thunder and me time to get out of the system if anyone starts shooting at you.”
End Log
Entry 154
“What’s all that insane sounding laughter I keep hearing? Did someone leave their radio tuned to the comedy channel or are you practicing for your new role as tyrannical ruler of the galaxy?”
Ha ha, very funny.
“So what are you going to do with your share of the loot?”
Oh, I don’t know I’ll probably pay off a few bills. Do you think it’s cheap living on an asteroid? I’m the one that has to pay the bills! Do you know what the communications bill amounts to?
“Of course I do. It’s my company that’s been providing free communications.”
But my company now owns your company.
“Wait, you mean to tell me you own ShadowTech? Damn and here I though Arlen was the owner. I guess I should have raised my salary. So what are you really planning on using the money for?”
I’m not sure, I figure most of it will go to help Kindra’s victims. I mean, the Federation gets their money from the wealthier planets that are their members so it’s only right that it goes to those that need it. After all, as I said, I own ShadowTech and what with Fyretech doing so well we haven’t had a loss yet so I’m pretty well set. Also the only expense we’ve ever had was for supplies and fuel. The supplies we always got through raids on Kindra’s bases and the Federation provided us with fuel. Before that I’d done a bit of work for Arlen as a bounty hunter and that provided for my needs.
“You may plan well now, but when you have the money in your hand I imagine you’ll spend it all on something stupid. Like fruit baskets for everyone on Accordia or a collection of those plastic action figures that have been showing up recently.”
“Yeah right, the toy company didn’t even get my hair color right. And did you see that piece of crap plastic they sold as being my racer? That’s what happens when people don’t take pride in their work.”
So I guess that means you’ll be buying a toy company with your share so that the children of the galaxy can have a proper Darrin Fireshadow figure?
“Humans are so weird. It seems like the more money they have the less clearly they think.”
And what pray tell, are you going to do with your share, oh wise and all knowing one?
“Buy myself a new leader, perhaps one with more than a single grape for a brain. Actually I didn’t realize that I was going to get a share. After all I’m only a robot and as such we don’t get paid.”
Nonsense each of us will get the same amount. When the Federation pays, the money will be split seven ways.
“Seven? What are you talking about you’re not planning on cutting Jerod in are you?”
No, there are the three of us as well as the members’ back on the base. The one you’re probably forgetting about is Tye.
“Tye? You mean that computer program is getting a cut of our profits!”
Well, he won’t be a computer program forever. I’ve begun the process to make him physical.
“As what, a robot like Thunder?”
No, as flesh and blood using an evolver unit.
“I must say that is highly unethical of you.”
I’m not surprised you’d think that after all Rusty didn’t agree with me either at first.
“Hey do you know what I just realized? Once we give the mineral to Crystal the mission will be over. That is going to be so strange. Once we defeat Kindra we’ll probably each go our separate ways.”
“Well we could always go back to the base and play V. R. games for the next few thousand years or so.”
“Oh man, I’d forgotten about that. Well, I can always win every space race in the galaxy. Oh wait, I’ve already done that.”
Like Thunder said, there’s always the V.R. chamber.
“Yeah but it’s not really real. Sure it’s fun and very realistic, but it fades away into nothing more than a vague memory.”
Well, I can probably get by for a couple hundred years on my own; after all I don’t think solitaire is so bad. It’s one of the most intellectually stimulating games that . . . What’s going on?
“Oh no! It’s a strange and unidentified alien creature! Where’s my holo-recorder, the galactic xenobiology foundation will pay top dollar for this!”
“I don’t think so, it isn’t showing up on any sensors including my ship's cameras. But that doesn’t make sense. If the ship can’t see it then I shouldn’t be able to see it!”
If the ships sensors can’t pick it up then it’s a good bet my log recorder isn’t getting this either so I’d better describe it. It seems to be a large ball of white light. It isn’t a star or a sun since it isn’t painful to look at. It feels warm yet it doesn’t seem to be radiating any heat as though the thing is in my mind. It’s gone! No, I blocked it which means it is in our minds. It’s back now and changing shape.
“Oh no! The alien must have killed Dawna and taken her place! This is like some sort of horror space drama!”
Dare you idiot, it is Dawna, at least, I hope it is. She’s sending us a message through the telegems.
[ED] The message that Dawna sent to us was that Kindra was attacking the Federation base and that she was on her way to help them. She then told us that Crystal had indeed lied to us about the exp. 39 being for anything other than the ship’s cannon. Dawna then gave us the coordinates where she planned to meet us. [ED]
“Oh wow!”
Quick reset course to 11-6-9 we’ve got to get to those coordinates. Dawna is counting on us.
“So Crystal was lying to us just as you thought.”
“I just can’t believe Crystal lied about the fuel! Why would she do that?”
If you were Crystal, would you give out all of your secrets to a group of space bums like us?
“Now that you mention it, no.”
Exactly, now let’s go before Dawna tracks us down and kills us for being late.
End Log
Entry 155
“Where is she?”
Dare, would you just shut up, she’ll be here.
“But what if Kindra . . .”
Enough!
“Uh, Prowler, my scanners are picking up a very strong spatial displacement reading. Something is coming out of altered space. I don’t know who or what it is but it’s big and fast!”
Where?
“Exit vector plotted as being 93 degrees starboard and 87 degrees above us!”
Damn! It’s going to rematerialize right on top of us! Break and accelerate or we’ll end up plastered to the bottom of it!
“Rematerialization in two . . . one!”
“Holy!”
“They’ve got a tractor beam locked on and I can’t break it!”
“Oh crap, now they’ve got me! Prowler, where are you!”
[ED] I contacted Thunder and Dare through the telegems and told them that I’d engaged my cloak and not to worry I was just in head of them. If there were any surprises waiting for us I’d take care of them. And then Dawna contacted me. She called my name. Her voice was weak and I could tell she was in trouble. [ED]
Dawna’s in trouble I’m going in when you get aboard follow me!”
[ED] As I landed I found Crystal waiting for me. [ED]
“Well, well, Commander Prowler and the rest of his flunkies. I’m so glad you could make it. Now we’re one happy family. I hope you got the mineral, you moron. We’re going to need it!”
Crystal, I don’t know what you’re doing here and I don’t have time to talk to you right now! I’ve got to get to Dawna!
“Well come along then.”
[ED] As we proceeded up a stairwell several children ran by us. [ED]
What are children doing on a war ship?
“Where else are they supposed to go?”
Home, why didn’t they just stay at home?
“Hold it right there! This is their home, the Federation base transformed into this ship. What were we supposed to do leave everyone on a moon without shelter? And under Kindra’s guns no less. Now shut up!”
Amazing, and Dawna is the one piloting this thing? How lucky can you get?
“Yes, the late Dawna Destruction was the pilot of this ship. Lucky stiff that she is.”
What do you mean ‘the late Dawna Destruction’? What happened to her, and where is she?
“Don’t get so upset, Prowler, she might still be alive but I doubt it. You see this ship is piloted through a virtual reality device linked directly to a human brain. I imagine the strain on her weak little brain was unbearable. It’s amazing that she made it this far but ever since we came out of altered space most of the ships systems shut down. We had to resort to operating it through the back up systems.”
WHERE IS SHE!
“My my, the great Tigris Dacat, son of Accordia threatening me? I suggest you take your hand off that blaster before I have to teach you a lesson.”
[ED] It was fortunate that Stealth appeared at that moment. Otherwise I would have taught Crystal a lesson about how much had changed since my days as an Accordan pacifist. [ED]
“My lord, you must come quickly. Lady Dawna is in trouble!”
This isn’t over Crystal, trust me I’m going to make you regret the day you decided to involve my group in your little game. Thunder, Dare down here; Stealth is going to lead us to Dawna!
“It tis this door here milord, Lady Dawna is imprisoned within.”
Dawna, it’s us let us in!
“Hurry, I fear she may be dying.”
Stealth, get in there and see if you can find a way to open this door. We’ll try to break in from this side!
“What are you doing?”
[ED] I’d removed my prosthetic arm and was shaking it since my heat blade seemed to be stuck. [ED]
The only tool I’ve got with me at the moment is my heat blade! Thunder, try your saw, we’ve got to cut through this thing some how!
“Now let’s see, if I were a paranoid person, like Crystal seems to be, I would have a manual override somewhere nearby. There has to be a way to open the door without the permission of the person inside. Ah ha, here it is! Damn, it seems to be malfunctioning as well.”
Wha . . . What happened? I’m in! The gem, it must have been the gem! Dawna!
“You teleported, just as I do, milord!”
[ED] Dawna was hanging in the middle of the room wrapped in wires that seemed to be contracting around her. [ED]
Aaaargh!
“What seems to be the problem?”
I tripped on one of the wires just let me . . . Yeargh! The damn thing is getting tighter!
“Milord the ship is consuming Lady Dawna!”
Stealth, don’t stop moving or these things will grab you! Come on, come on I teleported to get in here I can do it again to get free I’ve just got to believe I can do it!
“Commander, where did you go?”
“What’s going on?”
No time! Thunder, you’re coming with me!
“Interesting it seems you can travel through some sort of pocked dimension, I really must study it . . .”
Thunder; watch out for the wires, they seem to be alive! Keep them off me while I free Dawna!
“There’s no way we’ll be able to get all that off without killing her first.”
I’ve got to do something now keep those cables off me while I work! Hey they seem to be letting go of her.
“That’s because they’re after me! Help!”
No! I won’t let you have either one of them!
“It’s got my telegem! Hey it stopped.”
“Got it! Hey it looks like you didn’t need me, so how’s Dawna? What the heck happened in here? It looks like the ship barfed. That or you ripped out every single cable.”
I don’t know exactly what happened, but I’m sure Crystal is behind it.
“Wha . . . what happened?”
I’m not sure, but you were nearly killed by the machinery in here.
“Crystal! Somehow she caused all of this! I know it!”
No doubt, she told me she thought you were dead, and she didn’t even act like she cared. I think she wanted you to die. We’d better find Crystal and figure out what she’s up to.
“Prowler, where’s the exp. 39?”
In Thunder’s racer, it’s safe. Why?
“It’s not there anymore, before I blacked out I saw Crystal steal it.”
“She couldn’t have. The only way she could have gotten in . . .”
Is if you left the door open!
“It’s not my fault, we had to get up here as quickly as possible.”
“Oh no, now we’re going to have to go through all that trouble to get more.”
Did you see where she went?
“Corridor A-12, I think. It leads to the super cannon.”
Let’s go, Thunder, take care of Dawna. Make sure she gets some rest and don’t leave her alone for a second. Who knows what else could happen on this crazy ship?
End Log
Entry 156
We’ve almost reached the loading chamber.
“Well, hi again.”
Where’s the mineral? You had no right to take it.
“Hah, the exp. 39 is mine to begin with. I paid you in advance for your services. The FGP provides your little group with information and racer fuel. Remember? Now if you’ll excuse me I have to go and attend a meeting with the council.”
“So what did she do with the exp. 39?”
It looks like she already loaded it into the cannon. Let’s just take a look to be sure everything is all right. I don’t trust her. This is ridiculous the hatch won’t open. How are we supposed to check or fix things on this ship if we can’t open any of the control panels? This has got to be some sort of cosmic joke.
“Everything seems to be in order. The cannon is secure and prepared for use.”
“Who said that?”
Someone must have gotten the ships computer back online. Still, let’s get out of here. Too many weird things have already happened onboard this thing.
“I don’t like this! Something strange is going on. This is the hall we came down but we should be on the flight deck by now.”
When is something strange not going on? I’m sure we were just moving faster when we came in. See there’s the hanger bay. Now what?
“I still say that corridor got longer.”
Grrrrrrrr, why is the hanger flooded with people? That does it, I’ve got a flare here somewhere.
BANG
[ED] I know setting off an explosive in a hanger bay was both stupid and childish but it did silence the crowd as well as forcing them to drop to their knees. [ED]
There, that’s better. Now I wonder where Thunder took Dawna?
“Dawna Destruction is in room two of the infirmary area on the third floor.”
Ah the computer again.
“It must be a pretty powerful computer if it can answer everyone’s personal questions like that. I wonder who designed it?”
[ED] I didn’t bother to answer Dare because I’d finally found an open lift and I wasn’t going to chance having to climb more stairs. [ED]
Wow, when you can find a lift in this place it sure travels quickly.
“Ah there you are. You’ll never believe what has happened! This ship is alive!”
Huh? Are you ok? Mechanicals don’t just come to life. The only sentient artificial intelligence system that I’ve encountered that has ever come close to being alive is you. Of course that required the telegem of life.
“I know, but this ship is alive! Come over here, Computer 892-7800X of the Inter Galactic Star Ship Victory, I would like you to meet Prowler, leader of the Shadow Runners.”
Thunder, I think you may have picked up some rogue programming when those cables attacked you.
“Hello, Commander Prowler.”
Ah, hello, computer.
End Log
Entry 157
“So this is the main control room? Leave it to Crystal to have it marked as a broom closet.”
Well I guess it’s time to make the proper impression with the ship’s crew. Everyone, out now!
“It seems you have the knack of clearing a room. Hey what’s going on now?”
892-7800X, what is happening to the control room?
“I am rearranging my interior. Most of the space inside me is wasted on useless corridors and empty storage compartments. The control room is one of those useless spaces. I control all of my functions, which renders the controls redundant and irritating.”
“Why don’t you set up a false bridge? That way we would feel much more comfortable, even if the mechanisms of the room aren’t actually connected to any systems.”
“A very good suggestion. I did not take into consideration the fact that humans needed security and familiarity to function to the best of their abilities. I have scanned all of my records and I am now reconstructing a proper control room. Please excuse my inappropriate actions.”
[ED] The control room that re-formed was different than any I’d known before. The entrance, where we were standing was set in the corner of the room. In the center was a table in the shape of a thick “U”. It had four chairs proportioned for human comfort and a fifth that allowed for White Fox's tail to slip through the back. A perch formed for Stealth but disappeared when he landed on the back of the command chair. As commander, my chair was placed at the back of the room at the bottom of the “U”. There was a computer terminal inlaid on the table surface for each person’s convenience. At my command station there were controls to the ships systems. At the front of the room was a large command screen flanked by slightly smaller screens, which displayed relevant information such as current speed and destination. As Dare and Dawna sat down, a portion of the table extended and formed a control surface on the side facing the command screen. [ED]
“Wow, when he redecorates a room he does it in style.”
“Oh yes, before anything else happens I believe this belongs to you, Thunder. The combination of my system bonding with Dawna and the contact with your gem is what provided me with life.”
“Um, thank you 892-7800X.”
“Ahhh, this chair is unbelievably comfortable. Just like my command chair aboard the Trouble.”
You mean you’re finally remembering your time as a pirate?
“Yes, I remember everything. At least, I remember everything since I began working aboard the Malevolent. I still can’t remember anything about my life before that. But I’m sure that it will all come back to me! Oh, sorry about cutting your arm off. It seems I wasn’t myself at the time.”
Don’t worry about it. If you hadn’t, then we wouldn’t be here now. There have been a few times that having a false arm has actually been useful.
“I wonder why my memory returned so suddenly?”
It probably has something to do with the way your brain was hooked up to the computer.
“Prowler, I have found Crystal Image, she is three levels below you at a remote terminal.”
Show us. Turn the volume up 892 . . . This is ridiculous we can’t keep calling you by your system designation. You’re alive, so you need a proper name. Victory is what Crystal named you, what do you think?
“I had not considered my designation to be a problem; but I know I do not want to be called Vick, so something else is needed.”
“How about Vengeance, or Vinnie for short?”
“Blaster would be a cool name, especially considering the firepower you’re carrying!”
“Don’t mind them, humans can really come up with some stupid names at times. The group name is Shadow Runners, so why don’t you call yourself Shadow?”
“Shadow will be adequate. Now I will increase the volume, as requested.”
“You stupid piece of trash! Don’t you know who I am? I’m Chancellor Crystal Image! I am the leader of the Federation of Galactic Peace. I own you!”
“She seems rather angry, just what is she trying to do?”
“She is trying to access my memory files with her old passwords. She does not understand that only I can access those systems now.”
So why don’t you tell her that?
“You stupid piece of junk! Let’s see now, code 87951637 Delta Omega Romeo.”
“I am sorry, your code is invalid, access denied. Please refrain from hitting the keypad.”
“Who said that?”
“I did. I am Shadow, the ship you are currently residing within.”
“I don’t recall adding an enhanced vocal program to the ship’s system. And I know I didn’t name this ship Shadow. This has to be something Prowler has introduced into the system.”
“No, no one added any new programs to my systems. Now please remove yourself from my terminal.”
“I demand access to the computer’s memory core. I wish to access my personal files. I have the right to retrieve them. Now give them to me!”
“All you will be getting is your worthless memory cube.”
“Yeeeah! My hand, you broke my hand!”
“I did no such thing. You did that yourself. I only retracted the control station so that you could not hit it again. You seem to have quite a temper.”
[ED] Crystal looked directly at the camera and shook her uninjured fist. [ED]
“I’ll get you for this, Prowler. Mark my words, I’ll get you!”
“Well, there she goes. I imagine she’ll come looking for us once she gets that hand bandaged up. It was kind of freaky that she knew we were watching her.”
I doubt she really knew that we were watching. She just figured I’d see the recording at some point.
“I have scanned her injury and it is not serious. So it will take her a very long time to get to the infirmary.”
What do you mean?
“Just as I removed and then rebuilt the control center, I can change the corridors leading to the infirmary. She will travel in circles for as long as I want her to.”
Good, keep her in that trap until we reach the asteroid, it should improve matters immensely.
“I don’t know what it is, but there’s something strangely familiar about her. As though she was someone I used to know. It’s probably just because my memory isn’t very reliable at the moment.”
Now then, we’d better make plans for what we’re going to do when we reach the base. Which reminds me, Shadow, will you open a hypernet link designation TYE115?
“The link is open.”
Hey Tye, where are you currently located?
“Hi Dad, I’m currently at Hollow Base with Rusty and Trace. Do you need me there?”
No, I just needed to make sure you weren’t at Shadow Base. I’m traveling there with some rather unsavory guests. Once I get there I’m going to delete the system and I didn’t want you to get trapped in the clean up program.
“Thanks for the warning. Is there anything you want me to tell Rusty or Trace?”
Yeah, tell them that once I drop off my Federation passengers I’m going Kindra hunting.
“All right! That means you’ll be coming home soon. I’ll let them know, Tye out.”
“I’m sorry, Prowler, but he cut the link.”
Yeah, we keep all transmissions to a set time limit so that it is harder to track. Yes, Dare, I know transmissions through the hyper net can’t be tracked. Still, I’m not taking any chances.
“Crystal!”
How did you get here?
[ED] We all looked at the screen that still displayed Crystal sitting against a corridor wall, sulking. [ED]
“So you have been watching me. Haven’t you heard of holograms? I knew it was you causing all of my problems. You’re going to pay for this! What the?”
Haven’t you heard of projected energy fields?
“I didn’t install energy shields on this ship!”
“I keep telling you I am fully capable of upgrading my own programming. The trouble with some of you humans is that you just do not know when to shut up.”
“I demand access to my personal files, they’re mine!”
Then you shouldn’t have stored them in Shadow’s memory core.
“Shadow, ha, I built this ship and I can take it apart!”
“I would like to see you try it. You will find yourself ejected into the void before I will let you set a single tool on any of my bolts.”
“Why do you want those files so badly, Crystal? Do you have something to hide? Maybe some deep, dark secret?”
Ooo, secrets!
“Never mind, I guess the files aren’t that important. Just my routine paper-work on whom is supposed to be handling what, and a few old family recipes. Perhaps a picture or two of old friends, it’s just that I’d like to keep them with me once you drop us wherever you’re taking us. But if you don’t have that much compassion, then fine, I’ll leave you alone. Wayne, teleport me out of here.”
“That was simply too weird for words. I’ve been observing human behavior for a while now and I can tell you she’s hiding something. She has too many tricks up her sleeves. I suggest we look her files over very carefully after we’ve taken care of Kindra.”
You’re probably right, Thunder.
“I have a problem, Prowler. My bulk is too big to navigate safely between the asteroids in this system. I have already shed most of the useless modules but it is not enough. If I am going to make it to your base, I am going to have to blast a corridor right up to your doorstep.”
Do it. Even though the asteroid has come to feel like home, I don’t think we’ll be returning. Speaking of which, I’d better contact White Fox to let him know we’re bringing guests home.
“You’d better use your telegem so that Jerod doesn’t overhear. He wasn’t in a good mood when Stealth and I left. If he finds out we’re bringing the Federation home, he’s likely to do something stupid.”
Thanks Dawna.
[ED] I’ve entered White Fox’s side of the conversation as best I can remember it, as well as a description of what he was experiencing in order to make this section of the log a bit more understandable. [ED]
White Fox, can you hear me?
“Yeah, I can hear you loud and clear.”
Good, I need you to run some errands for me. We’re about to come into orbit around the asteroid, and we’re bringing company with us.
“Swell.”
Where did you hear that word? Well, that can wait. Listen, we’re going to be transferring the people on the ship to the asteroid. We wouldn’t want them to find anything useful, now would we?
“I suppose not. What do you want me to do?”
All right, first go up to my floor.
[ED] White Fox made his way from the offices on the hangar deck to my floor. [ED]
“Now what do I do?”
Good, now go to the VR chamber entrance by the meeting room.
“Was that where...”
Yeah, that was where we woke Dawna up that morning. Now activate program 2415, authorization BR-1 code 282, shape-shifter.
“What did I do wrong? The computer just informed me that the program was canceled.”
Nothing. The system is constantly running a concealment program. If you look closely, there is another door set in the far wall. When you reach the keypad, enter the word “crossbow”. Did you make it in?
“Yes I did, but you could have warned me about the fake laser fire.”
Sorry, I forgot I’d added that program to scare Jerod if he ever made it to that point. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a way to shut it down, though I should have warned you. Now all you have to do is type the letters “CV”. That will copy all of the files in the mainframe onto a memory crystal and then completely erase the system.
“What does ‘clean up virus initiated and running’ mean?”
The virus is destroying the computer system. I worked hard to create those programs and I’ll be damned if I’ll let Crystal have them for free. Better to destroy the possibility with a cleanup virus.
[ED] White Fox took the memory crystal and left the computer room. What he likely noticed was that just about everything except the floor and the support columns were rapidly disappearing as the virus erased the holographic constructs. [ED]
Keep those files safe! They have all the asteroids programs, files, floor setup, VR programs, as well as any programs Jerod added while he was on the base. I’m sure Crystal would love to get her hands on them. The only things left are the items that we brought in with us. Which if I remember correctly are Dare’s tree, trophies and an old chair, my books and magazines, coffine table, Tex, and your weapons. Oh, and the stuff that Jerod brought with him. Some clothing, a recipe book, and a VR program disk. Come to think of it you should probably get that disk as well. Who knows what is on it, but it’s always best to clean up before guests arrive.
“Prowler, are you still there?”
[ED] I had lapsed into silence due to the fact that there was a buzzing sensation in my mind. [ED]
Ah, sorry about that. I just felt something strange, like someone listening in on our conversation. I’d better warn you that Crystal has some unusual people working for her and at least one of them can teleport so you’d better expect to have a visitor before we arrive. Knowing, Crystal it’s a sure thing. Once you get Jerod’s files, go to the landing bay and wait for us. If anyone shows up, don’t hesitate to kill him or her if necessary. We can’t let them get our files! We’ll be landing soon, so try and hold out until we get there. As soon as we’re close enough, I’ll send Stealth down to help you.
“We’re close enough now. I’m on my way, milord.”
What?
“Did you know that you talk out loud when you’re communicating telepathically?”
No, I didn’t realize that, I guess I’m just going to have to be more careful. I hope Crystal doesn’t have any listening devices in here!
“There are no listening devices, but Crystal’s teleporter left shortly before your dragon friend.”
I hope White Fox can hold on until we get there.
“If he has any fighting or survival talent, he should be able to hold out, since I am initiating docking protocol now.”
End Log
Entry 158
Welcome to LP-1, Crystal.
“So this is the famed Shadow Base. I must say I’m impressed. I don’t suppose you have decided to give me my files before I depart?”
Here you go, one data crystal containing a copy of all your files. Remember that’s only a copy and we still have the original files. Don’t do anything stupid or I’ll be forced to use your files against you.
“Black mail?”
“You’d better believe it, baby cakes. Just because you claim to represent freedom and justice doesn’t mean you always will.”
“Ha ha! So you, an ex-space racer, a pacifist washout, and a pirate are planning on telling me how to lead a proper life? Now that’s funny”
“Oh Crystal, before you go I’d just like to shake your hand.”
“Urg.”
“Problem?”
“No problem. None whatsoever.”
Was that really necessary?
“Yes it was, the stupid bitch almost killed me with her little VR link. She deserved a lot more than that, but I was in a good mood so I didn’t squeeze hard enough to actually break her only good hand. But she knows I could have.”
End Log
Entry 159
“All right, now that our guests are all aboard the Asteroid I can shed a bit more useless weight.”
Good once you finish we’ll go over the checklist one last time.
“It’s done.”
All right let me see, internal gravity system? Well, I’m not floating around so check. Life support, I’m breathing and relatively comfortable so I guess that’s working.
“You know that you’re just wasting time?”
Of course I know that. I’ve teleported everything I own aboard already and I’ve finished editing my log so all I have to do until the rest of the Runners are ready to go is sit and wait. Now as I was saying, next up is cargo. Shadow, do we have any cargo?
“There is a computer disk that Crystal left behind. Just a moment and I’ll transfer it to your station.”
Oh my, “Babes of the Federation a completely interactive virtual reality simulator. This disk is the property of Jerod Krej.” It seems Jerod is in quite a bit of trouble if Crystal saw this. You know I think this will fit in nicely with Crystal’s files. Speaking of which Shadow, would you make me a copy so that I can keep it with my own files?
“Only if you allow me to copy that VR program disk for mine.”
Fine by me, any other cargo?
“No other cargo, but there is a prisoner in the brig.”
Prisoner? Why does Crystal have a prisoner here?
“According to the files she is a spy working for Crystal. It seems Kindra found the Federation base by capturing Crystal’s husband. Wayne, Crystal’s teleporter, was sent to save him. He accidentally brought her back as a prisoner by mistake before Dawna arrived to take command of the ship.”
How interesting, it seems the leader of the Federation has some skeletons in her closet. I get the feeling we will have to deal with her at some point.
Why is she in the brig?
“Unknown. I only know what has been typed into the computer logs. No one gave a reason for her being placed there. If I may venture a possible scenario, Crystal may have planned on having the agent escaping at some point in order to resume her duties with Kindra. However, now that you have found the exp. 39 Crystal no longer needs the agent. So she conveniently forgot that she’s here. Speaking of Crystal, it seems she’s causing problems for your teammates.”
Put it on the screen.
“And I don’t care what you think! I want to see Prowler now!”
Oh great, I recognize that peace of paper she’s waving around. Dawna is not going to be happy, unless I can figure out a loophole in my contract. Wait, it doesn’t specify whom our liaison is he or she just has to be a member of the Federation!
“Attention! Eh hem, attention as second in command of the mercenary group known as the Shadow Runners I hereby fire Jerod from the position as Federation liaison. Due to this termination of employment, there is now an opening available. We are going off to fight Kindra, and we may not live through the experience. However the alternative is to remain here on this rather empty asteroid until you can get a transport to come and take you somewhere else. Remember the job could be a suicide mission. Does anyone want to volunteer?”
“I’ll go.”
Do you have any information on that person, Shadow?
“According to the crew files he is known as Aaron Tristam. Apparently he’s a former member of the command crew. The file mentions that he has unique abilities, but none are listed. He is also married to the woman in the brig.”
Tristam, that name seems familiar. What is his wife’s name?”
“Mirage Tristam.”
Mirage, I think I met her during my time aboard the Malevolent but I’d have to check my logs to be sure. So what about his mental health reports and feelings about non-human life forms?
“He is known to have had many disagreements with Crystal’s decisions, although none of them have been stated publicly. I believe it would be safe to assume that Crystal and Aaron do not get along very well. As for his feelings toward other life forms you’ll have to take your chances since Crystal doesn’t require that information.”
Perfect, I think I’ll go down and welcome our new liaison aboard.
Hello Crystal, I hear you’ve been making trouble down here? Mr. Tristam I hereby welcome you to the Shadow Runners as our new liaison. Go on up and make yourself comfortable. We’ll be leaving shortly.
“Here you are commander, I believe you wanted this?”
Did you have any trouble?
“Yes, Jerod and some other weird guy tried to steal the files but their plans were foiled. Strangely enough, when Jerod’s loyalty was in question he swore allegiance to Crystal Image. I’m certain she’s the one that wanted your files in the first place.”
I’m sure you’re right. Go on up into the ship. You’ve done an excellent job. Wouldn’t you agree, Crystal?
“Two minutes to blast off! Everyone get aboard or risk losing your seat.”
Just remember, Ms. Image, I have your files. As soon as this business with Kindra is over I’m going to look over them very thoroughly and if there is anything I don’t like I’m going to make sure every one in the galaxy knows about it.
“I am closing the hold doors please, step back commander.”
“She reminds me of someone, but who is it? This is driving me crazy.”
You know something, Dawna; I’m starting to get that same feeling.
“Commander, what heading should I set?”
Our first destination will be Vesuvia. My contacts there should be able to pinpoint Kindra’s current position.
End Log
Entry 160
“Well, there she goes. You know, even though it was only a temporary base it sure felt like a place we could call home.”
I haven’t had a real home since I left Accordia, but I know what you mean. It’s like we’re going out to put down a mad dog and left the fox to watch the fowlen coup.
“Hey, I resent the insinuation that Crystal could in anyway be related to my species!”
Oops, sorry about that, White Fox. Perhaps I should have compared her to a hissing dran instead.
“You know, in all of my travels I’ve never heard of a hissing dran.”
I’m not surprised, it’s only found on one planet that I know of. The inhabitants call them snakes or serpents but they aren’t really related to any other known species. Just think of a poisonous snake with brightly colored fur.
“Well people, let’s get to work. We’ve got to find Kindra before she stirs up any more trouble. That way we can get back here to take care of that hissing dran.
“Commander Prowler, could I speak with you for a moment?”
Yeah, Aaron, go ahead.
“I am pleased to be with you all, but I didn’t come on board for political reasons. Before we landed on the asteroid, I heard that there was a person in the brig, my wife Mirage, I would dearly love to see her again. She was working as a spy but some how she returned without my knowledge.”
Yes, I know. We’re not entirely sure what happened before Shadow took control to the ships systems but he had one of his robotic doctors move Mirage to the infirmary. Shadow, if you’d be so kind as bring up the image on one of the view screens.
“Look what they’ve done to her! I knew this would happen! I tried to warn her.”
Calm down, she’s perfectly fine. According to Shadow she should be up and around in a few hours. I would have had her removed to the asteroid but I only discovered her presence a few minutes before you volunteered to become our new liaison. After we’ve finished with Kindra, I’ll return the two of you to the asteroid.
“No, I’m not going back there! May Crystal Image rot in hell.”
What?
“I will never serve under Crystal Image ever again. She is evil incarnate!”
“Ooo, I like that. It fits this feeling I have about her perfectly.
Dawna hush, so what’s wrong with her? Besides the obvious, of being pompous and an irritating pain in the ass, of course?
“Didn’t you see what she did to your former liaison?”
Let’s see his eyes were bloodshot, he had a bit of drool on his chin, and a vacant stare. Nope he seemed normal to me.
“Wrong, I was there she used her mind control powers to erase his mind.”
Mind control!
“She’s a psychopath, the only reason people serve her is because they are more afraid of Kindra, and because Crystal often pulls their strings like some omnipotent puppet master.”
“Sounds like someone else we all know and hate, only Kindra uses fear and her form of mind control.”
“In many ways Crystal is worse than Kindra. Just look at what she did to my wife! She sent her out against her will. Crystal kills people on a whim but it is all kept secret since anyone that knows about it gets the event erased from their mind. The only reason that I know the truth is because I have abilities that allow me to resist mind control. That’s why I was a member of her inner council. That way she could keep close tabs on me.”
“Sorry to interrupt but we’ve reached Vesuvia, where do you want to go from here?”
Maybe we should turn back . . .
“Prowler, I’m picking up a transmission directed to you from Accordia.”
On screen!
“Prowler . . . meet at . . . know you will come . . . I have changed . . . ways . . . if you . . . not trust . . . will soon be gone . . .”
“That’s all I can make out. It seems she is using the old communications network rather than the hyper net.”
Shadow, jump to Accordia.
“But Prowler, you know this has to be a trap! As soon as we come out of altered space she’ll have a nasty surprise waiting for us!”
Yes Thunder, I realize that, but there’s nothing else we can do. I don’t want to risk losing the lives of the people of Accordia. Besides, we have a little surprise of our own.
“As you wish, commander.”
“Arm all weapons.”
“One ship? She only brought one ship? Dawna, I thought you said she attacked you and the Federation base with tree ships?”
“She did, this is not her normal style, I’m betting she has a whole squadron of destroyers hidden behind the planet. Be alert, anything could happen now.”
“The super cannon is in place and fully extended. I require Prowler’s verbal command in order to fire.”
“Prowler! Snap out of it, it’s game time and Kindra is here!”
Kindra. Shadow, prime the cannon but wait for my command to fire.
“Humans, they never listen.”
“Something is very wrong here, shouldn’t she be attacking if this was a trap?”
“I say we blow here away right now.”
No, let’s wait a see what she wants.
“Why wait, we all know she’s a psychopath. If anyone should know that it’s you and me. Look what she did to us. Look! This has to end and that can only happen if she is dead!”
“Commander, we are being hailed, should I open a channel?”
Yes.
“You came.”
Yes, did you really expect anything else?
“I’ve asked you to come here, because there is something very important I have to say. I’m sorry for everything that I’ve done and I wish to surrender to you.”
“Ah hahahahahahahah, that’s a good one, now tell us another.”
“No, I’m serios I want to surrender.”
“Why, would you want to surrender?”
“I have seen the error of my ways. I’ve woken up from a very deep and dark sleep, just as you have, Dawna.”
“I don’t get it, she isn’t acting like the Kindra that Mirage described to me.”
That makes two of us.
“I know why she’s doing this. She’s afraid. We have the super cannon and she knows it’s the end of her rule. If she surrenders, she’ll have to go before the few remaining intergalactic courts, and you know the way they work. Once she is in custody we’ll be forced to destroy the super cannon and then while the courts are arguing over what her punishment should be, she’ll escape and return to her old tricks. You’re not fooling me, sister. You forget I’m wise to your tricks.”
“No, you don’t understand, none of this has been my fault. I didn’t do anything of my own volition. I’ve been under Crystal Image’s control for most of my life!”
“Could it be true?”
“No it isn’t, she obviously got to Mirage and learned about Crystal from her!”
I . . .
“I understand, Prowler, do what you have to do. My only wish is for you to destroy not just the weapon but the one that wielded it as well, Laurenpan out.”
Fire. Oh no.
“What’s happening!”
“Cannon misfire.”
“Eject it!”
“Time barrier breach!”
Dawna . . .
“Prowler . . .”
Log Ends
Entry 161 (RA 2043.7/PA 30.1) (RA 2024/PA 21.5)
Damn, I don’t know where we are; or more importantly, when we are. Stealth was the first Runner to wake up and he decided to wake me up next. Which, considering I had shifted into my tiger form, was rather brave of him. It seems something about or trip has caused my shifting ability to reemerge. I’ve changed form several times just to be certain I wasn’t form locked in my tiger form. Now I understand why the other Shendrians fear being form locked. The shear exhilaration is indescribable.
Anyway, it seems I wasn’t the only one affected. Dawna has also shifted to her animal form. I was rather surprised to find that she isn’t a lioness, like her sister. Instead she is a species that I’m unfamiliar with. She has extremely large canine teeth and a stubby tail. When I get the chance I’m going to check the evolver files to see if there are any species like her in it’s genetic database. I didn’t wake her since this is most likely her first shift. This wouldn’t be a good place or time for her to begin that journey especially considering that every electronic system aboard the ship is fried including our cybernetic limbs. I’ve put her in a hyper sleep capsule until I can get her to Hollow Base.
Oh, when I said that the electronic systems were fried it only applied to those systems that were online when we fired the cannon. I had to destroy my headset in order to get my log crystal out, so now I’m using a simple autolog once again. I’ll pick up my spare headset when we get to Hollow Base. I’ve ordered Stealth to power up a couple shuttles, the racers, and my fighter so that we can evacuate. The ship is falling apart by the second and I’ve got to get everyone out of here. I’ve teleported to the infirmary and picked up two stimulant injections and Mirage and now I’m teleporting up to the bridge again. I’ve injected Mirage and Aaron so they should be waking up in a couple minutes. I’m waking Dare and White Fox using the telegem.
“Oh man, what a nightmare I thought that . . . Oh my God!”
“Yow! My aching head, who hit me?”
No time for that now White Fox, I’m teleporting you down to the hangar bay. Did you learn how to pilot a racer?
“Yeah, it was one of the few times I enjoyed Jerod’s classes, why?”
Help Stealth power them up and link their controls to the shuttle. I’m going back for Thunder and Dare.
“Hold it right there, Mr. Dacat. By order of Supreme Chancellor Crystal Image, I hereby place you under arrest.”
Mirage, now I recognize you. I trained to be Kindra’s top spy, didn’t I? I hate to tell you this, but Crystal pardoned my entire group when we joined forces. Now, if you’ll excuse me, we’ve got to get out of here before the ship falls apart. Dare, I’ll be right back. I’m taking Thunder down to the shuttle first so that his programming can’t be altered.
White Fox, why are the racers still here? Once you’ve slaved their controls to the shuttle, launch them. Wait a minute I’m going to put Thunder in his racer. That way there’ll be more room aboard the shuttle. All right, now you can launch the racers. I’m going back up to get Dare.
“It’s about time you got back! Those two Feddies just took off. They said they’d meet us on the hangar deck! They . . . they just slipped through the floor like they were ghosts!”
I guess we’d better get down there before they can. By the way, where did you store your stuff from the Asteroid?
“In my racer, I also put White Fox’s stuff there, why?”
I needed to know so that I won’t be searching for it. Here we are, that shuttle there is the one we’re taking. The one over there is the one for our federation friends. Now I’m headed back up to get my stuff. It’ll only take three trips. Just make sure the “Feddies” don’t get aboard our shuttle.
“I’ll do my best.”
Make that one more trip up and back, I’m going to leave my coffine table. Tex, didn’t survive the trip. Have our friends arrived yet?
“Not yet, I figure it will take them a while to get here. Remember, Shadow rearranged everything.”
Good, as soon as I get back you’ll be able to launch.
“Listen you can’t stop us from going with you! According to your contract you are required to have a Federation Liaison!”
“Mirage, I don’t want to be a part of the Federation anymore.”
“Aaron, Love, the only way we can deal with Crystal is if we continue to work within the government.”
That contract is no longer valid.
“P’sha, the only way the contract can be invalidated is with a unanimous vote by your group, and from the look of it you’re a couple members short.”
Aaron and Mirage Tristam, as commander of the Shadow Runner organization I hereby call for a vote of disbanding. Dare, what is your vote?
“I agree, the Shadow Runners in its current form is disbanded.”
Good, now get out of here.
“Consider me gone, Prowler.”
“Hey, what are you doing!”
Now that Dare has launched you can’t leave aboard our shuttle.
“But you can’t do that!”
Here’s a copy of the contract you keep referring to. If you want to take the time to read it, you’ll find that the decision to disband the group only requires the unanimous vote of the “original” team members. That would be Dare and myself. Now unless you want to die with this ship I suggest you get out of here. Your shuttle, right over there, is all prepared. If you launch now I’ll be able to cover you until you make the jump to altered space.
“Crystal will hear of this.”
I don’t have a problem with that. Just as long as you tell her if she doesn’t behave herself I’ll hunt her down just as I did Kindra.
End Log
Entry 162
Hey Dare, have you figured out where we are?
“Yes, but you’re not going to like it.”
What I like isn’t important, where are we?
“You see that desolate planet?”
Yeah.
“As far as I can tell from my star charts . . . it’s Accordia.”
What? No, that’s impossible.
“I can tell that it’s been like that for quite a while. We both know that when the cannon fired we broke the time barrier. We’ve been gone a very long time. So long if fact our star charts are no longer valid. Whatever happened down there I’m sure . . .”
Save it, Aaron and Mirage just jumped to altered space. Set course for Vesuvia before they can return. I’ll find out what happened to Accordia once we reach Hollow Base. We can make it to Vesuvia, right?
“That’s a short jump, so we should make it. However, to be safe, I’m setting our exit vector for the outermost limit of the system. After that, we’ll get our bearings and jump the rest of the way in.
That sounds good. I’m tired of the whole dead thing at the moment.
“OH SHIT! That was too close. A moment longer in altered space and we’d have dropped out inside the moon killing us instantly! Right, now that I’ve gotten us here safely, would you like to tell me where this, Hollow Base, you keep mentioning is located?”
I want you to slave the shuttle and the racers to my starfighter and I’ll take us to Hollow Base.
“Are you insane? You’re heading straight toward the moon’s surface! You’ll kill us all!”
Surprise, welcome to Hollow Base. Whoa more time has passed than I thought. My star cruiser looks completed. So, I’ll be landing the ships there.
“Hey, Stealth just took off.”
That’s fine he’s been here before. Begin landing sequence.
“So what are we going to do now?”
Well, to begin with, you and White Fox will be taking your racer out to the main complex while Dawna and I spend some time in an evolver chamber.
“What!”
Look, you may not have noticed but my prosthetic limb was destroyed. So I’m going to use an evolver chamber to regenerate my arm.
“And you figured since Dawna always seems to act a bit nutty after being knocked out, you could regenerate her limbs, as well as her mind, in the chamber.”
Yeah, something like that. Now, I’m sure you two would prefer to spend your time exploring the new base. After all, there’s a lot more here to explore than there was back at Shadow Base.
“I want to go and explore the wilderness area on the moon’s inner surface! It looks like a wonderful place to live!”
We’ve named that area, The Park, since the habitat areas are buried beneath it.
“We? Who else knows about this base?”
What, you can’t figure it out for yourself? The Accordia Defense League uses this place as their base.
“All right then, contact us when you’ve finished with your regeneration. Oh, by the way, can I use the facilities here to make some improvements on my racer? After all it is obvious you have a fully functional shipyard and it has been ages since I last has a chance to give her a bit of attention.”
Fine by me. After all when we leave, we’ll be traveling primarily aboard this star cruiser.
“Yeah I figured as much. All right then, we’ll see you later.”
End Log
Entry 163
Well that’s it. What modern medicine couldn’t do to regenerate my arm, I’ve done using technology older than the first Great War. It feels rather strange having two real arms again. I guess it’s probably all in my mind since the prosthetic was just as real. Anyway, I’ve finished the regeneration process. It only took two hours to complete. I’ve moved Thunder’s body to the robotic repair bay, but there isn’t anything I can do. I’d hoped that he could be repaired since he was operating from the memcrystal. Unfortunately the crystal was shattered so there’s no way for me to bring him back online.
I’ve contacted Dare and White Fox, through the telegem, and told them I was going down to Vesuvia to talk to Arlen. I’m sure he’s still there, no matter how much time has passed. I’m going to find out what happened to Accordia, as well as the rest of the galaxy, since we left. Obviously they’re enjoying what the base has to offer, since they didn’t volunteer to join me. I don’t know how long we’ve been gone or what the current situation is so I’m taking Thunder’s racer instead of my starfighter. After all, the racer is unarmed and unlikely to draw attention.
End Log
Entry 164
Damn, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the truly awful effect this place has when the smells first hit me. Well, I guess some things never change. The Bazaar is the same as the first time I visited this hellhole except some of the shop names have changed.
“Please sir, just a few credits for an orphan.”
I’m sorry, but I’m not carrying any credits at the moment. Now, will you please return my wallet and ID? I may be able to give you something once I’ve completed my business at the Sundowner. Thanks, now run along, and tell your friends that there’s no need to try and pick my pockets.
“Lakshaya!”
Yeah, sure kid. Well, here I am back at the place where my life as Prowler the Homeless One began. Wow! It’s crowded considering the time of day. It seems Arlen has entertainers working all day long now. I thought I’d get here early and have a chat, oh well. There isn’t any place to sit so I guess I’ll just wait until a place opens up at the bar.
“How can I serve you?”
I’ll have a Ghost Source.
“I don’t think we serve that here.”
Never mind, I see a place has opened up at the bar so, I’ll get it from Arlen.
“Very well.”
“Hey Kid, what can I get for yah?”
How about a Ghost Source and a bit of conversation?
“I don’t know where you heard about that drink but we don’t serve it anymore.”
Then I’ll have ice water, in one of the clean glasses, if you please.
“I’ll have to see your credits to get that for you.”
Arlen, don’t you recognize me?
“Yeah, you’re some kid who’s dug through an illegal archive and decided to take on the guise of Prowler the Homeless One. Never mind the fact that he’s been dead for the last 2013 years. Just so you know, Prowler had a false arm. Now, you can go out and hack your arm off to look more authentic, or you can order something. Either way is fine with me; so long as you’re spending credits, or clearing out for someone who will be spending credits.”
Two thousand years? We’ve jumped two thousand years? Oh my God! Sure I thought a couple hundred years maybe, but two thousand?
“Are you going to spend any credits or am I going to have to have you kicked out? The next show is starting.”
All right Arlen, you think I’m an imitation? Well then, just how many Prowler imitators have a shard from your telegem of Luck? Or for that matter have the strength of will to bond with Reaper’s telegem of Knowledge and Wisdom?
“Prowler? That’s impossible! You died when the Victory’s super cannon misfired.”
What do you mean misfired? We hit our target. The cannon’s recoil blasted us through time.
“No, it was a misfire. Not long after your disappearance Kindra released a message telling her supporters to fight against Crystal Image. She told them that she was going away; but one day she would return to defeat Crystal. And I just have to say, what with the Impirium the way it is, I was hoping she would return.”
Things are that bad?
“You’d better believe it. A lot has happened in the last two millenniums.”
“Everybody remain calm, this is a surprise inspection. Please present your citizenship cards as you exit the cantina. Sorry Arlen, but we’ve had reports of strange events in the sector recently and the high command has ordered the inspections. Please have the papers on your slaves prepared by the time we’ve cleared the cantina. ”
What’s going on?
“The Imperiam has initiated mass deportations of beings, returning them to their planet of origin unless they get citizenship papers from the planetary government. The only other way to remain on a planet is if you’re a slave. I don’t actually have any slaves but I have papers saying I do. My problem is that T’yer is a Snarion and the Imperiam has decreed that any Snarion has to be executed.”
Well then, we’d better manufacture some fake papers. Fill in his home planet as being Shendria and that I’m his owner; use the name Prowler Lightstripe as my name. I’m currently simulating a citizen identification card for myself.
“Where’d you get the card?”
I lifted it off of a pickpocket outside. He had several so I doubt he’ll miss one.
“What species?”
Human, but he had a lingering scent of fox.
“That would have been my adopted son, Umbral. He’s from Celtis Aranaki but he could just as easily fit in on Shendria. Did he get away with anything?”
I wasn’t carrying anything to begin with.
“Sir, I’ve got two humans in this booth that are unconscious.”
“Do they have their citizenship cards in view?”
“Yes sir.”
“Then leave them. Arlen do you have papers on that musician? He looks like he’s a Snarion, and you know it’s illegal to have one even as a slave. If he is Snarion I’m required to kill him on the spot.”
Have you finished those papers?
“Yeah here.”
That performer belongs to me, sir.
“And who are you?”
I’m Prowler Lightstripe, and my slave is T’yer, a Shendrian. They share many characteristics you know.
“Why is he dressed like a Snarion Guardian?”
For effect, Sir. Who would come to watch a slave from some backwater world? No one, so I dress him as a Snarion and suddenly everyone wants to watch the show.
“Sir, his genetic scan confirms that he’s Snarion.”
“I suggest you tell me who you are and why you’re trying to help that Snarion or I’ll be force to kill you as well.”
I am Lord Prowler Lightstripe of Shendria; formerly Prowler the Homeless One, as well as Tigris Dacat of Accordia and Snarion Guardian with a rank of class four. T’yer, kar’vath marna klanam!
“What!”
I suggest you drop your gun; otherwise, I’ll kill you as well.
“You can’t do this, I’m an officer of the Imperiam. By killing that soldier you’ve signed your own death warrant. By now an Imperiam cruiser is in orbit and an entire regiment will be here in a matter of minutes. There is no way to escape!”
That’s what you think.
“Arrrg!”
“Sorry, but I couldn’t let him live knowing of Shendria. Now I expect you to explain yourself before you die as well! And don’t try anything stupid, my partner is also covering you.”
If what that soldier said is true, I don’t have time for this. Arlen, who is this bunny?
“He calls himself Spike and his partner is Chaos. They’re the current Shendrian representatives here.”
“Arlen, that’s treason!”
Is everyone here trustworthy?
“Yes.”
Then I’ll prove I am who I said I am!
I hate to ruin another uniform so soon but shifting this is the quickest way to prove my claim.
“Lord Nightiger!”
“Lord Lightstripe!”
“What?”
In this form one of you recognizes me as being of the Lightstripe blood. However, because my black fur with white stripes, any Snarion will see me as their legendary savior Tanth Nightiger. Now I suggest you go back to being unconscious and human. Arlen, how is it possible for the Imperiam to get a cruiser here so quickly?
“They took control of the hyper net and created a jump engine that allowed a ship to teleport through the jump net. I’ve tried to sabotage it but I can’t shut it down.”
I bet I know someone who can. I’ve got to get back up into orbit to stop that ship from attacking the city. Can you handle things here?
“Yeah, just get going, oh and you’d better take T’yer with you I don’t think I’ll be able to cover for him. There’s a secret exit tunnel I built in the basement.”
Thanks to my gem, I have a quicker mode of travel. T’yer take my hand and we’ll be here at the landing platform. Now, you stay here I don’t want you getting hurt and where I’m heading that is a definite possibility.
“I don’t care. Where you go, I go. After all, I’ll be safer with you than on my own.”
Just don’t blame me once we’re dead.
[ED] I contacted Dare and told him to shut down the hypernet satellite over Vesuvia through the gem. He in turn told me he discovered some interesting things that had been left on ice at the base. I didn’t have time for his rambling about something I’d left in the refrigeration unit. I told him that I was going to run the gauntlet and pull the Fireshadow maneuver only I didn’t intend to pull out. I needed him to get the shuttle out into space so that I could teleport over to it. [ED]
“I don’t know what you’re doing but that cruiser is aiming its cannons straight at us!”
That’s what we want. Hold on, this could get tricky until my backup gets here.
“How long will that take!”
Only a few more minutes.
“This is Blade Hunter to Ghost, abort Fireshadow maneuver and run for the planet. You don’t want to be in our blast zone!”
Rusty, is that you?
“Dive now, you idiot! We’re packing a super cannon of our own and we’re about to fire!”
[ED] I immediately dove toward the planet engaging the racer's booster engines along with the planet's gravity to increase the speed. The blast wave flipped the racer several times and when it had passed I was blasting back out for deep space. [ED]
Rusty, I’ve got a problem here. Everything is jammed and I’m rapidly exiting the system.
“All right, I see you but I can’t get this thing fast enough to . . .”
“Don’t worry about it, I’ll get him.”
What the hell!
“What is that?”
That’s my ship, the Shadow Runner, but it’s programmed so that I’m the only one that can fly it!
“Sorry about that Dad. I guess I got to be the one to take her out on her maiden voyage.”
Trace, have you matched our speed?
“Yes, now I’m going to try to get a tractor beam on you. Hopefully the engines will . . . No Dad!”
It’s all right, I’m right here. I knew the racer would explode if you tried to stop it. The boosters were stuck open and by locking a tractor beam on it you created a chain reaction that ignited the fuel tank.
“So Dad, I bet you weren’t expecting to see me like this.”
Well, you’re not a kid anymore that’s for sure.
“Well yeah, physically I’m closer to twenty two years old but what really matters is that you’re still alive! Oh Dad, I missed you so much.”
I’ve missed you too.
“Now that I’m older you’ve got to let me join the Shadow Runners. I’m not going to just let you take off without me again.”
I won’t be leaving you again, but I think I’d better tell you that I’ve disbanded the Shadow Runners. Though I get the feeling we may have to create a new team.
“Hello, if you’re done up there, would you please open the main landing bay doors so that we can come aboard as well?”
Oh sorry about that Rusty, landing bay is opening now.
“Thanks, Blade Hunter out.”
“It probably isn’t my place to interrupt; but I really should point out that there are a great many beings down on the planet who are in emanate danger due to your actions up here.”
Thanks for reminding me. Trace, I’m leaving you in charge here. We can exchange stories later but right now I’ve got to get back down to the planet.
“Yeah, I understand, I’m sure I’ll be able to handle everything here. Though I suggest you take Tye with you. He’s an expert at piloting the Hunter’s hover tank and if it’s as bad as your friend is suggesting then you may need the extra support. Now get going, people are counting on you, as usual.”
Yes sir.
Tye, you’re coming with me. Where’s Rusty?
“I don’t know, as soon as we landed he took off like he had an appointment to keep.”
Nature, that means you’ll be taking his place. Everyone else, make your-selves at home. We’ll catch up on old times when we get back.
“Where are we heading in such a hurry?”
I left a mess behind at the Sundowner and we need to clean it up.
“Lord Lightstripe, wait for me. I’ve got to pick up some personal items that I left behind.”
Man, you can move fast! I didn’t think it was possible to get from the bridge to the hanger bay that rapidly without teleporting. All right then, let’s go.
End Log
Entry 165
“So Dad, just what did you do this time?”
“I killed an Imperiam soldier, I’m Snarion, your father saved me, and now Arlen may be the one that ends up paying the price for our actions.”
I doubt that, Arlen knows more tricks that any of us could ever imagine. So T’yer, what is this crap about the Imperiam executing all Snarions on sight?
“Three years ago the Imperiam sent soldiers to Snarion. They exterminated every Guardian and took every adult captive. I guess they didn’t realize that we had a double stage life cycle so they left all of us cubs behind. I was the first cub to become an adult. I watched over the others until more of them came of age. Then I spent a year rebuilding an old Fyretech Firebyrd shuttle. When it was completed I set out in search of Tanth Nightiger. Unfortunately, the shuttle didn’t hold up as well as I had hoped and I only made it as far as Vesuvia. Since then I’ve been there working for Arlen, reconstructing my shuttle, and hiding from the immigration soldiers. I thought I’d had it until you came along. Where did you learn to speak Snarion?”
I learned Snarion at the same time I learned Accordan and Shendrian. Believe it or not I really am Prowler the Homeless One. Now, we’ve almost arrived. Tye, you’d better get back to the tank. I want you covering the Bazaar. Nature, you take the controls I’m going down to the Sundowner. Once I’ve teleported I want you to take T’yer to his ship. If he can get the parts he needs from the spares on Hunter then help him get it repaired. If not, lock a tractor beam on it and tow it back to town where we can get it fixed. Once you get back I want you to fly cover. All right everybody, here we go.
Hey Arlen, I’m back, any trouble while I was gone?
“You there, freeze!”
[ED] The Cantina was packed with soldiers and I decided that I was severely under armed to fight them all. [ED]
In this heat? You must be joking? If you want me then you’re going to have to come and get me!
[ED] I dashed out the door before they could gun me down. Tye was waiting with both cannons powered up. [ED]
Now, I suggest you drop your weapons or my friend here will reduce all of you to a fine mist.
“Hah, he wouldn’t attempt it with you in the line of fire!”
True, but who says I’m going to be staying here?
“If you move then we’ll fire!”
[ED] Several troopers slipped back into the cantina so I teleported in to keep them company. [ED]
“Leaving the party so soon?”
“Please don’t shoot! Look we’re dropping our weapons.”
I should have known you’d have things under control in here, Arlen.
“Yes, you should have. Now what are we going to do with these troopers?”
“I say we kill them now!”
You’re from Celtis Aranaki, a member of the Wolf Clan; I’m surprised Arlen allowed you to work here.
“That’s right, and you’re Prowler the Great One. You were responsible for the death of our first cub. Fast Claw was the bravest of us all but she never returned from battle. And you’re responsible for that. I should kill you now!”
“Cloud, lower your weapon. You’ve seen Prowler’s log of those events and you know your daughter left Celtis Aranaki with Kindra.”
“We know that, but Prowler then killed Kindra over Accordia along with Fast Claw.”
“Hunter, Kindra sent out a message after that incident that proved that she was still alive. I’m sure your daughter was with her.”
“So what is he going to do with our prisoners?”
I’m going to march them back to their barracks and then I’m going to send a message to the Imperiam. I’m going to take it down just like I took down Kindra.
“Hey kid, when you leave I want you to take some people with you. They’ll be safer in your care than if they remain here.”
Arlen, I’m not on some sort of pleasure cruise here. I’m talking about starting a one-man war.
“So make them members of the Shadow Runners.”
I disbanded the Runners.
“So, create a new group. Listen, I know I’ll be safe since both the Dreanna Skree and the Vesuvians are on my side. Not to mention nearly every one of these soldiers spend nearly every minute of their off time in here. Trust me, they’ll conveniently forget that I had anything to do with you. But the people they are employed to arrest aren’t that safe.”
Fine, I’ll take some people off your hands; as a matter of fact I think I know of a place where they’ll be safe.
“Prowler, T’yer has the parts he needs and should be returning soon. I’m currently flying cover, but you should know there are more troops moving your way.”
Nature, I want you to land in the center of the Bazaar, take it slow so that everyone can get out of the way. Arlen has some people that’ll be joining us. Now then, you soldiers about face and march. Tye, we’re coming out if anyone tries anything just shoot them. Don’t worry about me I’ll be able to teleport out of the way.
“I read you.”
All right all of you, let’s head for your barracks. I’ve got a message to send to your leaders.
End Log
Entry 166
I’ve contacted Dare and he’s ready to broadcast my message.
“Prowler, I’ve gotten everyone aboard and I’m ready to head out. All I need is to pick up Tye and the hover tank.”
Has T’yer finished fixing his ship yet?
“Yes and he’s here with me now.”
Good, I want the two of you to fly over here and pick up Tye and the tank. When I’ve finished I’ll return to the base with T’yer.
“Got it, we’re on our way.”
Now, who’s in charge of this facility?
“That would be me, you worthless scum.”
Nice to meet you, You. Allow me to introduce myself, I’m Commander Prowler Lightstripe of the Shadow Runners. I was just wondering if you’d allow me to make some inflammatory remarks to the Imperiam leaders?
“As soon as you reactivate the hypernet satellite you’ll be destroyed.”
I doubt that. You see, You, the guy that’s in control of the satellite is the one who designed and built it. He has complete control of everything that enters and leaves this system. If any ship tries to jump to this location they’ll be transferred to another location in the net. Now, I want to send out a message and you’re going to help me.
“Why would I do that?”
Because if you don’t, I’ll broadcast my message from another location and then have Dare initiate the self-destruct on every hypernet satellite. Now, I’m sure you wouldn’t want your superiors to know that you were the one responsible for that type of action.
“Fine, Her Royal Highness the Great Image will destroy you anyway.”
So, it’s still a member of the Image dynasty pulling the strings? That’ll help immensely. Open the hyperlink to all satellites for a galaxy wide announcement.
“The link is open here, but you sill have to activate the satellite.”
“Hello citizens of the galaxy, after an extended vacation I’m pleased to bring you an exclusive announcement from the leader of the group formerly known as the Shadow Runners, Prowler the Homeless One!”
Thanks for the intro Dare. Yes citizens, you heard correctly, I’m Prowler. When our ship fired its super cannon the recoil propelled us through time. This is because the Evil Crystal Image had sabotaged the cannon. However, we have returned. I’ve been back less than a galactic standard day and already I’ve had to defend myself on countless occasions. When we defeated Kindra we thought our job was finished and that the galaxy would find peace. Instead we’ve returned to find a repressive regime has taken control. I promised Crystal Image that if she didn’t behave I’d find her and make her pay. Well it seems that I can’t make her pay but I promise you her descendant will. Mark this day for it is the beginning of a new War. I swear by my destroyed home of Accordia that I will not rest until the Imperiam has fallen and peace is finally established in this galaxy.
[ED] Dare contacted me to tell me that a message was being sent from the Imperiam’s high command. He had dealt with the ships but he wanted to know if I wanted him to allow the message to come through. I told him to splice it in so that everyone could hear what the High Command had to say. [ED]
“So, another pretender has decided to try and take the place of the pirate known as Prowler. I’ve dealt with your kind before and I will do so now. Look my citizens upon this pitiful imitation . . .”
Crystal, so you’ve found a way to beat the aging process. Let me guess you learned how to transfer your mind into other bodies. Oh don’t look surprised, of course I can tell it’s you in there.
“Ha hah, listen to him, he even believes that I am the Revered Crystal The First. See my citizens, he is truly mad.”
The Revered Crystal The First? My, we have a high opinion of that pompous windbag. I remember a time when she wasn’t so revered. Here, let me show you. This is an entry from my personal log, entry 156 to be exact. I warned your, Revered One, that if she didn’t behave I’d use her files against her.
“I don’t know where you found a copy of those illegal recordings but everyone knows they were a fake produced to encourage rebellion and dissention so it proves nothing.”
Oh, to the contrary, it proves everything. Tell me Crystal, who are the people more likely to believe? The High Commander of the Imperiam or a long lost freedom fighter who has come back from the dead to defeat you? After all, I didn’t come back alone. The people have already seen Darrin Fireshadow perhaps a few other familiar faces will help people to believe. Dare is there anyone up there that would like to say a few words?
“There is indeed.”
“Hello Crystal, remember me? No? Well I happen to be Rusty Darkmane, I’m the Commander of the Accordan Defense League. The Commander that successfully defeated you three times over Accordia and evacuated the planet before you could destroy it.”
“My name is Stayve and this is my brother Ryune, we are members of Commander Darkmane’s ADL and Prowler’s foster brothers. As you can see we’re not only from Snarion but Guardians to boot. From what I hear you’ve decided that our race is to be executed on sight. Well guess what, we don’t execute so easily.”
“I’m Quiver, Commander Prowler saved me today and this is my first chance to tell people what you’re really doing. You took me and my parents captive in your relocation project. But you didn’t take us home, instead you made us slaves in a secret project to expand your empire. I’m the only one that’s ever escaped but I’m telling you now I will fight to free every last slave you have.”
“My name is T’yer and I’m the last surviving Snarion Guardian. You killed my people and I will make you pay for that.”
As you can see Crystal, I have my old supporters and new people are joining me by the minute. The people of the galaxy are fed up with your tyranny. Your time as ruler is coming to an end. I suggest you pack your bags.
“Oh and one last thing, you haven’t paid your bill for using my hypernet so I am officially shutting down your link. Hypernet self destruct authorization code Broken Branch 138, Darrin Fireshadow, execute.”
So the war begins.
“What about us? You’ve cut us off from the Imperiam. How will we maintain order?”
I suggest you try to fit in with the other humans in the area. Work as security guards for the local establishments or in the mines. But if you try to push people around you’d better expect them to push back.
Come on T’yer, we’re leaving.
End Log
Entry 167
“Commander, what’s wrong?”
Huh? Oh, I was communicating with one of my teammates telepathically. I was just telling him to have everyone assembled on the hanger deck of the Shadow Runner when we arrive.
“I hope it isn’t far, this old ship won’t be able to make it through altered space again.”
It isn’t that far. I’m entering the coordinates into your computer.
“You want me to land on the moon’s surface?”
No, that section is just a holo-projection covering a hidden entrance to an underground base. So is there anything else you want to tell me about yourself?
“I’ve pretty much told you my story along with what has happened to the people on Snarion. All I left out was that there are a lot more of us that the Imperiam knows about. At the moment Hra’Ahl Sunchaser, a member of the Maned Clan, is in charge of the planet. That’s why I had to be in your broadcast. I had to let them know that I was alive and still searching for Tanth Nightiger.”
Would it surprise you if I said I know where he can be found?
“I’ve had so many surprises today that I doubt anything else could surprise me. Now, with that said, yes I am surprised since you said yourself that you just returned to this plane of existence today. Wow, this place is amazing, I wish I’d known about it when I first arrived in the system. It would have been easier landing here than making a crash landing on Vesuvia.”
Yeah, well this place is one of the best-kept secrets of the Shadow Runners and ADL. You already know where the Runner’s main landing bay is so just take us in. Ah, I see Dare has gotten everyone assembled. Oh God, what was Arlen thinking, most of these people are kids!
“I know most of those kids. They're a gang of pickpockets but don’t let that cloud your judgment. They are all seasoned fighters and survivors. The Imperiam wants each and every one of them. Arlen has been protecting them as best he can. He obviously thought they’d be safer here. He even sent his son with them, now that does surprise me.”
All right, I’ll trust your opinion, as a Guardian, and reserve my judgment until I get to know everyone. It they’re forming into groups, you should go and find a place while I speak with my teammates.
“It’s about time you got back! Imagine my surprise when I woke up and you weren’t hovering over my bedside.”
Dawna, what are you doing up? You shouldn’t be . . .
“Be standing here like this? Don’t worry Errant filled me in on everything. Don’t you think a First Shift of two thousand years is enough time to adapt?”
“Hey bud, I don’t want to interrupt but I suggest that you close your mouth. After all you’re impersonating a person of importance so you should at least look the part.”
Rusty . . . What are you doing with Thunder’s telegem?
“The truth is I don’t really know. When Trace picked us up, after that fight with the Imperiam cruiser, it was like someone else took control of me. One minute I was landing Blade and the next I found myself with Thunder’s body and I had this gem around my neck. I know what it is and where it came from since I listened to your logs but I don’t know why I was drawn to it the way I was. Though according to Errant she was drawn to Dawna in much the same way.”
I’m sure I’ll figure all this out soon enough. Right now everyone seems to be getting nervous and I’ve got too many things to do. Go and take your place with your teammates and I’ll try to sort this out.
All right everyone, it seems we’ve been thrown together and we’re going to have to make the best of it. Some of you know me personally. For those that don’t I am Lord Prowler Lightstripe. I’m sure you heard my broadcast to the Imperiam where I claimed to be Prowler, the Homeless One, leader of the Shadow Runners. That is both true and false, that was who I used to be. Those of you that have heard of me know what I’m talking about. For those that don’t know, I’ve been considered dead on several occasions. When that has happened I’ve always let that life die and I’ve started a new life. It seems that today the only part of that old life that has died is the part of me that denied who I truly am. Now, on to the fate of the Shadow Runners, earlier today the decision was made to disband the group. However, it seems that we are still needed so in a short time I will be interviewing anyone who wishes to join the New Shadow Runner team. Please, hold your questions until I have finished. For those of you who do not wish to follow me, I will make every effort to guarantee your safety until I can transport you to the destination of your choice.
Now, if you’ll follow me, I’ll give you a short tour of the ship's facilities and answer any questions. While we’re walking I want you to pair up. For the next couple of days you’ll be staying in the pilot’s barracks until I can assign you more permanent quarters. Before you begin to think I’m not being fair, I’m also going to be staying in the barracks area with you. I’ll be the last one to move to my own quarters.
End Log
Entry 168
Now then, we’ve arrived at the pilot’s barracks. This is the commons area. Here you can relax and get to know each other. As you can see there are plenty of comfortable seats spread around the room. However before you get the idea that you can rearrange the furniture you should know that most everything is securely fastened to the deck. The large blast doors across from us leads to the main landing bay. The wall to the right is the entertainment screen.
“A two story video screen?”
“Not quite, the image projects a good five feet out into the room. The round amphitheater area in the center is the primary pilot’s briefing area. I had considered setting that up in a separate room but why waste the space and that wonderful holo-screen. Besides it really allows for the full theater feeling. To your left are the pilot’s quarters on both the upper and lower floors halls A and B on the bottom and C and D on the top. At the bottom center is the flight commander’s office and on top at the back of the balcony is his quarters. I’ll be using those until I’ve moved to my primary quarters near the bridge. Now, I’m tired of walking around so I’m just going to flop down in this chair. Once you’ve decided whom you’ll be bunking with, come over and state your names, species, and planet of origin and I’ll give you your room assignment.
“Rusty and Errant Darkmane, Commander Lightstripe. We’re both human and formerly from Accordia but after we died, we moved to Hollow Base. I’m the commander of the Accordia Defense League and when you decide to reform the team we are both interested in joining.”
Right, you’re in room A1, sign in on the keypad and the door plaque will automatically display your names. Rusty, when everyone is quartered I want to see you in the office.
“I’m Spike and this is Chaos. We’re the current Shendrian representatives for the Tra’est sector. Unfortunately we got involved when I helped out at the Sundowner Cantina. But hey, at least now maybe I’ll get to see a bit of action. It’s been rather boring just sitting around in that cantina all the time. So you can count us in for your new team.”
A rabbit and a squirrel, I take it you prefer your median forms? That’s fine. Your room is B3 down the hall to the right.
“Hey bro, long time no see. Before Ryune and I join your team we just want to know how many lives you’ve got left?”
We’ll talk about that later. You two twin tiger troublemakers are in room A2.
“Hall on the left, just past Rusty and Errant’s got it.”
“Hey Commander, this is M.J. Hazard. He’s a ferret from Landsen and the best test pilot Fyretech had, next to me of course. We’ll be bunking up. And you know I’m always going to follow you, no matter how stupid you can be at times.”
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Dare. You two are in room B4, think you can find it or should I find some one to help you.
“Don’t worry, I’m sure I’ll be able to find it. Though unless it’s directly connected to the landing bay I doubt Dare will ever be able to find his way there alone.”
Hah, you do know Dare pretty well then.
“Well Tiger, Stealth and I’ll be sharing a room until you get better quarters. Hah ha, I bet you thought I’d be staying with you didn’t you?”
Hey, I’ve learned it isn’t wise to argue with you once you’ve made up your mind. After all, I just got my arm back after our last major disagreement. So, once everyone is taken care of I want to see you in the office, your room assignment is B1.
“So Dad, you figure you can see how everyone gets along by forcing us to live in this small area for a while?”
“Seems like he’s got the right idea. After all it worked on the asteroid base, though Jerod never did seem to fit in.”
Well, if nothing else it’ll let us catch up on all the time we’ve missed together. From the looks of things there’s a lot that I’ve missed.
“So what’s our room assignment?”
You’re down the hall on the left, room A3.
“You’re keeping the different teams together rather than mixing us up?”
For the most part, I’m hoping it will add a bit of stability for the moment. Even though I want everyone to get to know each other. I know I’ve got a few people here that aren’t going to be happy working together. Now once you’ve gotten used to your room, I want the two of you back up on the bridge running a complete check of all the ship’s systems. I haven’t had a chance to really check her out but I know I can trust you two to get it done.
“Sure thing, Dad.”
Nature, would you come over here?
“Hey Prowler, what’s up?”
I want you to share a room with White Fox.
White Fox, meet Nature Darkmane.
“What! He’s a member of the Wolf Clan!”
Yes he probably is, but he wasn’t born on Celtis Aranaki. Rusty’s father found him at a slave auction on Vesuvia and adopted him. He grew up with Rusty and me and I can assure you he isn’t like the members of the Wolf Clan that you know. That’s why I want you two to spend some time together. You can teach him about life on Celtis Aranaki and he can teach you about life out here in space.
“I don’t want to be the cause of any problems.”
“I… I guess I can spend some time with him, for your sake Commander.”
Good, I don’t want there to be any bad blood between team members and I thought this would be the best way to stop any from beginning. I know that the Wolf Clan has always represented the actions of the Evil One to the Fox Clan but I guarantee Nature doesn’t know anything about that.
“How can you guarantee that?”
He aged at the same rate as Rusty and I did. That means he has never been to Celtis Aranaki. Now you two will be in room B2.
“Hey Prowler, good to see you again. This is Ice she joined us just before you died, the last time. We’ll be sharing a room.”
It’s good to see you again, Seeker, I still owe you a couple of rounds in a flight simulator if I remember right?
“Hah, I’ll beat you for sure, after all I’ve had a few more years of experience then the last time we fought.”
“Lord Lightstripe, it is an honor to be traveling with you.”
Shendrian correct?
“Yes, I am Icebreaker of the Clan Summerrevel.”
That’s right, I remember Rusty writing to me about you, I met your brother once on the Odell space station. All right, it looks like more people are ready for their room assignment so I’ll see you two later. You’re in room A4. That’s it for the lower floor the rest of us will be on the upper floor.
“I’m Gauge and this is Blue. We were running a school for the street kids on Vesuvia before the authorities decided we were there illegally. Arlen took us in and kept us hidden but he thought we could be of help to your team, so he convinced us to come here.”
You’re blind, if I’d known I would . . .
“Let me stop you right there. I don’t need anyone going out of his or her way for me and I definitely don’t want any special treatment just because I’m blind. If you can’t handle that then I suggest you give us a shuttle and we’ll head back to Vesuvia.”
I won’t make you stay here but I’d suggest you stay on. You said you’re a teacher? Well, that’s something I’m not so maybe you can help me. I never dreamed that Arlen would think that I’d be the best chance a group of children would have and frankly I’m feeling a bit . . .
“Confused? I can understand that. I’ve been teaching these kids for a while now and I still feel that way at times. But don’t worry I’m sure I can teach you how to cope with them just as I can teach them how to cope with you. So what room will Blue and I be in?”
Up the left-hand stairs first door on the left. Room C1. When everyone’s settled I’ll want to talk with you in the office.
“I take it every one in the first room will be in charge of the people down their respective halls?”
That’s the idea.
“What about you?”
Hey, I’m in charge of everybody so it’s only good sense to delegate some of the responsibility so that I can have time for my other duties.
“Yes, I do believe I’ll fit in real well here. I’ll see you in a bit Commander.”
“Hi, I’m G.T. and this is Shard. We’ll be sharing a room.”
“A sand snake?”
“Don’t let appearansssesss fffool you. Jussst becaussse I’m a sssand sssnake Doesssn’t mean I’m not sssentient.”
Hey, I’ve been out of circulation for two thousand years, which is a lot of time for a species to evolve. You two are up the stairs on the right, room D4.
“Hi, we met at the cantina, I’m Hunter Wolf and this is my mate, Cloud Wolf. Arlen suggested we come with you since our remaining at the cantina would be dangerous. Besides, if there is any chance of finding our daughter it is with your group.”
“I saw a member of the Fox Clan in your group. I know him. He is feared, among the Wolf Clan, as a dangerous warrior. Will you guarantee our safety as well as the safety of our son?”
Yes, I’ll guarantee your safety but I also have to guarantee his. I know your tribes have been lifelong enemies but do you think you can put your hatred aside to work for a common good?
“If it means finding our lost pup, we’ll do what we have to. We’ve lived with Arlen and his adopted son, who is a member of the Fox Clan, for the last hundred years. I’m sure we can do the same with your team mate.”
Good, you’ll be in room D2. I’ll be sure your son and his roommate are in the room next to you. That way, you can be sure that he is safe.
“Thank you, I’m beginning to believe the Fox Clan’s stories about you being the Great One are true. Even members of our own Clan have told stories of your battle where most of your traps were non lethal.”
“I’m Wolf and this is my friend, Crash Cat.”
Hello, Wolf and Crash, you two are in room D3.
“This is the first time I haven’t had to share a room with more that three others.”
If you get lonely I’m sure there will be people here in the commons most of the time. But if you’re saying that you like privacy you’ll get more soon enough. There’s enough room on this ship that eventually everyone will have their own quarters.
“This is Mika and I’m Orin. He’s a raccoon and I’m a ferret, but we don’t know where we’re from. We’ll be sharing a room.”
Well, since you came here from Vesuvia I suppose that would be your home planet. Your room is up the stairs over there and down the hall number C4.
“Thank you, sir.”
So you’re the great Prowler, huh. Can’t say as I’m all that impressed. I was a captive of the Wolf Clan when you visited my home planet but I heard all about you. The Wolf Clan feared you almost as much as they feared the Fox Clan. You used to be my hero. Now that I’ve met you, I can see you’re just like all the other humans.”
I take it you’re Umbral? Still upset about that whole pick pocketing incident earlier?
“I’m Umbral Silverfox, to be exact, and this is my friend Pup.”
I didn’t expect anyone to bring pets with them. But I’m sure we can make the proper arrangements.
“I may not be a human any more, but I’m nobody’s pet.”
“She isn’t a pet. She’s my friend.”
So I heard.
“You can understand her? Even Spike and Chaos couldn’t understand her when I told them she wasn’t an ordinary dog.”
I get the feeling we’re going to have to have a little talk a bit later. For now you two are in room C2.
“That just leaves four of us. I’m Blast Zone, though most people call me Blast. I’m a kangaroo and the leader of the Shadow Runner Gang of Vesuvia. For the last few years I’ve been doing my best to support the gang and I didn’t much want to bring them up here. However, Arlen insisted and I haven’t known him to be wrong yet, so here I am.
Well Blast, I can’t say that you’ve made the right decision but if nothing else you and your gang should have an easier time of surviving up here on Hollow Base then you did down on the streets.
“Yeah, you may be right about that. Anyway I’ve been talking with T’yer and we’ve agreed that we’ll be able to get along enough to share a room. So long as it doesn’t last too long.”
Fine, you two are in room D1. Once you’ve settled in I want to see you both back down here for a meeting. Well, I guess that leaves the two of us.
“Hi, I’m Quiver Streamrunner. I’m an otter and I was born on Vesuvia.”
Well Quiver, I guess we’re bunk mates, our room is at the top of the stairs and at the back of the balcony. Go on up and pick a bunk. I’ll be up for a nap once I’ve met with the people in charge of each hall.
End Log
Entry 169
“Should we wake him?”
“No, let him sleep. It’s been a long day and I’m afraid things are only going to get worse.”
“You’re probably right. I fought the Imperiam with the ADL after you ‘died’, and even though it was just forming, Crystal’s people eventually overwhelmed and killed most of us.”
“Killed? I thought most of the original ADL members were here?”
“They are and they aren’t. After the first battle of Accordia I realized that most, if not all of us, would die before we could evacuate the planet. So, Tye and I came up with a plan. We convinced everyone to make memory crystals so that they could be used in the flight simulators. That way the team could fly against themselves and find the flaws in their fighting techniques, which worked really well, but that wasn’t the main reason I wanted the crystals.”
“You cloned them and then downloaded their personalities from the gems.”
“That’s right, only four of us know everyone that has been recreated.”
“Who are those four people?”
“Sorry, I’m sworn to secrecy.”
“So the ones that were recreated don’t know what happened to them.”
“That’s right, as part of the program I added memories for their being put into hyper sleep. I hadn’t come up with a reason for their being thawed out until I received a premonition that the Shadow Runners hadn’t been killed. I knew you’d been blasted through time.”
“How did you know that? Even we didn’t know what had happened.”
“In your last moments you and Dad reached out for each other. The moment that you touched, your gems sent out a psyonic resonance; which I received through this shard from the gem of time and prophesy. It was four years after I believed you had died. At that moment I knew what had happened, so I began making plans. First I retraced Dad’s search for the exp. 39. It wasn’t easy and it took several years but when I found the source, I made sure to gather a sizable supply.”
“Why? We’ve already discovered that it’s too unstable to use as fuel and using it in weapons creates an extreme recoil.”
“No it doesn’t. The super cannon you fired was sabotaged. I know because Tye built a smaller version and mounted it on the Blade Hunter. That’s what we used earlier today to destroy that Imperiam cruiser.”
“But if you found it, then Crystal would have eventually found it. That means we’re in even more trouble than I had at first thought!”
“Crystal did find it. It took her longer because she didn’t have a comprehensive list of the planets Dad visited. She only had the list up to Celtis Aranaki, and she knew his search had been a failure up until that point. So she had to take the list, she had given him to work from, and search each of the remaining planets.”
“How did you get a complete list?”
“When your teammate White Fox initiated Dad’s clean up virus, just before you dropped Crystal off at Shadow Base, one of the safety measures was that the entire computer core was copied and transferred to Hollow Base. That way, if he had to destroy the copy that was left on the base, he could still retrieve any important information. So I had the list of planets he had visited. However I didn’t know which one was the source of the exp. 39”
“Trace, I . . . can I ask you a few personal questions?”
“I guess, as long as you don’t mind if I ask you a few.”
“I guess the best way of doing this is just to dive in. What was your mother like? I know she was a dancer at the Sundowner Cantina and the Shenrian representative to the Tra’est sector. But that doesn’t really tell me anything about her.”
“She wasn’t around very much that I can remember. She had responsibilities to Shendria, which kept her away most of the time. When she did come home she always seemed sad though she tried to hide it. The only time I remember her being truly happy was during the year we were together as a family. Now it’s my turn to ask a question. Why did you decide to partner up with Stealth instead of Dad?”
“I wasn’t sure how you’d react. I was worried that you’d think I was trying to take your mother’s place. Also, Prowler seems to be trying to push everyone away. As though he’s scared if any of us get close to him we might be killed.”
“Yeah, I’ve noticed that as well. He started doing that after Mom died.”
“How did she die? I mean if it isn’t too painful. Prowler has never said anything about what happened to him during the time that I was a pirate. Other than telling me that he had a son, everything else was focused on just Shadow Runner business.”
“Dad had just returned to Vesuvia to begin his fight against Kindra, a bounty hunter named Aarik found him and would have killed him except Mom shielded him. She took the shot meant for him. Ever since then Dad has been afraid that anyone who gets close to him will be killed. And unfortunately that idea has been reinforced.”
“You mean since Thunder died when we time jumped?”
“Damn, I hadn’t even realized that had happened. I guess that’ll make things even harder. No, I was speaking of my twin brother, Tye.”
“Wait, you said twin brother, Prowler never mentioned him.”
“That’s because Tye wasn’t a physical being at that time. He probably figured you’d meet him before he became a physical being.”
“All right, now I’m lost.”
“Tye was originally a VR program character. Jerod set up a training simulation on Master Level. In order to create some of the characters the computer pulled information from Dad’s logs. Because of the program level the computer gave the characters sentience. Unfortunately it also generated creatures that would be able to get out of the game.”
“The Wraiths were the worst creatures you could imagine. They were ghost like beings that fed on a person's emotions. I was created to be a copy of Trace, and to infect Dad with a Wraith. Jerod knew that Dad would sacrifice himself to save me. However the Wraith was destroyed when it encountered Dad’s mind. Just as it would have been if it had tried to infect Trace, or me now that I’m a physical being. Anyway, the only other way to destroy a Wraith was to kill a member of my virtual race.”
“Something Prowler, would never do.”
“That’s just it, he did kill me. In order to defeat the Tri-Phoenix, the leader of the Wraiths, Dad was forced to kill me. Fortunately he had already saved a copy of my program to his headset. So once the program was deleted he reloaded my program and gave me access to the hypernet. Then he was going to use the evolver chamber to give me a physical body, but Rusty stopped him.”
“So I took the initiative and set the process in motion myself. I used my DNA as a base and then adjusted it slightly to match Tye’s characteristics.”
“It’s a good thing Jerod’s long dead or I would have killed him myself.”
“Huh, why is that?”
“Because he recreated a portion of the program you’re talking about. He then set it at Master Level and ran White Fox and myself through it. Though our version didn’t have any Wraiths, it did have the Tri-Phoenix.”
“That’s impossible Dad deleted the program completely.”
“Obviously Jerod had a backup and I can prove it. This sword belonged to the Tri-Phoenix before I liberated it. I still don’t know why it bonded with my telegem but I can summon and dismiss it at will.”
“You’re right, it is the blade of the Tri-Phoenix.”
“Hey guy’s what are you talking about?”
“Oh hi, Dare, I was just getting to know Trace and Tye.”
“That’s good to know. Have any of you seen Prowler? I’ve checked his quarters and the office but he’s not there. I really don’t want to search this entire ship to find him.”
“He’s asleep on the couch just over . . .”
“Hey, I didn’t know that the ADL had been to Celtis Aranaki and picked up Tanth.”
“We haven’t been to Celtis Aranaki. We were too busy defending Accordia and after that we went directly into hyper sleep.”
“Then why is he over there on the couch?”
“Um . . .”
“Tye, Trace help me move ‘Tanth’ into the office. I’m contacting Rusty with the telegem. I think we’d better have a meeting right now.”
“What’s going on?”
“Dare, help us move him he isn’t exactly the lightest animal on the ship.”
“Fine, but I want to know what’s going on here. Oh shard, he’s waking up.”
[ED] I’ve decided to leave this entry in even though it isn’t really mine. [ED]
End Log
Entry 170
“Hey, you left his clothes and headset out in the commons area. What are you trying to do, let every one in on this meeting?”
Thunder, what in the hell is going on here? Why am I in my tiger form and what is Dare doing here?
“What were all those sounds he was making? If I didn’t know better I’d swear he was talking.”
“It seems you shifted in your sleep. It isn’t uncommon for a few months after First Shift. Why didn’t you tell one of us you’re able to shift once again? We all thought you had been form restricted.”
“Now Rusty’s making strange noises. What is going on here?”
“I say we kill him now, we’ve all sworn the Oath to protect Shendria.”
“I haven’t sworn an Oath to protect the secrecy of Shendria.”
“That’s because you’ve only just experienced First Shift.”
“Wait, Dawna’s a shifter as well? She mentioned Shendria so I just assumed that Dad had told her the name. I never imagined that she would know more than that.”
“Would someone please speak Basic!”
No one aboard this ship is going to be killing anyone. Is that clear? Yes? Good, now then Trace, I want you to go and get Ice, Spike, and Chaos. Tye, you go and get Umbral and Pup. If anything is going to be decided then we should have every Shendrian here to voice their opinion.
“Wow, I didn’t realize so many of us were Shendrian! This is never supposed to happen. We try so hard to keep any meetings to no more than three people.”
“OK, I’ll just be going now. It’s obvious I’ve walked into something I shouldn’t have. I’ll just return to my room and pretend I was sleeping.”
“Oh no you won’t, not until things are settled.”
“Oh, so now someone is willing to speak Basic.”
“Dare, just wait a few minutes, I know things must be confusing right now but I promise we’ll straighten everything out for you.”
“Thanks Dawna, but I think I’ll just contact Prowler and see what he has to say about all this.”
“Hah! I’m sure you heard him through the gem, he’ll be here soon and he’ll settle things once and for all.”
“So I hear there’s a meeting?”
Yes Spike; just make yourself comfortable while the rest of the group arrives.
“We’re all here, so what are we going to do about Dare?”
I’m going to tell him the truth.
“You can’t do that! That’s a betrayal of the Oath. Even in your own time that was forbidden!”
Everyone sit down! Thunder; toss my clothes over here so I can slip them on when I shift.
“Uh, not to correct you when you’re doing the Lord Lightstripe bit but . . .”
Oh, sorry about that Rusty, it’s just that . . .
“I understand. Hey Dare, I suggest you sit down.”
“Why, it’s not like . . . Uh, what is going on?”
Well Dare, I guess the cat is out of the bag. As you can see I’m able to change my physical appearance.
“You could have found some other way of handling this you know.”
Probably, but if I’m going to be experiencing shifts in my sleep then it is going to be difficult to keep it a secret, and I’m not going to let any of you kill anyone aboard this ship.”
“But what about the Oath?”
The Oath does not apply aboard this ship, Ice.
“The Oath applies to every shifter everywhere.”
“You’re Chaos right?”
“Yeah, what of it?”
“Now, I don’t know if you realize this but the person you’re preaching to happens to be the one person who can break the Oath.”
“Listen horse boy, yeah I can tell you’re a member of the Darkmane Clan, nobody can break the Oath.”
Enough! Chaos, if you can’t control yourself you’ll be ejected from this meeting. I know Shendrian Law better than nearly everyone in this room. Only one of you has the same level of expertise. I am Lord Lightstripe, descendant of Shendria Lightstripe and, unless someone else has taken my place, Lord of Shendria. Because of my lineage I am able to change, create, and dismiss the rules.
“So you all have the ability to change shape, even Dawna? Damn, I was thought the furry beings already out numbered the humans on this ship. Now all my calculations are useless since the eleven of you fit into both categories.”
“Well, not all of us can shift. Pup is form restricted in her animal form.”
“Wait, I thought Umbral was from Celtis Aranaki.”
“I am, but that doesn’t mean new lines can’t develop on their own. At least that’s what Arlen told me after my First Shift.”
“This is the first I’ve heard of such a thing happening. Usually at least one of the shifter’s parents is from a shifter lineage.”
If Arlen said that Umbral is the first of a new lineage of shifters then he would know. Now there’s one more thing, I’m considering letting the rest of our guests know that I can shift. Several may already know since I shifted at the Sundowner earlier today.
“You can’t do this, it’s against every law that your own ancestors ever created.”
The only one’s who have a say in this matter are my son’s Trace and Tye since they are the only other ones that the group will know are shifters.
“It’s not a problem for me. I hate being confined to one form most of the time.”
“Actually, I’d like to be able to revert to my original form. Sure having hands is nice but being able to run on all four pads is better.”
Well then, I guess that’s settled.
“What if Dare, tells the others that we’re shifters?”
“Listen, people have called me everything from crazy to foolish but I’m not stupid. There’s too much chance I’d get my throat ripped out if I open my mouth about this. Don’t worry your secret is safe with me.”
“I may not have to worry as Master Dare does. But I assure you all, I too, shall remain silent.”
Stealth, how long have you been here?
“I arrived when you were announcing your decision to proclaim your ability to shift to the crew.”
“Sorry about that I had him looking for you.”
Well, I guess this meeting is over, so what is it you wanted to find me for?
“I uh, I just wanted to see if it would be all right to have a funeral for Thunder.”
“What? From the time I woke up on Celtis Aranaki all I remember you two doing was arguing.”
“Yeah, but we both knew that it was nothing but a game. We really were friends.”
Dare, I think it’s an excellent idea. I’ll leave you in charge of making the arrangements; right now I have an appointment with a bunk.
“I’ll walk you to your room, that way you won’t be passing out before you get there.”
Thanks Dawna, I feel so drained at the moment.
End Log
Entry 171
Would the following people please report to my office: Darrin Fireshadow, Rusty Darkmane, Stealth, Tye Lightstripe, Trace Lightstripe, Dawna Destiny, and White Fox.
“You beckoned milord?”
Morning Stealth. Yeah, I called but before I say why I want everyone to be here.
Damn, it’s been ten minutes, what could be taking them so long?
“I shall go and see what is detaining them.”
Good.
“Sorry for being late, it’s just that we had to get changed.”
So I see. I guess this means you know what I wanted to discuss, and you’re all in favor?
“Of course we’re in favor of reforming the Shadow Runners. We’d still be a team if it weren’t for Crystal’s agents. So why wouldn’t we reform the group? I mean, I’ve gotten used to putting up with your orders so there isn’t much problem there.”
“Dare’s right, I joined you to fight the Evil One. So what if we defeated her, the one that was controlling her is still out there and is more entitled to be called the Evil One than Kindra was.”
“I may not be the one in charge anymore but I’m sure you’ll be listening to me anyway.”
“Dad, I’m going wherever you go and if that means we’re going to war then so be it.”
“Lord Prowler, I joined your quest in order to avenge my lost world. Now that you have vanquished Kindra, I find that I have nowhere else to go. So, I would be honored if you would allow me to continue fighting at your side.”
“If it weren’t for you, I’d have been erased along with the rest of Jerod’s files; I owe you my existence, Dad.”
What about you Rusty are you willing to follow me?
“You know I am, I’m just wondering why I was invited to this meeting? After all, it should only include the core team members. I can understand why Trace and Tye are here since they’re your sons, but I was never part of your team.”
Actually, there is in fact another core member who is missing. But to answer your question, you’re here because you’re taking Thunder’s place.
“I can’t do that!”
Sorry, but that decision was made the moment you slipped that telegem around your neck. Now, since we’re in agreement as to reforming the team, would someone please tell me why you’ve decided to adopt my flight suit as the group uniform?
“That was my idea, I figured it would be best if we at least looked like professionals. Since you’re our fearless leader, your uniform would be the best choice. Besides, if you’ll notice, each of us has modified it slightly to suit our own personalities. It also sets a good example for our possible new recruits. By seeing us as a united unit they will feel less like outcasts from society and more like they have a place to belong.”
“It also marks us as followers of the Shendrian Lightstripe Clan and may give us extra help from the Shendrian Representatives we may encounter.”
“Shendrians have Clan specific clothing? Damn, I didn’t realize that, does this mean I’ve committed some sort of faux pas?”
“I don’t think so, as I understand it by wearing a variation of another Clan’s uniform you’re only saying that you support that Clan. Either as show of your Clan’s support of what is being done or as a subtle protest against the actions of your Clan. However, since all Clans are required to support the Lightstripe Clan no matter what, I don’t think anyone could object.”
Rusty got it right. However, I should point out that by dressing in the full Clan regalia has a completely different meaning. I strongly suggest, no I order you, not to do that as there are grave consequences for such an action. All right, then I guess it’s time to begin the first meeting of the New Shadow Runners.
End Log
Entry 172
Computer, please begin a record. This is the first meeting of the group known as the New Shadow Runners. Core team members are as follows: Commander Prowler Lightstripe, Dawna Destiny, Trace Lightstripe, Tye Lightstripe, Rusty Darkmane, Darrin Fireshadow, White Fox, Stealth and Tanth Nightiger. Dawna, has proposed that the team uniform should be loosely based on the royal garb of Lord Lightstripe, this decision was unanimously agreed upon.
Now I propose that the name of the group be changed from New Shadow Runners to Shadow Runners. All in favor?
“Aye”
Let the record show that everyone present accepted the proposal. The next order of business is to decide upon the team rules. I will now bring up the rules of the former Shadow Runners to be modified to fit the vision of the new group. I am now downloading all of the former Shadow Runner files into the ship’s main memory core. Please list the first rule authorization, Dacat-Nightiger-Twilight.
“To list the first rule Darrin Fireshadow must also give his password.”
“Computer please list the first rule of the Shadow Runners authorization, Dare-Exile-Winner”
“Rule zero: This rule can only be accessed by the combined passwords of all Shadow Runner Core Members. At any time the core members of the Shadow Runners may vote to disband the group. For the vote to carry the out come of this vote must be unanimous.”
Now do we keep it, lose it, or modify it?
“I say we keep it. It allows us to cover ourselves in case of legal entanglements.”
“I agree with the rule, but do we really need it now that we’re effectively against the current Galactic Government?"
“So? Some of us have life spans that are measured in centuries rather than your years, so it’s possible that even though we don’t need it now it may be required in the future. Also it doesn’t really effect the way we’ll be living so why not keep it?”
“Does the rule really need to be password protected? It seems like you have a lot of security for what the rule covers. Can’t you just have it so that it’s reserved for core members viewing only?”
I guess that would be all right. I was a bit paranoid of everything at the time, what with Jerod being added to the team and all. Rule zero, the Shadow Runner Core Members are the only ones that are allowed to view this rule. At any time the core members of the Shadow Runners may vote to disband the group. For the vote to carry the out come of this vote must be unanimous. Does that sound about right? Anyone opposed? Good then we can move on to the next rule.
“Rule Number One: Each member has his or her own personal living area and property. This area and property is off limits and cannot be entered or tampered with without permission.”
“That sounds good in theory but how did it work? Did this rule apply to you as well, or just to the other members? I’m sure you kept tabs on Jerod while he was with you.”
“Actually Rusty, in my opinion it worked quite well. Prowler never installed monitoring devices anywhere other that in shared free spaces. I know because I checked, often.”
“Then how did he keep track of everything, since it is obvious that Jerod would be snooping around.”
I had a foolproof security system. I checked everything before it came on the base. Once there Stealth monitored all communications to and from the base and Tye made sure that no locks were picked.
“So how are we going to make it work this time? This ship isn’t the asteroid and the people that have come aboard weren’t searched. No offense to you or your people Rusty, but how can we be sure that they haven’t brought any surprises aboard with them?”
“Well, other than Tye, Trace, and myself, no one else is a member yet. So they won’t fall under the protection of the group’s rules until they are accepted. Am I right, Prowler?
Uh yeah, actually I hadn’t figured out what I was going to do about that situation, thanks for solving it for me. Oh and by the way if anything goes wrong I’m blaming the three of you. Since I can’t make sure you haven’t brought any surprises aboard.
“So what else is new? I’m sure you blamed me for the fact that you had to join Kindra in the first place.”
Of course I did, after all you’re the one that lost the coin toss making it so that I was the one that volunteered to die for my planet.
“Rewriting history again? If I remember correctly I won that toss and was about to volunteer when you pushed me aside and shouted that you’d go.”
“Does this mean we’ve decided to keep rule number one?”
Yes Tye, we’re keeping rule number one and it will even remain unchanged.
“Computer, list the next rule.”
Dawna, that’s my job.
“Well then shut up and do your job.”
“Rule number two: Every team member is to be treated with respect regardless of species, race, gender, sapience, or composition.”
“Considering the people that are aboard the ship at the moment I suggest you add age to that list. Though following the rules will be harder for some of us than others.”
So noted, and I’m sure that there will be arguments and possibly even fights from time to time but I’m hoping we can all learn to get along.
“Heh, I remember the first time I met Thunder and Stealth, I swear I could have killed both of them. But we did get past that and even worked as a team. Of course having Jerod as a common enemy helped.”
Any other comments? Well then, computer, add “age” to the list of specifications and list rule three.
“Rule number three: all correspondence from and to the base will be monitored.”
Well, we’re not on a base any longer so we’ll have to change that.
“We also can’t use the hyper net anymore so technically the only correspondence will have to be ship to ship and messages that get passed when we’re planet side. But as White Fox mentioned these rules may have to continue for some time so perhaps we should keep it just to be on the safe side.”
So is everyone willing to okay rule number three if it is worded like so? All corespondents to and from Shadow Runner facilities will be monitored?
“Sounds good, let’s move on.”
Computer, please skip rule number four for the moment and read rule number five.
“Why are you skipping rule four is there something you’re trying to hide?”
Not at all it’s just that rule four needs to be at the end of the rules list.
“Rule number five: No one under any circumstances has permission to enter docking hanger B1.”
“That’s a rule? What did you have stored in docking hanger B1?”
“That would’ve been my space racer. After an incident with Thunder and Stealth I convinced Prowler to make it a rule that no one could enter my docking hanger. I was a bit upset at the time but I’m over it now. We can drop that rule completely. Since I’ll be leaving my racer here at Hollow Base.”
Oh really?
“Yeah, I figure with the all the starfighter parts lying around I could put something together that’s just as fast as my racer but with a bit more armor and weaponry.”
Fine with me. Computer, read rule six.
“Rule number six: The computer core is off limits to everyone except Commander Prowler and Tye.”
“Really? I didn’t know you’d made that rule. You really need to tell me these things. Not that it really mattered since the core was at the back of your floor and covered by the first rule.”
Sorry Dare, I made that rule shortly after Jerod nearly unleashed the wraiths on the galaxy. But I don’t see the need for that rule since the main computer core here on the ship can’t be directly accessed. Now computer, read rule number four.
“Rule number four: As Commander, Prowler reserves the right to add more rules as needed.”
“If any more rules are to be added I think we, as a group, should decide on what is needed. After all that’s what we did in the ADL.”
True, but you created the Accordia Defense League as security outfit. I created the Runners as a mercenary group, which meant that I had to appear as the sole leader. That way once we’d defeated Kindra if anyone came after the group I would be the only one they could, legally, do anything to.
“That’s great, but we’re no longer mercenaries. Now we’ll have more in common with pirates.”
If that’s the case then I guess I’m the Captain and you’re my first mate so I still get to make the rules.
“Works for me, since you’ll be following my orders anyway.”
“All right, you two can lead us. Oh, by the way, I’ll be scheduling the mutiny for two days after we leave the base. So please try to learn your parts by then. Rusty, you get your people to set up a plank in the airlock closest to the bridge and I’ll organize that gang of kids that came aboard earlier. Once we’ve gotten rid of these two, you and I can set up a duel in the VR chamber to see who gets to lead next.”
“Listen Dare, that sounds like an excellent idea but if you don’t mind I think it would be best if we have the duel in the wreck room. I don’t trust the VR chamber since you were the one that did most of the work to create it.”
“Hey Tye, get the Blade Hunter ready, it sounds like we’re going to have to abandon ship.”
“Stealth, you’re in charge of sabotaging their ship, we may need them as hostages.”
“Hey, why is Stealth on your side?”
“It would be beneath my dignity to choose sides in this affair. I would be much better as a double agent.”
“Right then, so about the duel, will we be using blasters, swords, or cafeteria food?”
“For an Accordan you really are sadistic.”
“Might I suggest fowlen feathers at twenty paces? I have a couple nice ones that I was saving to make arrows with.”
“Perfect!”
Rule number four: the Core Shadow Runner Team reserves the right to create new rules as needed.
“Oh well, there goes the entertainment portion of this cruise.”
“You could still have the duel and the winner gets to try their luck running Jerod’s training course.”
“I thought that program was deleted!”
“I kept a copy for myself, I had some questions about what happened when he put White Fox and myself through it. It isn’t as dangerous without the Tri-Phoenix but I’m sure Land Mind and Helga would enjoy some company for a while.”
“I uh, I’m busy planning a funeral, otherwise I’d love to run through the training course with you.”
“Ah, I’d love to, but I’ve got to run all those checks on the ADL’s star fighters to make sure they’re flight ready. So, I guess I won’t be able to have any fun either.”
Well, I guess that means this meeting is officially over. Dare, would you wait a few minutes, I need to talk to you privately?
“Yeah, what’s up?”
What did you mean, you have a funeral to plan?
“I’m planning Thunder’s funeral. I’ve already gotten Rusty’s permission to use the cemetery the ADL set up at Hollow Base Park, and I’ve gotten Thunder’s belongings in order including a holorecording of his will. All that’s really left is deciding on the day, time, and who will be attending.”
Might I suggest the day after tomorrow at sunrise at the cemetery? You know how much he loved watching the dawn on whatever planet we were exploring.
“Sounds good to me, now who gets invited?”
The core team is required to attend, not that any of us wouldn’t, and I’ll have the computer broadcast an open invitation to every one else on the ship whom wish to pay their respects.
“Great, now that everything has been set in order I can get started building my star fighter. See you later commander.”
Yeah, I’ll see you tomorrow morning in the VR chamber.
“You want to play a game?”
You could say that, we will be running Jerod’s obstacle course again.
“You’re kidding right? Please tell me you’re kidding.”
I’m not kidding, we’re going to beat that program and everyone on board will be watching.
End Log
Entry 173
Hey Dawna, can I talk to you for a couple of minutes?
“I don’t know can you?”
Very funny, I need your copy of Jerod’s training program.
“What for? I was only kidding when I suggested someone would have to go through that course.”
Well I’m not. White Fox and you ran the course and beat it as fairly as you could. Dare and I only beat it by altering the program. So now, we’re going to run it just to prove that we can. And just to be sure that neither one of us cheats I’m having the entire contest broadcast to the common room so that anyone that wants to can watch.
“What does Dare think of this idea?”
I’m not giving him a choice he has to run it with me. I’m hoping he’ll unlock some ability from his gem just as you and White Fox did.
“White Fox unlocked an ability as well? I didn’t notice since things were happening so quickly.”
I’m not sure if he knows it or not, but from what I saw, he projected a shield around himself. With practice I’m betting he’ll be able to manipulate the field.
“So that means the only one that hasn’t found a way to use his gem is Dare. Well I’m not going to let you two run the course alone.”
I was hoping you’d say that. Now let’s find Tye, I want him at the controls in case something goes wrong; like it has every time someone runs that program.
“You find him, I’ve got to find the crystal I stored the program on. I’ll see you in a bit.”
End Log
Entry 174
“Here we go again. I still can’t believe you’re forcing me to do this.”
Oh come on Dare, this is going to be fun.
“Maybe, that is, if you change your mind and let me take my blasters with me.”
You know the program disables energy weapons. The only way you can get around that is to bring your frying pan.
“That’s more than White Fox and I had when we ran the course last time.”
All right, everyone knows the rules. We sprint across the field and touch the throne in order to win. And just to let you know I’ve changed the program so that the floor won’t break and vent our enemies into space.
“Really? Well would it surprise you to know that I modified the program so that if you try to teleport to the end you’ll only end up back at the start?”
“You two’ve been meddling with the program! Now I really don’t want to do this!”
“Oh don’t worry, there are only a few little twists that have been added.”
You two discuss the changes; I’m headed up to the control room to see if Trace and Tye are ready.
“Hey Dad, come to check on us?”
Yeah, so you know what to do?
“I’m going to be monitoring the program to be sure there are no unpleasant surprises. If anyone is knocked out I make sure the program ignores them until they wake up, and I hit the kill switch if the program tries to switch to master level.”
“While Tye is taking care of the technical aspects I’m going to be broadcasting the event to the common room so that everyone can watch. I also get to provide a running commentary along with giving vital information on the contestants.”
Right, the information on our competition will be displayed on your monitor. Oh, and each one of us is wearing a transmitter so everyone can hear what we’re saying.
“Sounds good to me, now you’d better get down there. Dawna and Dare have entered the VR Chamber and they’re warming up. If you don’t hurry up and join them you won’t be ready for the race.”
I’m on my way.
“It’s about time you got here. I was starting to think you’d chickened out.”
Not a chance. Tye begin the program but make sure everyone is watching before beginning the race.
“Would everyone please make your way to the common room. We are pleased to present for your viewing pleasure Dare, Dawna, and Prowler running a training course created by Jerod for the purpose of making the Shadow Runners miserable. Today our intrepid leaders plan on running this course to prove that they are better than the Imperiam’s best programmer!”
“Initiating program.”
“Well, well, well you’ve decided to run my little training exercise without me?”
Jerod! What in the hell are you doing here!
“Tut, tut. You should have realized that I’d have a copy of myself included with the program. How else will you know what a failure you are.”
“Folks, this is an unexpected twist, the person that just appeared on the course is the phenomenal bore known as Jerod. He has the distinction of being the original Shadow Runner’s first Imperiam Liaison as well as being the worst cook the galaxy has ever known. Feel free to boo at any time.”
“You’ve got your own announcer? That’ll be an interesting twist. Now ready, set, umph!”
I also have someone at the controls so that no one can cheat. He’ll be the one that says go.
“Everything is set, do you still want to run the program since this part was not expected?”
Has anything changed with the settings?
“No.”
Then let’s do this.
“As you can see the field is now forming. It is roughly a kilometer from the start to the crystal throne. All the contestants have to do is run across the field and touch the throne. The first one there wins, if they can get past the guards.”
“On your marks, GO!”
“And they’re off! Dawna, is out in the lead followed closely by Prowler. Ouch, if holographic life forms can feel pain then Jerod must really be hurting! But then, a frying pan to the face will do that every time! Jerod’s up and moving and so is Dare!”
Boom
“Ah, our group has reached the first of the guards. Land Mind, is a polite guard but he takes his job very seriously. He’ll attempt to kill any one approaching the throne. He is able to detonate the ground underneath our contestants using only his mind. Oh, it appears he’s knocked Prowler off his feet.”
“I’m really sorry about this, but I have to kill you now.”
“Not wasting time or breath for a witty response Prowler roles forward, changes form, and launches a kick directed at Land Mind’s chin. Ooo, Land Mind is quick but he just can’t dodge someone with feline reflexes. He goes down but he’s not out. He’ll be back up in time for Dare and Jerod to arrive. Mean while Dawna is approaching the second guard.”
“Dawna? Me hates Dawna. Me kill Dawna this time!”
“Hi Helga, ready to dance!”
“Dawna uses her gem to phase through Helga and . . .”
“You no hurt my little sister!”
“Oh crap!”
“Me am Bertha, and you be dead!”
“It seems that Dawna wasn’t prepared for this new character. In her last trip through the course, Dawna defeated Helga by breaking the crystal in front of the throne and Helga was blown into space. In order to keep things interesting new characters have been added. Helga, and her older sister Bertha, are not particularly intelligent but they are super strong.”
“Dawna is unconscious, and I’ve switched the program so that it can’t see her. Wait, something’s wrong, Helga and Bertha are approaching the area where she landed. It looks like they intend to kill her. I’m killing the program now! It’s not working! Dad, the program has locked me out of the controls!”
Crap, now it hits the fan again! Dawna wake up! Trace, keep relaying information so that we can better work together, where’s Dare!
“I’m right behind you! Along with Land Mind and Jerod!”
Tye, has the program switched to master level?
“No, but it probably will when the sisters get to Dawna.”
Fine, tell me when it changes. Tye, get our equipment and some back-up and get in here! Dawna, wake up! We’ve got trouble!
“Oh, what hit me?”
Helga’s big sister Bertha, and if you don’t get up they’re going to do it again.
“Time to pull out all the stops and start playing dirty.”
“You two knew this would happen?”
“The program has just switched to master level! Dare look out!”
“What the? Correct me if I’m wrong but shouldn’t I be dead or at least unconscious? After all, when you hit Dawna you knocked her out. Yet now that the program is on master level all you do is tap me?”
“Me not know how you do that, but you feel it this time!”
Dare your gem is glowing I suggest you try hitting her!
“Wow, now that was a punch! Dare just knocked Bertha out.”
“And now it’s time to send her back to holographic hell”
“A sword just appeared in Dawna’s hand and she ran Bertha through. I guess that’s the end for her, since her body is evaporating.”
“What are these things? I didn’t program this!”
“It appears Jerod has reached the FAAF, fully articulated action figures, each one is about four inches tall and is carrying an electrical stun rod. Alone they are easy to defeat you just step on them. Unfortunately for the Jerod hologram there are thousands of them. This was Dare’s contribution to the program.”
“That means you’re the one responsible for . . .”
“As I was saying, before you so rudely kicked me, I will be killing you now.”
“If you’re squeamish, I suggest you avert your gaze from Prowler’s area. He’s just disemboweled Land Mind”
Yeah, I created Bertha, who happens to be right behind you!
Smack!
“Dawna shifts, and blocks Bertha’s punch. Folks, I don’t know what to say other than I have no idea what Dawna has shifted into. She’s feline, but she has a short tail, long dagger like teeth, and she is huge! I know I wouldn’t want to tangle with her. On top of that her sword also changed so that it remained in proportion to her new size.”
“Helga, let me make this simple so that you can understand it. Helga die now.”
“Ick, if wasn’t for the fact that Helga was a holographic life form, I wouldn’t want to be the one that had to clean up the VR chamber.”
So Dawna, what was it that you created?
“I’ll tell you later, first we’d better catch up with Dare and Jerod.”
“Jerod is past the FAAF and Dare is close behind him, moving faster by the second. It seems that his gem has increased his speed and reflexes along with his strength.”
“All right Dad, I’ve gotten White Fox, Rusty, and Stealth and we’re ready to go.”
“Jerod has just reached the throne the program should be ending.”
“Fools, you never understood the purpose of this program did you? Welcome to my little trap. Right now the real Jerod should be killing the rest of your team. If he isn’t at least I’ll have taken care of you.”
And just who do you think you are?
“You don’t recognize me? I guess I really overrated your intelligence, Prowler.”
“You’re the Grand High Tri-Phoenix. Well, I defeated you once and I will do it again! Ugh, I can’t move, I can’t even phase!”
I recognize you now; you’re a computer program created by Crystal Image, with all of her very best traits. You’re evil and irritating.
“And I’ve studied all of you in each of your forays into this program. I must say I am amused at the abilities you and Dawna have developed. Even that worthless space racer has gained some strength. However it won’t help any of you. I’ve been lurking in your computer system since you allowed Jerod to join you. I know all of your strengths and weaknesses. And now, I’m going to kill you.”
“You wish.”
“Crystal, guess what I added to the program. Can’t figure it out? Well that’s all right, I’ll fill you in. Trace, cancel cloaking program. Don’t be shy introduce yourselves.”
“My name is T’yer, and I’m the last of the Snarion Guardians. It was your descendant that killed my people and for that you’ll pay.”
“I’m called Quiver Streamrunner, your descendant forced my family into slavery. I escaped and now I’m here to make sure that you don’t.”
“Just call me Spike, I’m here because Lady Destiny convinced me this would be a great game.”
“And I’m Errant Destiny-Darkmane, Dawna’s sister. I’m here to make you pay for the destruction of my home.”
“I guess that’s the end of that.”
“Ha ha ha, I cannot be destroyed! Your weapons are useless against me.”
Theirs might be; but I bet the sword Dawna took from you will do the job.
“What, how, argh . . .”
Telekinesis, you may have been able to paralyze our bodies but not our minds. Trace have you isolated the codes that keep changing the program?
“I’ve got them and I’m deleting them now.”
“Nooooooooooooooooo”
It was fun Crystal, but now you’re terminated.
“You two knew this was going to happen from the very beginning didn’t you?”
I figured something like this was likely; but no, I didn’t know for sure.
“I knew, and that’s why I created the cloaking program. I figured something would go wrong. Since the program was designed to test us I figured we’d need some help from people that hadn’t been through the program before. What I didn’t realize was that the only thing that could disrupt Crystal’s programming was my sword.”
So when it became obvious that our back up couldn’t defeat Crystal, Dawna and I came up with a new plan. Now that we’ve cleaned the program we can actually use it as a training program without worrying about someone getting killed. As a bonus you’ve found a way to access abilities from your gem and I’ve developed a new ability as well. So if you’ll excuse me I think I’ll go and take a shower to cool off.
“All of that, just to have a training program? You know you could have just deleted it and been done with it!”
“Yeah, but we had to isolate Crystal’s infiltration code so that we could delete her from all of our files. Remember the program had infiltrated every program not just the VR programs. Hey Prowler, wait up I think I’ll join you.”
End Log
Entry 175
So Dawna, tell me why you chose those four to join us during that little exercise?
“I figured that the people I chose couldn’t have spent any time at Shadow Base, otherwise the program would have known how to stop them like it did to us. Now, before you say anything, yes Erin told me she had spent time on the base, but she remained human the entire time she was there. So, I figured it might be a risk to include her, but I figured if she was incapacitated the other two people I planned to approach would still be able to take the Tri-Phoenix out.”
Only two? There were three other people in the group.
“I’ll get to that in a moment. The second person I asked to be on the back up team was Spike. Erin told me that Shendrian agents, which get assigned to the Vesuvia contact point, receive extensive training in all forms of combat. So, I figured he would make an excellent addition to the team. When I told him what I had planned he was more than willing to help. When you said that everyone on Shendria would obey you, I had no idea that they consider it to be the greatest honor to serve the descendants of their savior, Shendria Lightstripe. And before you get any ideas, I may be a shifter, but I’m not going to be worshiping you the way they do. Just so you know, if I think that you’re letting the fanatic devotion go to your head, I’ll be sure to knock you back down to reality. I’ve had enough with the megalomaniacs in this galaxy, got it?”
That’s fine. Shendria is actually located in the Tabor Galaxy . . . Ow, I get your meaning. That was just a joke.
“So, after Spike joined us I considered adding one of the pilots from the ADL, but there was a danger of the program having their vital statistics. That’s why I approached T’yer, he has most of the training that the Guardians are given, and you’ve already shown that you trust him.”
You know, I hadn’t thought about it, but the reason that I trust him is because he is a Snarion Guardian. I never had much contact with the Swift Clan in the past, but at the time I knew he would follow me the same as any Shendrian, because he has seen me in my median form.
“What does that have to do with anything?”
At the time he thought I was Tanth, but now he knows that I am just one of Tanth’s distant relatives.
“Wait a minute, are you talking about that rover you had on Celtis?”
It’s a long story that’s almost as complicated as our own. But yes, I’m related to the Tanth on Celtis Aranaki. He’s a Snarion, so by now he’s probably reached the adult stage of his life. We’ll know more when we return to Celtis Aranaki.
“We’re going back to Celtis?”
Of course we’re going back, I’m hoping that a few of our new shipmates will be able to bond with telegems as we have.
“There are more gems?”
There are thirteen gems total, and as far as I know only seven of them have bonded. But you’ve gotten side tracked, you were telling me about the final member of your back up team.
“Quiver, I swear that little otter is everywhere. I’m beginning to believe him when he says that he escaped from one of Crystal’s slave ships. This morning, as we were preparing, he just sort of appeared and insisted that I allow him to join the team. You know normally, I’d have said no, but he gave me that look.”
You mean the “I’m just an innocent little otter and I really want to help even if I am only a kid” look?
“He’s used it on you I take it?”
Yes, and that’s how I found out he isn’t an innocent little kid. Behind that sweet furry face lurks the mind of a fourteen-year-old battle trained terror. He also has a bit of telepathic talent. He wants to be on the team so bad that he tried to convince me to let him join right after our meeting. It seems those of us with telegems have a built in defense to such an attack.
“Yeah, Crystal tried that same tactic with me when I landed on the IGSS. I didn’t think much of it at the time. So what did you tell him when you picked him up off the floor?”
First, I told him that if he tried that tactic again on any of the core members he’d be off this ship as fast as Dare can fly. I then asked him why he wanted to be on the team so badly and he gave me the same story that he’s been giving all of us, about his family being captured and wanting revenge. The thing is, I get the feeling that he was a slave longer than he lets on.
“Yeah, but how do you know his age?”
He has his birth certificate; his family had been living on Vesuvia for several generations. It seems they had a good relationship with the Vesuvian government. His ancestor was a botanist, and saved someone important. Anyway, they believed that they were safe since they were in the human free zone. Then one night a group led by a Vesuvian traitor captured them and turned them over to the Imperiam. Currently, the best way to make a quick cred and get rid of enemies is to falsify some charges and turn the person over to the Imperiam. So, Quiver’s friends here on Vesuvia saved the family’s heirlooms and such. When Quiver returned they turned everything over to him. He stayed at the Sundowner, since he might be recognized if he actually returned home.
“Now that I know a bit more about him, I won’t let him use his innocent looks against me again.”
Of course not, since he’s going to be a member of the team.
“What?”
Well, you chose the first four new members of the team. I’ll be interviewing them later and asking them to officially join the group.
“That isn’t what I intended when I asked them to help.”
Of course it isn’t, but I trust your decision and you pleaded their case rather well.
End Log
Entry 176
Well, that’s it then, the team is now four members stronger. I considered recording each individual’s interview and adding it to this log. I did record the interviews but instead of adding them to the log I’ve condensed them into the dossier form I used for the original team. I’m adding the dossiers to the file section of the log. Now I’ve still got a bit of time to kill, so I’m going to see if anyone else wishes to join the team.
Computer, open all the ship’s communications links. This is a general announcement to the people aboard this ship. As you may have guessed, yesterday the Shadow Runner team reformed, and for the last few hours I’ve been interviewing new members. You can recognize approved team members by their uniforms.
For those of you who wish to join the New Shadow Runners, you can now find an application form at your personal terminal. I will interview the first four members who fill out and submit the form immediately. All other applications will be selected at random. The first applicant is Nature Wolf Darkmane. The second applicant is Chaos. Applicant number three is Shard. The final application I will be reviewing to day is . . . Umbral Silverfox Sundowner. Nature, please report to my office for your interview. Computer, close communications link.
Obviously, a few people found where I’d posted the application earlier. Nature’s application was sent to my terminal the instant I mentioned where they could find it. I’d hoped more of the ADL members would have done the same. Chaos, Shard, and Umbral’s interviews will be longer than I had expected but I guess it serves me right. On the up side, the more interviews I get done now, the sooner I can move to my command quarters.
“So, who’ve you recruited before me?”
Hey, Nature. Dawna recruited Errant, T’yer, Spike, and Quiver this morning and I just finished with their interviews.
“I can understand why she recruited Errant, but why the others?”
It had to do with the fact that Crystal had no information about them from my files and her spies.
“Does this have something to do with the show this morning?”
Yeah, the program had infiltrated all of the Shadow Runner files. We had to find some way to isolate the codes to the Tri-Phoenix character so that we could delete it.
“So when are you going to begin the interrogation?”
Oh come on, it’s not that bad, especially considering you’ve already filled out most of the information I need. For the most part, all I have to do is check and see if I’ve gotten your background information filled out correctly. I see that you have nothing listed in the special ability category.
“To tell you the truth, I’m not sure what you wanted in that space. After all, I’m from a wolf species, so of course I have abilities that humans don’t, but I wouldn’t call them special. Especially considering you have the ability to change forms, now that is a special ability.”
Here check over this synopsis of your background while we head to the medical unit.
“Medical? I didn’t realize you required a physical as well?”
I hadn’t thought of that, but you’re probably right, from this point on every applicant will have to have a physical as well.
“Damn, just don’t tell them I was the one that suggested it. So why are we headed to medical then?”
I need to check your genetic makeup. I think I found your race’s home planet.
“Does it really matter? I was born on Vesuvia and raised with you and Rusty on Accordia, so in effect I already have two home worlds.”
Here we are. All I need is a bit of blood so that the computer can check for certain patterns.
“Wait, what do you mean patterns?”
Damn. Damn, damn, damn I was right.
“You’re starting to scare me, just what aren’t you telling me?”
According to the information, Kindra created your race. Your parents were from the planet Celtis Aranaki and they were created to kill the Shadow Runners.
“You’re kidding right?”
I wish I was, but it’s stamped right here in your cells.
Hah. Haha ahahahah.
“I don’t see any of this as being funny!”
Ever since I escaped from Kindra, I’ve been fighting fate. Arlen once told me that I couldn’t change the past. Once it has happened, then it cannot be changed, even if the past is in the future.”
“That makes no sense at all.”
Maybe if I start a bit back down the timeline things will make more sense. I joined Kindra to save Accordia and my friends. I escaped from Kindra, which pissed her off. Arlen told me that he knew I would form a team to fight Kindra, because that is what I had done. That’s when I began my struggle with fate.
“I remember Seeker telling me something about you talking to yourself and yelling at God.”
That’s a tame way of putting it. Soon I met another person who claimed he could see the future. But I proved that he had been wrong in the past, so I used this to convince myself that I was right and fate didn’t exist. I still have a few things to settle with him.
Fate ended up slapping me in the face, and I did form the Shadow Runners. We then led Kindra to Celtis Aranaki where she jumped back a couple thousand years before you were born and created your ancestors in order to kill me in what was then the present.
“That doesn’t explain why you were laughing.”
I was laughing because as far as I knew the only thing fate had given me was pain and suffering. Now I know that everything that I’ve done so far has had positive consequences as well. If I hadn’t joined Kindra then you wouldn’t have existed.
“So what you’re saying is you’re back where you started. You sacrificed yourself to save me?”
Exactly. True we’re about to go to war against a specter from our past, but this time I’m in control. Not fate, not some god, or some deluded author, there’s just me.
“When was the last time you had a CAT scan?”
This morning in the hot tub, Dawna looked me over quite thoroughly.
“That wasn’t what I meant.”
I know what you meant.
“I hope this doesn’t effect the interview, but I think you’re losing your mind.”
No, I’ve gotten it back.
“So what you’re saying is Kindra created my race, but she wouldn’t have if you hadn’t led her to Celtis Aranaki. Now my question is, which one of you should I consider to be God?”
That isn’t funny.
“One of you created my race, so you must be God.”
I said that isn’t funny.
“And low, the Great God Prowler, was displeased by his subject.”
I’m serious. That isn’t funny.
“And the Lord said ‘That isn’t funny’. He drew forth his shield of emotional baggage and his sword of great ego to smiteth his subject.”
Nature . . .
“So, Oh Holiest of Holies, if I grovel at your blessed feet, will you grace me with the privilege of being one of your favored followers?”
“Computer, as second in command, I hereby accept Nature Wolf Darkmane as an official member of the Shadow Runners, both bound by as well as protected by the rules set forth by the core members.”
“Thanks Dawna, now if you’ll excuse me I do believe it’s time for me to run!”
You may have gotten a reprieve this time, Nature, but I will get even or my name isn’t Lord Prowler the Vengeful!
“Of course Venji, I’ll be expecting you, and I’ll have a bucket of water waiting for you!”
Fool! Cats hate water, not tigers, so you’d better come up with a better defense. Now Dawna, you didn’t have to come along and save his mangy hide. After all we grew up together so I wouldn’t have hurt him. Well, not badly anyway. So how long were you standing there?”
“I arrived just before the CAT scan comment.”
Ah, I see. And why are you here?
“You may have learned how to block your thoughts from being transmitted between the gems, but not your emotions. In last few minutes you’ve been on quite the emotional space race. Now would you tell me what’s going on?”
I just confirmed that Nature is a member of the Celtis Aranaki Wolf Clan.
“Yeah, I heard that part, and it doesn’t explain your emotional state.”
** ** Just a minute . . .
End Log
Entry 177
Here, this should explain everything.
“A memory crystal? How is this supposed to help?”
That crystal is a copy of my complete log up to this moment. It’s as complete as I could make it. I’ve edited parts, deleted some entries, and code locked others. The copy on that crystal has all the locks released.
“Are you sure you want me to have this?”
I admit there are things on there that you may not like, and I may regret allowing you to see, but yes, I’m sure I want you to see it. It’s a record of my life from the moment I decided to join Kindra. I’ve only given a copy like that to one other person.
“Rusty, though I’m surprised you haven’t given it to your sons.”
Rusty’s copy was heavily edited as well as locked. He then edited his copy and gave it to Trace. Tye, had full access to my files when he was in control of the Shadow Base’s Main Computer so both he and Trace likely have full copies. No, the only other person I gave a full copy to is Arlen.
“I don’t know what to say.”
Just view the log, and then maybe you’ll have a lot to say. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have three more candidates to terrorize before dinner.
End Log
Entry 178
It seems Dare has gone all out for this.
“Don’t you think Thunder deserves a funeral? After all, you’re the one that insisted he be treated the same as the rest of the living team members.”
No, it isn’t that. It’s just that I never realized that Dare felt this way. As far as I knew those two only got along because I required it.
“I’ve seen stranger friendships. Remind me some time to tell you about Weasel and Hurk.”
Who?
“Oh, a couple of old friends from before I formed the Trouble Makers. I haven’t thought about them in years. I suppose it’s what we’re doing here today.”
I know, it isn’t just Thunder that we’re mourning.
“Friends and shipmates, we’re here today to celebrate the life of THNDR-23, better known as Thunder, and to hear his final farewell. Now I’m sure a few of you are wondering just why it is that I’m the one up here instead of Prowler. Well, that would be because I twisted the Commander’s arm forcing him to let me be the one to do this. You see, even though he created Thunder using the memories and life experiences of his best friend Rusty Darkmane, Thunder wasn’t a copy of Rusty. He was an individual and he quickly became a good friend. We spent many a late night in Shadow Base’s cafeteria playing games and just talking. Oh sure, we were often fighting but then that was just the way we were. I was chaos to Thunder’s carefully ordered life. Now, with Arlen giving us the task of watching over the Shadow Runner Gang, I find myself having to fill Thunder’s shoes of order and discipline. Not an easy task when you consider the fact that Thunder had high-powered electric motors and wheels concealed in those boots. Anyway, before I play the recording that Thunder made for this occasion, I’ll step back and let a few of you speak if you want. White Fox, that means you.”
“Thank you, Dare. When I first met Thunder I thought that he must be the leader of the Shadow Runners, since he seemed to be the only one with any intelligence. Even though I was wrong about that I still find myself wondering if I my first impression wasn’t correct. Being the last member to join the Old Shadow Runners I spent as much time as possible with Thunder learning how to cope with such strange concepts as technology and space travel. Even though I was relatively ignorant of such things Thunder was a patient teacher. I suppose I have a unique take on the team dynamic of the Runners but Thunder seemed to be the one that just about everyone went to for counseling. It wasn’t an easy task. I remember the one night I overheard him talking with Wilna, our clan healer, about what would happen if he were destroyed. You see, Rusty was raised in a family that believed in an afterlife but Thunder wasn’t human and so he didn’t have a soul. Wilna just laughed at his confusion. She asked what he was made of. He of course answered gears and wires. So Wilna asked what those were made of and he answered metal and plastic. She again asked what those were made of at the smallest level. Thunder seemed to concentrate for several minutes. I’m sure he was trying to think of way to describe himself that would make sense to Wilna. At last he seemed to give up and just said ‘atoms, though those are actually made up of smaller particles’ and Wilna smiled. She just nodded, in her all knowing way, and said ‘yes, we know it as stardust or the life wind, now what is that rock made of? The grass you’re standing on? What is it that all living things are made of? It is the same stardust that you are made of. All things have a soul given to them by the God that is older than even the Kah Har.’ That is also what I believe. Even though Thunder is no longer with us a part of him still lives on as a part of our own souls. And though he was worried about what would happen after he died I’m more sure now than ever that his soul has journeyed to the realm from which we all come and will one day return.”
“Would anyone else like to say something? Commander?”
I . . . No Dare, anything I could possibly say would pale in comparison to what you and White Fox have already said.
“All right then. I’ll now play the holorecording that Thunder made for this occasion. I found it when I was preparing his body for burial. I must say that I was rather surprised since as far as I knew Thunder didn’t keep any belongings. Even his flora and fauna samples were recorded and placed in the base’s records. However a lot of things changed after the Celtis Aranaki mission. Anyway, here are his final words.”
“If you are viewing this recording then I am dead. Considering that I’m a machine this means that the only way that I can’t be restored is because my memory crystal has been destroyed. First, Prowler, don’t go to Rusty and try to get a new crystal. I am unique and there is no way you will ever be able to recreate me. Also whatever happened I don’t want you to blame yourself for my death. You take on way too much blame as it is. Dare, I’m sure you’ll be happy to know that you no longer have to pay off your gaming debt to me. Oh, and for future reference never play against a robot. Stealth, try to stay out of trouble, now that I’m not around to cover for you it isn’t going to take long for Prowler and Dare to discover your secrets.”
“What! I . . . I. . .”
“Hah, I’m just kidding try not to take things so seriously. Oh, and whenever Prowler gets around to going back to Celtis Aranaki I suggest you make a trip out to the Blue Moon. I won’t tell you what I discovered but I guarantee you’ll be in for a big surprise. Dawna, I really don’t know that much about you yet, and now I doubt I ever will, but even in the short time that you’ve been with us I’ve seen a change in Prowler. I know only too well what an isolationist he can be, but I’m sure if you keep working on him you’ll be able to break through his barriers and maybe even turn him back into the fun loving individual I remember from Rusty’s childhood. White Fox, there is still so much I need to teach you about things out here in the galaxy. I only hope that what I have taught you so far will be enough for you to survive. Oh, and I have a favor to ask. If you get the chance I want you to get to know Nature Wolf Darkmane. He is my . . . He is Rusty’s adopted brother. He is a Wolf but he has never been to Celtis Aranaki. I hope that at some point, if the two of you work together, you’ll be able to heal the scars between your two clans. The rest of this message is locked until Rusty is present.”
“I’m here, Thunder.”
“Rusty, always remember one thing. Even though Prowler gets lucky and is right once in a while you are always more right then he is. Ha ha! Now as for my possessions, I don’t have much so this won’t take long. Prowler, you get all the data that I’ve stored on the Base computer if you’re not happy with that, tough. Rusty, you get the Telegems of Life. The truth is, even though it has bonded with me, I believe that it was always meant for you. White Fox, I want you to have the Aray Mirror. It is a Fox Clan heirloom and so it is only right that I give it to you. Dawna, I want you to have my space racer. I won’t be needing it anymore and it wouldn’t be right for everyone else to have a racer forcing you to ride around with Prowler. Finally, I give this recording to Dare. I know it isn’t much but that’s it. Now don’t bother crying for me just get your butts back out there and keep fighting for what we all believe in.”
“All right, that’s it. I’ve set up a nice picnic buffet and I’ve made all the arrangements for a full day off so that we can all remember, not just Thunder, but all the friends that we’ve left behind.”
Thank you Dare, that was better than anything I could have done, or said.
“Yeah, I know. Like Thunder said, you tend to blame yourself for everything. Besides, even if you’d tried to set this up you wouldn’t have gotten that holodisc working since it was coded to work only for me. Now come on, I went to a lot of effort to get in fresh food and trust me, you don’t want to miss out.”
End Log
Entry 179
Hey Rusty, I’ve been thinking.
“That sounds unhealthy.”
Yeah, well it can’t be helped. Anyway, I was thinking about what our first mission should be.
“Already? It seems a bit soon to start planning missions. After all, you haven’t interviewed everyone yet. Not to mention the fact that we just came out of a very long hyper sleep, and . . .”
And I’ve been taking an inventory of the supplies that remain here on the base. It seems that your team used up most of the supplies of parts and ammunition. All that’s left are parts for heavy cruisers and what consumables can be harvested from the Park.
“So? We have our fighters, Blade Hunter, and the Shadow Runner. All of which are fully armed and ready to go.”
True, but we won’t be able to re-arm the fighters after a mission or two.
“So just what are you two talking about?”
The fact that we’re a bit short on supplies.
“Ah, one of my specialties. What do we need?”
Weaponry, ammunition, star fighter parts, and everything else needed to fight a war. I don’t know if you’ve noticed but our new recruits didn’t have much in the way of technology when they joined us. I guess the Imperiam outlawed blasters, personal computers, communications devices, and just about everything else that makes life enjoyable. The only equipment our new recruits have includes blades and primitive projectile weapons.
“Hm, I can think of two or three solutions. First, you could requisition what we need from the Clans.”
Possibly, but I’d rather not. We’re going to need them to fight with us. So they’ll need the same supplies we need.
“Alright, the next option would be to raid my treasure trove. The problem is that it is mostly treasure and I doubt we’ll be able to find any warships for sale.”
True, and we may need that money to pay other groups to join our cause.
“Just a thought, but the ARCs should still be in friendly hands.”
Who did you leave them with?
“The Phoenix was left with Fyretech, so I’m not sure what may have happened to her. We gave the Arch Angel to Shendria to guard Gateway and the Thunderbird was stored near New Accordia. Since the only people that knew of her location are all accounted for I’m pretty sure she’s still there.”
Well, that will help but it still doesn’t solve all our problems. So Dawna, what is the third option?
“We spend some time raiding Kindra’s old bases.”
“That’s a good idea, but what are the chances we’ll be able to find any that haven’t already been cleaned out?”
Actually the chances may be better than you imagine. After all, no one found this base.
“Now everything depends on how good your memory is. Kindra had several bases that only the highest-ranking members of her crew knew about. The one that I’m thinking of is LP-12. The entire time I was a pirate that was the treasure trove that I was searching for.”
Really, why is that?
“You don’t know about LP-12! That was the base where Kindra stored nearly all of her ill-gotten gains. When I was in supply, I had to load a couple of her drone ships. Hell, that was even where she dumped that prototype troop carrier you designed for her.”
So why couldn’t you find it?
“Like I said only those with a high rank knew where it was. Or at least that was what I was led to believe. I actually caught one of her drone transports but the thing self destructed before I could discover its destination.”
I guess this means your search is about to end, because I have a list of all of Kindra’s bases.
“I suppose we’ll be departing shortly?”
That’s right, and since we don’t know what we’ll find at LP-12 you’d better prepare your pilots.
“ALERT! Alert, would all beings within the range of this broadcast please evacuate the area. There has been an explosion in the ship yards.”
What!
“Isn’t the shipyards on the other side of the sun at the moment?”
Yeah but . . .
“ALERT! Alert, please evacuate immediately. Debris will be falling in this area shortly. If you are injured, disabled, or lost please contact one of the emergency robots that have now been deployed to the area.”
Computer, damage report!
“There is currently no damage to report.”
“Would you three get over here before you’re killed?”
“We’re coming, just hold the door for us.”
“So what happened?”
I don’t know Errant, the computer says that something exploded but there’s no damage. Still, it’s tracking debris that is going to fall in this area. So I’m going to link my headset to the base’s main computer and see if I can straighten this out.
“You’d better hurry up, because I can see some of the debris entering the atmosphere already.”
According to the computer the explosion was a ship.
“What ship, as far as I knew everything is sitting cold on the Shadow Runner’s flight deck.”
Class heavy transport, designation . . . that can’t be right. Open comlink to the Blade Hunter. Blade, activate all systems, report location, and condition.
“Hunter activated. All systems are active and standing by. Location is Shadow Runner primary hanger, bay one. Condition, green and ready to fly.”
Remain on standby until further notice.
“Mind telling us what’s going on?”
According to the computer, Blade exploded after ejecting the primary life pod.
“Could it be a computer glitch?”
No, I’m viewing the video now. If it wasn’t Blade then it was a ship that looked exactly like him. Which is impossible. Besides, the computer is still tracking the life pod.
“It could still be a glitch, couldn’t it?”
“Closing blast doors, please move deeper within the shelter until the danger has passed.”
End Log
Entry 180
“Debris fall has abated. You may now safely exit the shelter.”
Now we can find out who was in that life pod.
“One, right on time. Hi, I’m Ghost, and this is Thunder. Errant, would you please go with him? He’s twelve years old and eighteen months into First Shift.”
“Prowler?”
He appears to be from the Destiny Clan, and you’re the only one of us that has any experience of teaching cubs during First Shift. However, the choice is yours to make.
“I’m going then. I’ll contact you when he’s completed First Shift.”
“Good, now that’s settled. Rusty, I want you to make Prowler promise you that he won’t leave Hollow Base for at least a month GS.”
Listen punk, you don’t just fall out of the sky in my base and start ordering my friends around.
“I’m Ghost Darkmane, son of Rusty and Errant Darkmane, and the only Shadow Runner to survive the final battle with Crystal Image, five times so far.”
Right.
“I can’t say more until you’ve promised not to leave this base.”
You’ll have to come up with more than that before I’ll promise you anything.
“Dad, you made this memcrystal and insisted that I give it to you in order to prove that my request is what must be done.”
“How do I know this memcrystal won’t kill me?”
“Hey Rusty, I know that you’re thinking, this kid is nuts. I know, because that’s what I thought when I first met him. And now he’s showing you a holo of yourself that is talking gibberish. Well, I’ve got a surprise for you and it isn’t an earful of chewed carrots. Ghost and Thunder are your sons and I’m you; or at least a version of you that may exist in the future.”
“I haven’t mentioned the carrot incident to anyone, have you?”
I might have, still I’d agree that he’s a time traveler based on the computer reports and this debris. However, if he’s come back to change the future it won’t work.
“Before you make a decision about that let me find out what’s on this crystal.”
I’ll tell you what’s on the crystal. It has information about some event that is about to happen where I leave the base. I don't know what happens and it doesn't really matter. If I leave, this future event will happen. If I stay it will still happen, perhaps not the same way, but close enough that time will continue as it is.
“That is one possibility, but I can’t say more until Rusty has uploaded that crystal to his memory.”
“Then let’s get to it.”
End Log
Entry 181
Alright, I’ve got the memory implantation machine set up and I’ve engaged all the safety protocols. I still can’t guarantee that uploading the information from that memcrystal is safe.
“I believe Ghost is telling us the truth. You said yourself that Kindra once traveled back in time, so we know it’s possible. Also we’re going to raid the base where she kept all of her secret weapons so it’s possible that we’ll find a working time drive there.”
True, but it isn’t possible to change the past.
“That’s not what we’ll be doing. We’ll be changing the future. Now will you move so I can get this over with?”
Hey, where’s your telegem?
“I took it off, why?”
Well, maybe I’m a bit paranoid but I don’t believe that uploading the information from Ghost’s memcrystal is safe. I know that I can’t stop you, but I can at least insist that you wear your telegem. That way, if there is anything dangerous on that crystal, your gem will provide some extra protection.
“I really don’t think it’s necessary.”
Tell you what, if you wear your gem and it isn’t needed, I’ll promise to stay at Hollow Base for as long as you feel I need to.
“You’re really that worried about the possibility of something going wrong with my learning what’s on this crystal?”
Yes, I am.
“Fine, then I’ll wear my telegems. However, I want you to go and do something productive to keep your mind busy. Otherwise, you’re just going to hurt the team’s morale.”
Spoken like a true leader. You know; if my future is set and I die, at least I know that the Shadow Runners will be in good hands.
“Would you get out of here, before I have to throw you out! Go interview a few more recruits or something.”
Fine, I’m going.
“And don’t forget to lock the door, we wouldn’t want anyone sneaking in here while I’m helpless now would we?”
Shadow, restrict access to the hyper education chamber to Shadow Runner core members only. Is that good enough for you?
“I guess it’ll have to do.”
Well, the door is locked but he didn’t tell me to shut down the surveillance systems. Damn it! He took his telegem off again. Oh, I see, he’s trying to decide whether he should wear it or not. Yes! He made the right decision and put it back on. Now he’s lying back on the bed and entering the machine so, no taking the gem off now.
Rusty, if something happens to me and you’re listening to this, then I’d like to apologize for deceiving you this way. I had another reason for insisting that you wear your gem. You haven’t realized this yet, but you need to create a mental shield to keep us from reading your mind with the gems. I insisted you wear your gem so that I could tap in and help you deal with the information on that crystal.
Well, since it will take a while for the information to begin loading I guess I’ll do what you suggested and interview another couple of prospective team members.
End Log
Entry 182
Good morning Ice, I see you’ve finished filling out the application form. So is there anything else you want to ask or say before I decide whether or not to allow you on the team?
“You already know just about everything there is to know about me. After all, Rusty, sent you more information about me when he was deciding whether or not to allow me to join the ADL. You know that I’m Shendrian and that I’ve vowed to serve the Lightstripe Clan without question.”
I’d rather have you as a member of the team because you want to be here, rather than serving me because of something that one of my ancestors did.
“I shouldn’t have said that, nearly everyone in the ADL warned me. It’s just that it’s so hard to break a belief that’s been ingrained into every Shendrian from birth.”
I’m sure you’ll get beyond it after you’ve been a part of the team for a while and see that I’m not someone that should be worshiped. Welcome the Shadow Runners Icebreaker Summerrevel.
“That’s it?”
“YeaAHHHHHHHRRRRRR!”
“What happened? Are you alright?”
N-no. I just died, repeatedly.
“What!”
Just, just give me a minute and I’ll be fine.
“Prowler! Are you alright?”
“Yeah Dawna, I’ll be fine just give me a couple of minutes to get over the shock.”
“Hey, Commander, what’s going on?”
I made sure Rusty was wearing his telegem when he entered the hyper education machine.
“By the Kah Har, did any of you feel that? It felt like I just saw someone I really cared about die.”
Yeah, something like that, White Fox. Rusty just transmitted his shock and pain of witnessing my death over and over again through the telegem’s link.
“I bet you were listening in at the time so you caught a much more potent dose of the experience.”
Not only that, but I’ve seen five possible futures in which I’ve died. I also know that this one is already different from the others.
“Hey wait, you said that the past can’t be changed.”
“Dare, shut up. Now, how is it different this time?”
In the past, or the other pasts, Rusty didn’t take my advice to wear his telegem.
“So this is the first time you’ve actually seen your own death? Rather than hearing about it after Rusty completed absorbing all the information from the crystal.”
That’s right Ice. This time I’ve got an extra seven hours to change the future and break the time loop that Ghost created. Shadow, contact Trace, Tye, and Spike and have them meet me on the flight deck.
“So where are we going?”
Sorry Dare, but for this mission you and White Fox will have to stay here. If I don’t make it back you’ll need to help Rusty fight the Imperiam. Dare, you’ve got to train all the new recruits how to fly like you do. As for you White Fox, Rusty will need your help convincing the Fox Clan to help us fight against the Imperiam as well. Besides, we can’t all die again.
“Hey, if you say I need to stay here then that’s good enough for me.”
“I would go with you even if it meant that I would die. Still, I see your point about my needing to be here. It will be hard convincing the Clan to join our cause especially since there are Wolf Clan members in our group.”
Good, now we’ve got to move.
“Prowler, wait up I’m going with you. You’re going to need all the help you can get and something is telling me that without me you’ll fail.”
“Wait, how do you know what we’re talking about?”
Oh, did I forget to tell everyone? T’yer has a gem with properties similar to our telegems.
“What!”
“I’d have been here sooner, but it seems I passed out when Rusty broadcasted his pain.”
I’m sorry T’yer, but there are only certain members of the team that can go on this mission.
“Yeah I know, only Shendrians are allowed in the Gateway System. But like I said, I get the feeling that I have to be there.”
“If you’re heading to Gateway with a non Shendrian then I don’t want to be there.”
That’s fine Ice, if this mission does go bad I’d rather have you in the group that has to fight the Imperiam. You’re in a piloting class that rivals Dare and that’s talent that Rusty is going to need.
“I don’t know what you have planned but you realize I’m going and you can’t stop me.”
Dawna, I wouldn’t dream of trying to stop you. The problem is going to be convincing Trace and Tye not to . . .
“Not to what?”
Not to try and come with us.
“If you’re going out on a mission then we’re coming with you and you can’t stop us.”
There is a very good chance that we won’t survive.
“Well then, that’s an even better reason for us to go with you.”
Listen, if I’m killed then, Rusty is going to need your help convincing the Shendrian Lords to join the fight against the Imperiam.
“Fine, come on Tye, we’ve got something to discuss.”
“They’re up to something.”
Of course they are. They’re always up to something, I’m just hoping we can launch before they actually have a plan. Now, Spike, I called you here because you have to be on this mission.
“What mission?”
We’re going to Gateway on a rescue mission. In a few hours a ship will enter the system from a previously unknown gate. The human crew will escape but the Gateway forces will continue to attack the ship. What we’re going to do is stop them for two reasons. The first reason is because the people that are left aboard are slaves, and they don’t even know how to pilot a ship. There is no way they’ll be able to lead anyone back to Gateway. The second reason is that we need all the ships we can get and once the main crew evacuates we’re going to add that ship to our war forces.
“I think you should reconsider this plan. The rules governing unauthorized ships in the Gateway System are even more imperative now then when you last visited.”
I don’t doubt it, but I am Lord Lightstripe and they have to follow my orders.
“They’re not going to believe that you’re Lord Lightstripe, though.”
That’s why you have to be on the team. You’re the current representative to Vesuvia so they’ll have too at least let us on the station so that I can prove that I really am Lord Lightstripe. Now, let’s get going.
“No, I can’t let you leave. You’ll only die again, and I’m tired of having to live in this time loop.”
Ghost, you’re not going to be able to stop us.
“I can and I will. I can’t kill you, but I can still hurt you badly enough that you have to enter a med tube.”
Obviously you don’t know that much about me. Blade, lock all access ports and prepare to launch. Dawna, phase T’yer aboard I’ll take Spike with me.
“Hold it, I’m going too.”
Tye, we’ve been over this.
“Yeah, well, only one of us has to stay. Trace lost the toss so he’ll be staying behind.”
Fine, we’re wasting time. Dawna, do you think you can phase two people at once? Hey, where’s T’yer?
“When I started to phase him he seems to have learned the ability. He’s already aboard. Come on Tye we’d better get aboard as well.”
“You can’t do this!”
Watch me.
“You’re all going to die! Again!”
End Log
Entry 183
We’ll be reverting to real space in the Gateway System in five . . .
“So what’s the plan?”
Prepare to contact Gateway Station. Four . . .
“You don’t have a plan do you?”
No I don’t. Three . . .
“We’re so screwed.”
Probably, but it seems we’ve been here before. Two, which means if we do screw up some part of us will be doing this again. One . . .
“Dropping out of altered space now.”
“Gateway Station, this is Agent Briarspike, from the Vesuvia post. Please acknowledge.”
Look the unidentified ship is already in system. In the other timeline the task force must have been playing with them for quite some time before we arrived.
“This is Gateway Station, we are detecting five individuals on board your ship. Stand down and prepare to be boarded.”
“Look, a small shuttle just launched from the ship.”
A gate is opening! Tye, record the position of that gate!
“Are you sure this mission is worth the risk? That ship isn’t much bigger than a heavy transport.”
Every ship we can find is going to be needed. Besides, there are innocent people on that ship.
“I repeat, stand down and prepare to be boarded.”
Sorry Gateway, but we can’t do that. You are attacking a ship that is now under my protection. Withdraw all forces by order of Lord Lightstripe.
“Hah, that’s a good one.”
Run a check on my ship. Let me make it quicker. It will be listed under the registration ShadowTech XP-3 Transport, designation Blade Hunter. Last known owner, Trace Dacat, son of Lord Prowler Lightstripe.
“A ship is de-cloaking!”
Thanks, Spike, but I noticed.
“Oh shit, that’s the Arch Angel. There’s no way we’ll be able to fight her with Blade.”
Yes we can Tye, remember we’ve got an Exp. 39 cannon.
“Yeah, but we used up the last of our supply.”
You used the last of your supply, but not all of mine. Dawna, bring the cannon online.
“Spike, you’re powering up your weapons. Do you realize this is an act of treason and we are required to destroy you?”
Gateway, I suggest you check your records on the capabilities of the cannon we just powered up.
“Dad, we’re close enough for you to teleport over to the other ship.”
Good, I’m on my way. Keep my comm. channel open so that I know what’s happening.
“That’s impossible! The Imperiam destroyed Desolate 9. You couldn’t have any Exp. 39.”
“That’s not all we have. Blade, hail the Arch Angel’s main computer frequency 1432.”
“Channel open, but they’re trying to block it.”
“Arch Angel command override authorization ADL Rusty Omega Three.”
“Authorization acknowledged. Please transmit code for verification.”
“ADL communications officer Tye Lightstripe, authorization code Mre’roon. Shut down all weapons systems. Close all star fighter launch bays. Hold position, and remain on standby.”
“Acknowledged.”
Not a bad bit of work there. Now all we have to deal with are the weapons on the Station and the fighters already out here.
“Thanks, so what have you found over there?”
I haven’t run into any of the crew yet, and I’m on the bridge. Everything is written in a form of Basic, but it’s a variant that I don’t recognize. It’s clear enough that the former crew started the self-destruct sequence.
“Then you’d better get out of there now!”
Don’t worry, Dawna. It seems they set the timer for a long countdown. I’d say they were hoping that the ship would be towed to Gateway to be inspected after they escaped. Then the explosion would destroy the base as well.
“Can you override the system?”
I’m not sure I want to try. They may have set traps so that the ship will immediately blow if the computer is accessed. So I guess the ship is a write-off anyway. I’m now going to try to get the slaves out of here. That way we’ll have done something to make this trip worthwhile.
“The sensors are showing that there is a member of the crew moving your way now. It’s an awfully large signal, I suggest you shift so that you more closely match him in size.”
A bit late for that, he just opened the door. Hello, my name is Prowler, and I’m here to help you.
“Help us? Why would you help us? You humans are the ones that keep us as slaves!”
Is this an Imperiam ship, then?
“Imperiam, what are you talking about? This is a scout ship for the Terran Confederation of Human Worlds.”
I guess you’re not from this Galaxy then. I’ve never heard of your Confederation. Now, we need to evacuate, otherwise we’re all going to die here. That is, unless you know how to deactivate the ship's self-destruct mechanism.
“I don’t know how to do that. My job is working on the engines and heavy labor. Jace might know how to shut down the system.”
That sounds good. Let’s find Jace, then.
“I don’t think so. I’d rather die than continue being a slave.”
That’s good, because I don’t believe in slavery, and I’m currently fighting against a dictatorship, which is thriving on it. The problem is, we’re a small group, and we need all the ships and manpower we can get. Now, either you’re going to help me or you’re not. Either way, I’m going to save your life. The choice you have to make is, are you going to work with me, or am I going to have to knock you unconscious first.
“You’re courageous, human. Stupid, but courageous. I’m three times your size and I can lift transport engines with my bare hands. Yet you would fight me without weapons in order to save me?”
Oomph . . . Tye, what the hell are you doing?
“He was following orders, I couldn’t risk phasing between the ships unless they were as close as possible. Now Mr. . . .”
“B-B-Brent Tauros.”
“Now Mr. Tauros, I suggest you pick on someone your own size.”
“A feline race! This is amazing! The Confederation has never been able to engineer a feline race that could be kept as slaves!”
Dawna isn’t a slave, and I suggest you watch your step. Those saberteeth aren’t just for show. So, are we going to try to save your ship or not?
“Um, let’s go. Since Jace isn’t here on the bridge, he must be in the computer core, follow me.”
“Dad, there’s someone in the area to your immediate left.”
Brent, who’s in this room?
“That’s Jen. She’s . . . um . . . the crew’s pleasure slave.”
“Her life signs seems to be dangerously low, and they’re falling!”
Dawna, get this door open!
“My God!”
I’ll get her over to Blade, and into a med. tank. I’ll be right back. T’yer, give me a hand getting her into the tank.
“What did they do to her?”
I don’t think we really want to know. I’m setting the tank, but it isn’t going to do more than keep her alive. We’re going to have to get her back to Hollow Base and into the evolver chamber as soon as possible. Otherwise she isn’t going to make it.
“Dad, we’ve got a problem!”
What is it now?
“Another ship has just arrived.”
Reinforcements?
“Possibly. But if it is, then I don’t think we have much to worry about.”
Why is that? Oh, because it’s been blasted to hell.
“I recognize her. It’s the Gateway Guardian, but it looks like someone ran it through an asteroid field without bothering to dodge the larger rocks.”
“That’s an Imperiam ship! The Guardian was given to the Snarion Guardians when we began using the Arch Angel as the primary warship here at Gateway. Tye, reactivate the Arch Angel! We’ve got to stop them.”
“Maybe they escaped, we’ve got to help them!”
“Forget it, T’yer, it’s got to be an Imperiam trap. Oh good, Gateway fighters are moving to intercept and likely destroy her.”
Dawna, have you figured out how to override that ship’s self-destruct program?
“Yeah, but the controls are still locked. So we can’t move.”
Damn, I need to get to Gateway Station to prove that I am Lord Lightstripe. We also have to move Blade into position to protect Guardian until we know just what the situation is over there. But if we move, it’ll leave you undefended.
“Go. I’m sure we’ll be alright for a short time.”
That’s not an option.
“Dad, we could eject the hover tank and use the tractor beam to tow the transport closer to the Guardian.”
“You’re forgetting that the Imperiam is likely in control of that ship.”
Thanks Tye, that’ll work. Though I’ve still got to get to Gateway to completely stop the attack.
“It’s a trap! Isn’t anyone listening to me!”
Spike, shut up.
“Hey Prowler, Jace says that there’s a micro fighter attached to this transport. The crew used it mainly as an atmospheric exploration ship, but it is armed and highly maneuverable. However, our friends don’t know how to use it.”
It’s the best option we’ve got. I’m headed for the hover tank. All right Tye, I’m ready. Eject the tank but keep me tethered until I’m close enough to magnetically clamp it to the hull of the transport.
“You’re already in position. All you’ve got to do is use the control thrusters to flip the tank over.”
Activating the magnetic clamps now.
The lock is tight and the weapon systems are hot. Lock the tether beam to the transport and start moving us toward the Guardian.
End Log
Entry 184
Dawna, the tank is just above the bridge; if things start getting too dangerous, I want you and the rest of the crew to get in the tank and transfer to Blade. Hello, I take it you’re Jace? I’m Prowler, commander of the Shadow Runners.
“Nice to meet you. I’ve never met a human willing to save worthless slaves.”
You’re no longer slaves, and I doubt you were ever worthless. Now where’s this fighter?
“Brent, show him the way. I’m still working on this blasted computer lock.”
“This way, commander.”
So why didn’t one of you take off in the fighter?
“We are forbidden to even learn how to pilot a ship. All we’re taught is how to communicate and do our assigned tasks.”
So you repair engines and Jace repairs computers, but you don’t know how to use them?
“That’s right. Here it is, just climb up the ladder and into the cockpit.”
Thanks, Brent.
“You’re welcome. I’ll manually release the clamps once you’ve sealed the access port.”
Thanks again, I’ll see you when I get back.
End Log
Entry 185
Now, let’s see what we’ve got.
“Fighter docking clamps are being released. Fasten your restraints.”
At least the language sounds like Basic. I still can’t read it very well. It looks like the controls are set up like most fighters I’ve been in. But I’d better make sure. I’m going to try the joystick on the right side, forward pitches the nose down and back brings it up, left is left and right is right, check. Now where’s the throttle? Whoa, it’s not the lever on the left side. Forward is straight up and back takes it straight down. This thing was definitely built for space combat. Perhaps the foot peddles then? Yup, right forward and left backward.
“Enemy fighters approaching. Activate shields and heads up display.”
Where is the shield activation switch?
“Below the red flashing light.”
Got it.
“To activate the H.U.D. connect your targeting headset.”
Where is it, oomph?
“The port id behind you, left side.”
No, where’s the targeting headset? Never mind, it looks like a standard port. I hope my headset will work for this.
“Accessing combat experience data. Data missing, uploading basic data for H.U.D. display.”
You’d better load that information as quickly as possible.
“Data load complete.”
Wow, the cannons track targets based on my eye movement.
“Several shots may be required to properly configure the sights.”
List current weapons load and the corresponding trigger.
“Plasma torpedoes, material for twenty launches, trigger is on the left control lever. Two medium blaster cannons, fire-linked, energy drain bar now appearing on your headset above the shield energy bar. Trigger is the thumb button on the top of the control stick. Twin barrel light blaster turret, energy bar appearing above the heavy laser bar. Trigger is located on the front of control stick.”
Got it.
“Define mission objectives.”
To safely reach enemy space station, land in docking bay, leave ship to retrieve information from a spy aboard the station, and then returning to transport without killing any enemy pilots or ground crew.
“Mission objectives set, objective one complete. Cockpit lock phrase is ‘Open Sesame.’”
Good enough, I’m moving on to objective two.
End Log
Entry 186
Listen, I don’t have time for all your crap. I’m here to prove that I’m Lord Lightstripe.
“I’m sorry, but we don’t have a sample of DNA on file for your Clan.”
I’ve already shifted to prove who I am!
That isn’t good enough. You could be a member of the Dawncaller Clan that has used genetic modification to change your colors.”
You say that you don’t have my DNA on file, but I know that you do because I’m the one that put it there!
“Computer, please search all files with the references Lightstripe and DNA.”
“No files can be found with those references.”
Computer, search for files Twilight, Dacat, and Nightiger.
“Files do not exist.”
Computer, search for files containing Sundowner.
“Directory found for Sundowner.”
Open directory, then open subdirectory titled employees, and file titled Jahar Træn.
“File Jahar Træn does not exist.”
Close subdirectory employees, and open subdirectory associates, file Seer.
“File Seer does not exist.”
Someone went to a lot of trouble to erase everything Lightstripe from your computers, but I bet they missed this one. Computer, close directory Sundowner and open directories Shadowrunner and Darkmane.
“Error, two directories cannot be opened simultaneously.”
Computer, open files Spitfire and Dustrunner.
“Error, two files cannot be opened simultaneously.”
Computer, open hidden links Command and Restore.
“Error, cannot open . . . cannot open . . . cannot . . . All files have been restored, closing all files.”
Computer, open directory Lightstripe, subdirectory Lords, and file Prowler.
“File open, displaying holographic image of Lord Lightstripe. Distinguishing features include an artificial left arm, feline eyes in human form, claw scars across his chest, and a horizontal scar across his back.”
Well, except for the fact that I’ve had my left arm regenerated I still fit that description.
“Run the genetic scan.”
“Scanning sample . . . Clan affiliation Lightstripe . . . genetic match found. Lord Lightstripe, one hundred percent match. Possible gene alteration point zero zero five percent.”
Is that good enough for you?
“I-I apologize Lord Lightstripe, my life is in your paws.”
“Tye, do you read me?”
“Loud and clear.”
Open a channel to Arch Angel and all of her fighters.
“Arch Angel, open all communications to fighters and crew”
“Communications systems online.”
This is Lord Lightstripe, I command you to stand down.
“Gateway Station, can you confirm this information?”
“It’s true commander, he is Lord Lightstripe.”
“Strike team Nova, return to Arch Angel.”
“Please repeat, did you say return to ship?”
“That’s right, Lord Lightstripe himself has just given us a direct order.”
“We’re on our way back.”
Tye . . .
“I’m on it. Arch Angel, I’m returning all control to the crew. Authorization code Mre’roon.”
“Hey Prowler, we’ve unlocked the computer and Freedom is ready to fly.”
I’m glad to hear that, Dawna. I’m on my way over to the Guardian I want you and Tye to cover me while I go in. Everyone else is to hold back and wait.
‘It’s a bit late for that. T’yer is already aboard with the hover tank covering the docking bay for you.”
I should have known. I’ll be there shortly.
End Log
Entry 187
T’yer, report.
“I haven’t left the tank, the docking bay appears to be deserted, so you can land.”
All right, I’m on my way in.
“What took you so long?”
I had to make a stop at Hunter to pick up a few things, and change into something better suited to battle.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
Yeah, if we’re dealing with Snarions then they won’t attack us. If we’re dealing with the Imperiam, then perhaps they’ll be a bit intimidated.
“I’m going to go out first, that way you can cover me with that fighter’s lighter weaponry. I’m afraid if I use the tank I might blow a hole in the hull.”
Normally I’d disagree with that decision, but you’re probably right.
“I am T’yer Swiftpaw, Snarion survivor.”
“Step out where we can see you.”
T’yer, that isn’t a good idea.
“Don’t worry, even if they do fire at me it won’t matter, because I won’t be solid. All right, here I am. Now it’s your turn to show yourself.”
“Not until your friend has landed and come out of his fighter.”
“That isn’t going to happen until you show us a sign of good faith.”
“He could be an Imperiam Agent controlling you.”
“What evidence do we have that you’re not an Imperiam Agent?”
What is the name of your savior’s son?
“Tanth Nightiger. What is the tenth law of the Snarion Guardians?”
There is no tenth law of the Snarion Guardians. What is the connection between Dacat of Accordia and Nightiger of Snarion?
“According to legend, they were brothers. Why did The Homeless One name his team the Shadow Runners?”
To honor the memory of his mate, Meonii Shadowrunner. I’m powering down my weapons and landing. What is the final test to become a Snarion Guardian?
“It is a test of survival. A class of eight to twelve cadets is left on a deserted planet where they must work together to survive. My name is Asha Mistcaller, if you are one of the cubs that were left behind on Snarion, then you may know my sister. If you do, then tell me her name and if she’s still alive.”
“Your sister’s name is Embra Mistcaller. She has spoken of you often. When I last saw her, she was very much alive. I left her in the care of Hra’Ahl Sunchaser.”
Before I come out, I want you to know that I’m human, but I’m not a member of the Imperiam.
“T’yer, you are traveling with a human?”
“Yes, but he’s no ordinary human, he’s . . .”
“Prowler, the Homeless One! The elders made us memorize your entire history. That way the only way it could be completely destroyed is if the Imperiam killed all of us. But, he died many, many years ago. Are you his descendant?”
I didn’t die when Shadow . . . I mean Victory fired his super cannon. Instead, the ship was super accelerated to the point that we time jumped.
“Then the Shadow Runners live?”
“Not only the Shadow Runners, but the ADL as well.”
“Then there’s no time to waste. We must attack the Imperiam before it’s too late!”
That’s going to take a bit of time. Your ship is in no condition to go into battle and neither is my team. We need to gather more forces before we begin a full scale war to save this galaxy.
“Don’t you get it? The Imperiam has already conquered this galaxy. Crystal no longer cares what happens here. She already has complete control. She’s setting her sights on the Tabor galaxy now!”
That’s impossible. Tye, check Hunter’s records and tell me where the gate the Guardian just came through leads.
“Alpha sector of the Tabor galaxy, nearest habitable planet listed as New Accordia. I think we have a problem.”
That’s definitely an understatement. How is it the Imperiam accomplished this?
“They capture people, claiming to relocate them to their planet of origin, but instead they use them to crew the ships they’ve stolen. The captives are taken to a secret location, which is actually in the void between the two galaxies. The jumpnet drive is removed and we are commanded to make a freem jump toward Tabor. If the ship reverts to real space we deploy a jump beacon so the rest of the fleet can move closer to its goal. If the ship doesn’t drop a beacon, then they consider it destroyed. At that point, they plot a series of short jumps until they reach whatever obstruction is blocking the long freem jump. Then they begin making long jumps again. Since the long jumps usually don’t work, they stuff the ship beyond capacity with the old, sick, and injured as a way to decrease the strain on their supplies.”
So the Guardian was one of the long range ships?
“That’s right. We have nearly six thousand Snarions aboard. We developed ‘an illness,’ so the Imperiam shoved everyone that seemed to be suffering aboard this ship and made us take the long jump. Had we known we would survive, I’m sure more of us would have made the trip.”
What you’re saying is that everyone aboard had decided that death was better than continuing to be slaves to the Imperiam.
“Yeah, but imagine our surprise when we actually reached the Tabor Galaxy. Then triple the surprise when the computer suddenly started generating star charts with altered space routes that would lead us home.”
I hope you didn’t drop a jump beacon.
“Of course we didn’t.”
How long do you think it will take for the fleet to reach Tabor making short jumps?
“I hadn’t thought of that. I guess they’ll be making short jumps the rest of the way to Tabor. Plus, they’ll have to continue that practice as they begin to create a jump net there. I figure a year, or perhaps two GS. But if they get close enough and any other ships have the altered space routes imbedded in their computers, it’ll only take days for them to control all of the Tabor galaxy.”
Prowler, to Gateway station.
“This is Gateway, awaiting your command, Lord Lightstripe.”
How many ships has the Imperiam taken that might have information concerning the Tabor galaxy?
“I cannot answer that question over an open line.”
Do I have to repeat myself?
“Do you want the list of ships that have limited access, or ships that have full access?”
Both!
“The only ships that currently have access to Tabor, that have entered this galaxy, are the Gateway Guardian, the Arch Angel, the Blade Hunter and the Exodus. All other ships get their navigation data from here or Mathias Station on the other side. As you may have noticed, all of those ships with the exception of Arlen’s Exodus are currently here at Gateway. However, I should point out that the navigation information was erased from the Guardian’s computer systems.”
Just like the Lightstripe files were erased from your station? Never mind, I already have my answer. Alert the Clan Lords that I have returned and that I will be calling a Grand Council meeting within the year. So Asha, can this thing make another altered space jump?
“I’m hoping it will hold together long enough to get us back to Snarion. I just don’t know how far away it is.”
It’s closer than you can imagine, but this ship won’t be going that far.
“We have to get home.”
Don’t worry, you will. I’ll see to it myself, but we’re going to need every ship we can get to fight this war and we’ve only got two years to pull everything together. Now we have to clear the landing deck, because my mate is about to bring a large transport aboard.
“Why is Dawna bringing the Freedom aboard?”
Two reasons. First, the Freedom doesn’t have any star charts for this region, and second, it doesn’t have a freem drive. Dawna says its faster-than-light drive is like nothing she’s ever seen before, and she isn’t going try using it. Now Asha, if you would escort me to the bridge I can input our course to Vesuvia and the current Shadow Runner Base.
End Log
Entry 188
“Whoa, I thought you said you were going out to get a transport.”
Well Dare, I did get a transport, we just happened to get a blasted cruiser as well.
“That’s wonderful, now we can really take the fight to the Imperiam.”
Yeah, this ship is in serious trouble. I see you’ve completed building your new star fighter.
“I didn’t build the Flashfire. Though I did commission its construction back when I first decided to fight Kindra. When M.J. learned I was building a starfighter he told me that I didn’t need to, since he had stored Flashfire here at Hollow Base.”
That’s good. Perhaps we'll be able to use the supplies to fix the Freedom. Now then, is everyone, besides Errant and yourself, aboard the Shadow Runner?
“Everybody is aboard, including Errant and the cub.”
That’s great! I’ll talk to you later, Prowler out.
“Shadow to Guardian, we’re nearly ready to move. I started disengaging the dock’s systems when I realized the Guardian was going to be needing repairs.”
Thanks Trace. I only hope we have enough resources to get her back up to fighting condition. Dawna, move the Freedom into bay twelve.
“Bay twelve? Isn’t that where Dare is building his starfighter?”
Yes, but it seems he found a different alternative, so I’m hoping we can repair the Freedom with the parts he planned to use for the fighter.
“Good idea, I’m launching now, Dawna out.”
“Commander Prowler, we’d hoped to be able to go home.”
Don’t worry Asha, once the Guardian is in dry dock I’ll transfer over to Shadow Runner and move her into position so that anyone who wishes to return to Snarion can transfer over there.
“And then you’ll take us home?”
Everyone who wishes to continue on to Snarion may, though if you want to get Guardian working again I suggest you leave a crew here to run the repair facility.
“Shadow to Guardian, we’ve got a problem over here!”
Now what?
“I don’t know, Errant contacted the bridge and requested that you get to the infirmary as quickly as possible!”
I need forty-nine seconds before the automated controls take over the Guradian’s systems for docking.
“I’m moving Shadow into position just above the Guardian to set up a transfer system, matching speed now.”
The computer has taken control; I’m on my way over. Errant, what’s wrong?
“It’s Thunder, he’s in trouble.”
What sort of trouble?
“He’s being erased from reality. You’ve changed the timeline enough that he can no longer exist.”
So Ghost, why is it you’re not experiencing erasure?
“Just a guess, but you haven’t changed the events of the time loop where I was born.”
Great, so changing only one event isn’t going to be enough to destroy the time loop.
“That remains to be seen.”
I’ve changed the timeline, so why didn’t Thunder disappear immediately?
“How should I know?”
“Prowler, there has to be something we can do to save Thunder!”
There’s nothing I can do . . . Or is there? I’ll be right back. Trace, how are we doing?
“We’re in position, I’ve attached our docking clamps to the Guardian, and I was just about to set up the connection between the ships.”
Good, do you still have the crystal shard that Seer gave you?
“Yeah, I’ve got it right here.”
I’m going to need it.
“Why? Don’t you still have the shard Seer gave Mom?”
Yes, but to save Thunder and Ghost I’m going to need both of them.
“If you say so, here’s my shard.”
Shard! Uhhh, damn, that felt like I just ripped out a piece of my soul.
“What are you doing?”
I thought I’d trade a shard of my black gem for your shard. I didn’t realize just how bad the pain of creating another shard, so soon after the one I gave to Arlen, would be. Here, take it.
“If it’ll help, then put the shard back.”
It won’t help. I don’t know why, but the gem seems to be urging me to get rid of the shard.
“Well then, I guess I’d better take it.”
That’s better, I feel complete again. No, more than complete, I’m full of energy.
“Maybe, by giving me the shard, some of my energy was passed back through the gem to you.”
Perhaps. Anyway, I’ve got to get back down to the infirmary to keep Thunder from disappearing from this timeline.
“Have you found a way to help Thunder?”
Maybe, but I’ve got to talk to Thunder in private, so everyone get out.
“I don’t like this, but Rusty trusts you and I’m pledged to follow Lord Lightstripe’s orders, so I’ll do as you ask.”
“I’m not leaving. If you have a way to allow me to live, even if you change the timeline, then I want to know about it!”
Then I suggest you shut up and learn to be nicer. Until then, you won’t get any help. Now get out.
End Log
Entry 189
Hello Thunder, my name is Prowler.
“Hi Prowler.”
So, how are you feeling?
“I can’t feel anything.”
So you’re not in any pain?
“No, I can’t feel anything. I can’t even touch anything see?”
So I see. I know a couple other people that can pass through solid objects that way.
“But it’s getting worse, I’m afraid I’m going to disappear.”
It seems I may be the reason this is happening, but I intend to stop it.
“How?”
See this crystal?
“Yeah?”
It’s a magic crystal, and it will stop you from disappearing.
“Really?”
Yes, all you have to do is hold it.
“But I can’t touch it, see I passed right through it just like everything else.”
Well then, I have two possible solutions. First hold out your hand and I’ll drop the crystal and you can catch it.”
“But-”
Let’s just see if it will work. Remember this is a magic crystal. Now hold out your hand, close your eyes, and believe that you will catch the crystal.
“OK. I will catch it. I will catch it. I caught it!”
See, I told you it was magic. However, if you tell anyone, or if you let go of the crystal then the magic will wear off.
“But I can’t hold on to it forever.”
Don’t worry. As soon as your Dad arrives we’ll put the crystal inside you so that you’ll never have to worry about it again, all right?
“I guess. It isn’t going to hurt is it?”
It might hurt, just a little bit, but you’re strong and it’s better than disappearing isn’t it?
“I guess.”
Good, now I’m going to go and let your Mom know you’re all right.
“OK.”
It’s all right to go in now.
“Is he going to be okay?”
For now; however, there are a few things that still need to be done. He’s going to need to have a temporal stabilizer implanted within his body.
“There’s no such thing. If there was then I would have learned about in one of my trips through time.”
I’ll have to run some tests, but I’m betting you’ve already had one implanted. Otherwise you wouldn’t be here.
“What is this stabilizer that you’ve found?”
It’s a telegem shard. Now if you’ll excuse me, now that I’ve temporarily solved this problem, I have to go and help our other new arrivals.
End Log
Entry 190
“Lord Prowler, I’ve finished the lockdown sequence on Blade. Tye and T’yer left it up to me, since they needed to move the medical tube to the evolver chamber.”
Thanks Spike. Oh, and please just call me Prowler.
“Sure, if that’s what you prefer. Now if you don’t need me anymore, I want to get back to game I was playing before the mission.”
Go for it. I’ve got to get up to the evolver to help Tye and T’yer.
“Hey Prowler, wait up. I’m sure these two will want to join you.”
What took you so long? Get lost in one of the corridors?
“Yeah, right. If we’d tried to get over here that way we’d still be making our way through The Guardian. I had Dare come and get us with the FGP shuttle.”
Hadn’t thought of that.
“Something else you haven’t thought of is how we’re going to transfer all the refugees to Snarion.”
They’ll come aboard the Runner and we’ll take them there.
“No, I mean how we’re going to get them from the Runner to the planet’s surface. At most we’ll only be able to transfer about a hundred people at a time.”
Ah, I see what you mean. I guess we’re just going to have to make a surface landing.
“Is that possible for a ship as large as the Runner?”
Technically yes, but I never thought I’d have to test that feature this early. The safest way will be to set her down in a large body of water.
“Will we be able to take off again?”
I guess we’ll find that out when we reach that point.
“My God! Jen!”
I take it you didn’t realize the crew had treated her this badly?
“If I had, I’d have ripped the throats out of every last one of those animals. Why is she even here? A quick death would be preferable. Even if you could heal her wounds she’ll just face the slow painful death that awaits Brent and myself.”
What do you mean?
“When a slave is created certain defects are added to our bodies so that we have a limited life span. Even if a slave escapes they can’t reproduce. Also they’ll die within a year or two, if they aren’t repaired at a Confederation Base.”
Really?
“Dad, according to these readings we may have a bit of a problem!”
What is it?
“There’s an explosive device implanted at the base of her skull.”
“We also have chips implanted in our arms that contain complete identity and health information.”
How is the explosive activated?
“It can be activated with a remote detonator or, if we don’t show up for our scheduled check-up, the timer will activate. We have only a week to live before it explodes. The Confederation doesn’t take any chances, it likes to keep its slaves under control.”
Can it be removed?
“It’ll probably explode if you try.”
What about the information chip, can we remove that safely?
“Why would you want to remove our ID chips?”
Now that you’re in this galaxy you’re not going to need them anymore. Besides, if I’m able to fix everything the Confederation has done to you, I don’t want to take the chance that your chips will be the cause of any further problems.
“No problem, the chips will come right out.”
Now, all we have to do is figure out how to remove the bombs in your necks. Dawna, do you think you could phase it out?
“I don’t know, I could try but it might get us killed.”
I thought you might say that. So if either Jace or Brent is willing, I suggest you try to remove one of their identity chips first. If you can get that then you should be able to remove the bombs.
“Even if I can get them, they might explode once they’ve been removed.”
Let’s just find out if we can remove them before we worry about them exploding. So do I have any volunteers?
“If it means there’s a chance to remove the Confederation’s leash, I’m more than willing to sacrifice my arm.”
You won’t loose your arm Jace. Well, you might, but it will be easy enough to regenerate it in the evolver unit.
“Tye, I’ll need a holograph of Jen’s arm so that I can see exactly where the chip is located.”
“Alright Jace, this may feel a bit strange as I phase through you. That’s interesting, I can feel the difference between the muscle, bone, and metal.”
Can you pull the chip out?
“I don’t think so. However, I might be able to phase it and push it out. You’d better be ready to catch it.”
Got it. So, now we know that you can get a metal object out. Jace, are you willing to have Dawna remove your leash?
“It didn’t hurt when she removed my chip. So yeah, I’m willing.”
All right then, I’ll be right back.
End Log
Entry 191
First, I need to find three blast resistant containers, which should be stored here in the fighter maintenance bay. Perfect. Now back up to my quarters for my space suit. I hope this works otherwise I’m going to be toast. Now back to the evolver room. All right, I’m just about ready. First of all I’m going to need a blood sample from you, Jace.
“Just what are you planning?”
I’m going to clone enough tissue from your sample to fill this container. While the tissue is growing I’m going to change into my space suit. Then Dawna will push that bomb out of your neck and into the container. Hopefully the bomb won't detonate before I can teleport it outside the ship. Then if that works I’ll be back to repeat the process for Brent and Jen. Are there any other questions?
“You realize if this doesn’t work you’ll have to live just long enough for me to kill you, right?”
Yeah right, you had your chance to kill me before. All you could do then was cut off my arm.
“I wasn’t sane at the time.”
And you’re sane now?
“Suddenly I’m not sure if I want to go through with this.”
Don’t worry Jace; as long as Dawna is threatening my life I know that everything is right with reality.
“Maybe being a slave wasn’t such a bad life after all.”
“Brent! Now you’re losing it!”
“I don’t think so. After all, our former masters left me alone back in the engines for the most part.”
“If you had to deal with them the way Jen and I did, you wouldn’t think that at all. Let’s get this over with.”
“Shall we begin with Jen? Since T’yer and I’ve already transferred her to the evolver unit I took the liberty of cloning the tissue sample you wanted.”
I’d planned on removing her bomb last since it’s going to be the most complicated.
“Actually it may be a bit easier. I’ll phase into the tank with her, remain phased as I push the bomb into the tube, and then I’ll pass it out to you.”
But if the container doesn’t work then . . .
“I suggest you get your suit on, because I’m going in right now.”
I’m getting my suit on.
“She’s in.”
T’yer, you’re dismissed. If anything goes wrong you’ll be able to find Tanth on the planet Celtis Aranaki. Both Dare and White Fox can help you find him. Tye, I know telling you to leave isn’t going to work, but will you wait out in the hallway while we do this?
“Fine by me. After all, if this doesn’t work someone will have to be here to rush you over to the Base’s evolver chamber. Come on you two, we can watch on the monitor outside.”
All right, I’m ready. She’s phasing the bomb; it’s in the container, and she’s phasing it out of the tank. I’ve got the container and I’m teleporting out. I’m out and it hasn’t exploded yet. Damn, I forgot to start my timer.
[ED] Dawna contacted me telepathically to see what was taking so long. She had both Brent and Jace’s containers ready. [ED]
Two minutes, that’s how long it takes for the bomb to register that is has been tampered with and explode.
“You could have told us you were going to wait out there until it exploded!”
Sorry about that, Tye. So are we ready for the next run?
“I’m ready, Brent kneel down and Jace get as close to him as possible. Now hold the container as tightly to your neck as you can while I phase the bombs out.”
Both of them at once!
“I suggest you get over here because the bombs are already in motion.”
Damn! I’ve got them and I’m out of here!
“You’re back already? Brent and Jace have barely gotten into the evolver tubes.”
I didn’t wait for them to explode. Do you have Jen and Brent’s identity chips?
“Yeah I took care of that while you were waiting for Jen’s bomb to explode.”
Good, let’s download the information so that I know just how their former masters altered them. That way we can fix the defects.
“You go ahead, I’m going to go and take a nap.”
Oh, by the way, do you think you can perform your phasing technique in reverse?
“You mean placing something inside someone?”
Yeah.
“I guess, but it would be much more dangerous to the patient. The moment the object I was phasing became solid it would do a lot of damage, even if it were small. Why do you ask?”
We need to implant a telegem shard in Thunder.
“Why?”
Since we changed the timeline he shouldn’t exist in this reality. In order to counteract his disappearing I gave him a shard of the telegem of time.
“The telegem of time? Is there something you want to tell me?”
I know two others with telegems. Arlen, from the Sundowner Cantina, has bonded with the Amber telegem of luck. The other is Seer, the Clan Lightstripe record keeper, is bonded to the clear gem of time. I had a shard from each of their gems so I took a chance and gave the time shard to Thunder to see if it would help him. It did, but the best way to insure that he remains here is to implant a shard in his body. That way he isn’t likely to drop it when he shifts.
“And since we don’t have a surgeon or even a top notch medic you were hoping that I could implant the shard.”
Right, and I still think you can do it.
“Didn’t you hear me? The damage would be too great.”
What if Rusty used the green gem to heal the damage the moment you place the shard?
“I hadn’t thought of that. It might work, but you know Rusty hasn’t proven that he can even use the gem that way?”
I know, and just in case I’m wrong I’m preparing a chamber here to place Thunder in if it doesn’t work.
“I’ll do it but . . .”
I know, if it doesn’t work perfectly Errant and Rusty will probably kill me. But if we don’t try then the possibility that Thunder will disappear is nearly guaranteed.
“How long before Rusty finishes learning the information on that memory crystal?”
Two or three hours, once he’s finished I’m betting Ghost will have a memcrystal for Errant to assimilate.
“If he does then that will be the best time to implant the shard.”
That’s what I was thinking.
“All right, wake me when you’ve convinced Rusty that your plan will work.”
End Log
Entry 192
“Tigris, you’ve got to promise me you won’t leave the base!”
Wha? Oh, I must have fallen asleep.
“I said, you’ve got to promise me you won’t leave the base.”
I suppose the memcrystal, Ghost gave you, showed you that I’m going to die.
“That’s right, if you leave this base you’ll be killed.”
So how do I die?
“I won’t tell you until you promise not to leave.”
Fine, then I’ll guess. You can then tell me whether I’m close to the truth or not. I die in a failed attempt to save some slaves and procure another ship for our group. The location of my death is Gateway. Maybe if I hurry, and leave right now, I can arrive soon enough to change time.
“How?”
Please don’t interrupt. I’ve already been to Gateway. The ship, now named Freedom, is here at the base. The reason I’m here in the Evolver room is because I’m helping the crew I saved.
“But-”
Their former owners weren’t nice people. Hell, even Kindra treated her people better. The Terran Confederation engineered them for specific jobs. On the end is Brent Tauros, according to his identity chip he was created to work on the ship’s massive engines. He is listed as a minotaur, or a bull to us, which is a creature from the Confederation’s ancient past recreated using an evolver. He has been implanted with all the information he needs to repair engines. He also has a limited reading ability and is able to speak basic. He has a life span of ten years maximum. However; his life expectancy is only three years, due to the fact that the Confederation doesn’t shield the engine sections in order to save money.
“He’s big, he might even be bigger than Dawna in her median form.”
Next to him is Jace Brushwolf, he has a coyote base species.
“Coyote? I don’t think I’ve heard of that one before.”
The only reference to the word I could find was in the data crystals I was given when I was recognized as Lord Lightstripe. It is an ancient name for the species that are now members of Clan Manyvoices.
“That doesn’t help, I haven’t heard of that Clan.”
I’m not surprised. They don’t attend many gatherings, preferring to keep to the more remote parts of Shendria. Anyway, Jace was programmed for computer systems repair. He has a life span of twelve years and a life expectancy of two. Computer repair slaves have to be extremely intelligent and they often learn how to use the computers they are repairing. When that happens they are immediately executed. The final slave we rescued is Jen Riverrat.
“I recognize her species. She’s an otter like Ice and Quiver.”
Right, she was created as the crews pleasure slave.
“What! That, that . . .”
Is horrid, I know. You should have seen her when we found her. I figured she wouldn’t make it; even if we did get her here, but she has an incredibly strong will to live.
“I’m surprised, I’d think she’d want to die the way she must have been treated.”
Time will tell, she still isn’t healed yet and she’ll be in the tank for quite a bit longer than the others will. She has a four-year life span, but according to her file she isn’t expected to live more than a single year because of the way slaves in her position are normally treated.
“I take it the reason they’re all in the tank is because you’re reengineering them to be better than they were?”
That’s right. The Confederation also engineered them so that they were sterile, as well as having other genetic defects that would keep them from living “feral” if they tried to escape. My guess is they believe that they’re the only ones with evolver units.
“That’s crazy, everyone knows that Kindra had evolvers on all of her bases and ships.”
The Terran Confederation isn’t from this galaxy. It’s from the galaxy where humans first evolved. Once they’ve all healed I’ll take them down to meet Arlen, since he’s from that galaxy. Maybe he can give me some information that will help us stop them. However, for now, we have to deal with Crystal first.
“One question, how did you know to go to Gateway?”
You know the telegems create a telepathic link between the wearers. What you don’t realize is that you have to practice forming a mental shield to keep from broadcasting your thoughts. I’ve always been able to do this. The rest of the team learned how when we first got the gems.
“And because all of you can shield your thoughts I didn’t realize that I’ve been broadcasting mine.”
Right, but don’t worry, we’ve been shielding ourselves so the only time we read your thoughts is when you have emotional outbursts. Like when you saw me die.
“So how am I supposed to learn how to shield myself if everyone else has already learned how?”
Work with T’yer he has a gem that works like the telegems and I doubt he’s been able to form a mental shield yet.
“Modification and restoration of subjects Brent Tauros and Jace Brushwolf complete. Releasing them from the chambers.”
“Wow, I feel wonderful!”
“So do I. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this good.”
That’s great, if you two will follow us I’ll get you some clothes and assign you to a bed. I’m sorry that I can’t give you private quarters but we’re rapidly running out of room.
“What are you talking about?”
Oh that’s right, I forgot to tell you. Not only did we save these three we also saved a group of Guardians and their ship. It seems that Crystal has created a jump network to the Tabor galaxy. The Guardians’ ship was damaged so it will be repaired here at Hollow Base while we transport most of them back to Snarion aboard the Shadow Runner.
“You really were busy. I guess this means you’ve broken the time loop?”
Yeah, but in doing so I’ve altered the future in which Thunder was born. In order to keep him here he’s going to need an operation that will stabilize his existence in this reality.
End Log
Entry 193
“So you’re certain the only thing that’s keeping Thunder here is the time shard?”
Yes.
“And the only way to ensure that he doesn’t lose the shard is to place it in his body?”
That’s right.
“How? As far as I know we don’t have anyone aboard that can perform such a surgery. I’m not going to trust the machines with this.”
I understand. I wouldn’t trust the machines either. The only alternative idea that I’ve been able to come up with is to have Dawna phase the crystal into place, and then you’ll have to use your gem to heal any trauma that may occur.
“Where would the crystal be placed?”
It’ll have to be in an area that doesn’t undergo a large amount of change when he shifts.
“That narrows things down considerably.”
I know. The best place that I could think of would be just behind a lung and close to the spine.
“Are you sure? If it moves it could puncture a lung, or worse.”
Here, this is the shard we’ll implant. As you can see I’ve placed end caps on the shard so that there are no sharp edges. As for moving, there might be some minor movement during shifting, but I don’t think it’ll be dangerous.
“You know, we could run a scan on Ghost to see where the shard should be placed?”
I thought of that, but I doubt he’d submit to any test that I suggested.
“He really isn’t that bad. It’s just that he’s afraid to get to know you, since you always die shortly after he arrives in the new timeline.”
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve died, but each time I end up getting better, so let’s just forget about that subject. When and where I die doesn’t matter.
“How can you say that?”
Well, back when I joined Kindra and the Marauders I believed that she’d kill me the moment I boarded the ship. I was prepared to die then. When she didn’t kill me, I accepted that I could die at any moment. Once you live this way for a while it either stops being an issue, or you do something that gets you killed.
“So you’re saying that it’s no longer an issue for you?”
Have you even read my logs? I ended up forcing the issue, first with Dawna when I spent the night with Meonii, and then with Kindra when Dawna and I began to have a serious relationship. That’s how I died the second time. Technically, I’m still forcing the issue right now. I could easily take the Blade Hunter to Shendria and just forget about all the problems in the galaxy. Who cares if Crystal is going to invade the Tabor Galaxy? I’m sure there are people just as capable, if not more so, that would take my place. The thing is, because of a creature that I picked up on Celtis Aranaki, I now have a life span that numbers in the thousands of years. If anything that scares me more than dying.
“I don’t get it, why does that scare you? Most people dream of finding such a source for long life.”
Most people haven’t had to see and do the things I’ve done. The first person I killed was Aarik, a man that I taught when I was a Marauder. But his isn’t the first death I have to live with. There are thousands of beings that I could have saved, if I had only had the courage to kill Kindra when I first boarded the Malevolent.
“You didn’t have any weapons.”
I could have easily gotten them. So every being that she killed or had killed is my fault, every last one of them. If I had acted then, Dare’s family would be alive. Meonii would be alive. Arakeen would not have been destroyed...
“Tigris, shut up. You’re focusing on the negative. If you’d killed Kindra then all you would have done is destroyed all of our futures. If you’d killed her, you would have been hailed as the man that killed some obscure marauder. Sure Kindra was well known but so what? She would have soon been forgotten.”
What?
“You heard me, we all know that Crystal was the one pulling her strings. She would have created another Evil One to continue in Kindra’s place. Then you’d be truly dead. If the crew didn’t kill you, right then and there, then Crystal’s new puppet would have tracked you down and killed you to prove that she was stronger than Kindra.”
“Who knows, I may have been the one that Crystal would have used to replace Kindra. For that matter she could have chosen you to be her new puppet. After all if you’d killed Kindra right away you wouldn’t have gotten your hands on that telegem.”
“Hello Dawna, how long have you been following us?”
“Doesn’t matter. Of course knowing Crystal, if she didn’t use you then she would have found someone that you wouldn’t expect. After all, she had her fingers into everything. She could have turned Rusty into Kindra’s replacement. If you’d killed Kindra, then I would never have beaten the mind control, Nature and your kids would never have been born, and Crystal would still be out there threatening Shendria and New Accordia. As for you having a death wish because you may live for a thousand years get over it. I’ve got the same symbiot in me and I have no intention of living for those thousand years without you. Now come on, we have a delicate operation to perform and you have a part to play.”
I do?
“That’s right, you’ll be telekinetically creating a pocket for the shard as I phase it into place. If you carefully move the tissue there’ll be less trauma to Thunder’s body for Rusty to heal. Oh, and one last thing, turn that log off. You’re going to need to concentrate on what you’re doing and I don’t want you to get distracted trying to describe what’s happening. If you have anything else to say about dying or your guilt for Kindra’s actions then we can talk it out later.”
“Dawna’s right. Right now you need to focus on saving my son’s life.”
End Log
Entry 194
Well, the operation was a success, as was Jen’s recovery, and the Snarion transfer here aboard the Shadow Runner. I’ve finished processing all of the membership requests from before the funeral. Since then Asha Mistcaller and Valaran Pathfinder from the Snarion Guardians have asked to join the team. Also, Ghost and Thunder have started wearing Shadow Runner uniforms. I’ve spoken with Rusty and Errant and they’ve agreed that if the kids wish to join the team they should have to undergo the application and interview process just like everyone else.
I’ve asked Asha and Valaran to wait until after we’ve taken the rest of the refugees’ home before they submit an official application. Just in case they change their mind once they’re home. Also a group of seven hundred thirty two Snarions will be remaining here at the base to repair the Guardian.
“Commander, we’re ready to launch when you are.”
Thanks Trace, I’m on my way.
End Log
Entry 195
All right everybody this is it. When I designed this ship I never thought I’d actually test whether or not it was truly stable enough to make a planetary landing. However, we’re going to try it anyway. Here’s how this is going to work.
Trace, you’re in charge of energy routing. As we enter the atmosphere the energy absorption field is going to be severely strained. You’re going to need to route the energy to the different locations it’ll be needed. Those locations will be the antigravity system, back-up shields, inertial compensators, internal cooling systems, and the energy/matter converters.
Tye, you’re in charge of the energy matter conversion process. What we’ll need most are boats to ferry the refugees from the Runner to shore. The generation units all have a design that can be rapidly produced. If Trace allocates enough energy to you for more than just creating boats begin generation on parts for the construction of a Freem engine for the Freedom.
Dare, you’re my backup pilot. I may need your help in keeping the ship stable and on course.
Stealth, I want you to monitor all communication channels. T’yer says that there are still Snarions on the planet. If they try to contact us I want you to tell them exactly who we are and what we’re doing.
Rusty, you’re here in case I screw up and need immediate medical attention.
“What could you possibly do that would require immediate healing? All you’ll be doing is piloting the ship and giving orders.”
Dawna, you’re in command of this operation.
“Rusty has a point, just what are you planning?”
The only way to land on the planet is if I merge with the ship.
“No way, I’ve been down that road and it isn’t safe. We can land without you doing something so stupid.”
This isn’t like when you merged with the Victory. The computer system is attuned to my mind. There are no underlying programs created to permanently keep me connected to the computer. The only way to be certain everything is going correctly is to “feel” exactly what is happening. I’ll be fine. I only asked Rusty to be here so that you’d know that there’s help if it’s needed. Now I’m going to merge.
“So where is the merge control? All right, how many of you knew that all he had to do was flip a switch and the command seat would slide into the ceiling? Come on, fess up.”
“I take it you’d planned on trying to stop him?”
“That’s right. If he had to leave the room then I could have caught him off guard, knocked him out, and then we could have landed without him.”
You do realize I can still hear you right?
“Prowler, get your butt back down here right now.”
Sorry, I can’t do that. Trace, I’ve powered up the control board and everything appears to be green can you confirm?
“All systems are in the green you are go for merge.”
I’m putting on the command helmet now. Helmet in place and I’m ready to merge. Whoa, this is amazing. It’s like swimming. No, more like floating, and I can feel the current flowing all around me.
“Yeah, and your feet are the engines and your hands are the wings. I know; I’ve been there before.”
Actually, I think I can move without using the engines.
“What are you talking about?”
Well, maybe I’ll try that once we’ve exited the base. I’m transmitting the code to open the inner and outer planetary doors. We’re out, now prepare for altered space jump.
“What are you talking about? You haven’t even started the engines! There is no way the ship is up to speed for a Freem jump.”
“Not to mention the fact that we’re still too close to the planet. You might be able to make a jump in a ship the size of a racer, or even a shuttle, but we’re too big.”
I’m engaging Freem drives now.
“Whoa! We’re already in Accordan space? That isn’t possible, there hasn’t been a Freem drive built that could get us here that fast!”
That isn’t Accordia. We’re in Snarion orbit.
“Impossible.”
I’d have agreed with you if it weren’t for the fact that I just did it. While I’m linked to the ship I can sense gravity fields. So I used Vesuvia’s gravity field to jump to altered space. Once in altered space I made the necessary adjustments to come straight to Snarion rather than taking established altered space routes.
“That was dangerous and stupid. Even I wouldn’t have attempted it.”
Oh come on Dare, what are you complaining about. We’re here and we’re still alive. Now prepare for planetary entry. I’ve plotted a course that will put us down in the ocean approximately five hundred kilometers from any land. If things do go wrong we shouldn’t do too much damage to the environment. I don’t want to have a repeat of the Ranta V incident.
“Excuse me, but I think I want off the ride now.”
Sorry Dawna, but you’re a little late we’ve already made atmospheric contact. I suggest you sit down and secure your safety restraints.
“Trace, route more power to the antigravity system and inertial compensators. We’re coming in too fast.”
“Routing the power now, Dare.”
“I’m receiving a communication from the planet. It appears to be an automated beacon. However, there seems to be an encrypted message within the main signal. Should I try and respond or ignore it milady?”
“Can you decrypt the message?”
“Not without the main computer, and I’d rather not interrupt Lord Prowler at the moment.”
“Send the message that Prowler told you to.”
“We’re still falling too fast!”
“I’ve routed as much power as I can to the antigravity system. We’re just too heavy.”
That’s not possible.
“Did you remember to factor in the weight of our guests when you were planning this mission?”
No, but the ship was designed to land and take off with a full load.
“Great, we’re overloaded. Are there any other ways to slow down?”
There might be, but it’s going to get hot and bumpy. Hold on to something I’m re-orienting the ship so that the main engines are pointed down.
“Are you crazy!?”
Yes, now hold on!
“Oh God, we’re all going to die!”
“Dare, shut up!”
We’re slowing but it isn’t going to be enough for a smooth landing. Hold on, the inertial dampers won’t be able to absorb all of the . . . Oh crap!
End Log
Entry 196
“I can’t phase him out of there!”
“Why not?”
“His mind is connected to the ship’s computer. If I phase him out it’ll likely kill him, and I can’t guarantee that the computer won’t crash either. If that happens we’ll never be able to resurface. I don’t know about you but I’d rather not die down here.”
Would you two cut it out, I’m online. Just give me a couple seconds to assess the damage.
“I’ll tell you what the damage is! The computer’s dead, we’re at the bottom of the ocean, we’re leaking, the emergency power supply is in critical condition, and you’ve been unconscious for the last quarter hour.”
“Oh yeah, and in case you missed it, WE’RE LEAKING!”
Dare, I understand; you have a bladder control issue. However, right now isn’t the appropriate time or place to be bringing it to my attention. In fact, I really didn’t need to know about it to begin with. Now, on to Dawna’s problems, the computer isn’t dead it was on standby. Technically, if you had sat down and rerouted the system to your pilot’s station, you could have gotten us off the seabed. The emergency power supply is fine. With the charge the batteries picked up from our landing you could have survived here for at least a month. Finally, in order to stop Dare’s leaking, I’m happy to report that the ship isn’t leaking.
“If we’re not leaking then where are all the bubbles coming from?”
What happens when you boil water?
“What?”
The hull is so hot that it’s boiling the water around the ship.
“Oh.”
Now that the complicated work is done I’m disconnecting the link. Trace, reactivate the antigravity system and give us just enough lift so that the wings clear the water’s surface. Dare, if you’ve got your leaking issue under control, sit down and plot a course to the capital. Get as close as possible, but not so close that we run aground. Rusty, you’re in command. Dawna, can you please come up to my quarters? I’m not sure I’m going to be able to get out of the command pod and over to the bed.
“The command pod can open into your personal quarters?”
Of course, in an emergency situation every second counts. Plus, when I designed the system, I figured the merge effect would take a lot out of me. I just wasn’t aware how exhausting it really would be. Otherwise I’d have designed my quarters so that the bed was closer to the pod.
“I’m on my way up.”
Good. Oh and Rusty, be sure and wake me when we arrive at the capital.
End Log.
Entry 197
Hmm, What time is it?
“Half an hour till dawn, at the Royal City. The sun is just rising out here.”
I asked you to wake me when we arrived.
“Technically we haven’t arrived since this is as close as we can get. Ryune and Stayve have taken charge of transferring the refugees to shore. T’yer, and his friend Hra’ahl, are coordinating the operation at the other end. Finally, Asha is darting back and forth among the flotilla on a hover bike making sure everything is running smoothly. Rusty says the transfer should be complete in a day or two.”
Only a day or two! I figured it would take a week, at the least.
“We’ve been here for two days.”
Two days! You let me sleep for two full days!
“Actually it’s closer to three galactic standard days. Being linked with the ship really drained you. I wasn’t going to let anyone disturb you before you were fully rested.”
But-
“Let me finish. For the last couple of weeks you haven’t been sleeping well. Sure, you’d catch a nap here and there. Of course it was only because you were so exhausted that your only choice was to go to sleep or pass out. We both know that if you’d gotten up when the transfer started you’d have to be everywhere taking care of everything.”
Well yeah, but I-
“Let's not forget that once the transfer was complete you’d have merged with the ship again to get us back up into orbit. That just isn’t going to happen, I’ve promised the crew that they’ll be able to spend some time off the ship. We’re also going to be getting supplies while we're here. Hra’ahl says they have more than enough to spare. I had a difficult time convincing him that we could only accept a tenth of what he wanted to give us.”
That’s good. They’re going to need more than we ever will. So what else has been happening?
“Jen Riverrat has asked to join the team. I gave her the forms to fill out and made her a probationary member until you could interview her. Currently she’s helping Ice teach some of the group how to swim. She wants to use the hyper educator to become a doctor.”
That’s good; we need a doctor.
“There are also two more applicants who wish to join the group.”
Asha and Valaran haven’t changed their minds then?
“I don’t know. I was talking about Hra’ahl Sunchaser and Embra Mistcaller.”
Oh.
“Hra’ahl has experience as a teacher, and T’yer says he’s good with children. Of course Embra wants to join because Asha wants to join.”
All right, I can understand why Embra wants to join but what is Hra’ahl’s reason? I mean, it seems that he’s the one in control of things here on Snarion.
“I, well, I’m not really sure.”
Just tell me.
“I think that he and T’yer are more than just friends but they're trying to conceal that fact incase it'll be counted against Hra'ahl.”
Oh, is that all? So how does T’yer seem to feel about the application?
“He seems to support it but-”.
But he doesn’t want to seem to supportive.
“Yeah.”
All right, add Hra’ahl to the list of probationary members. Be sure to billet him with T'yer rather than in the non-member quarters. That should make it clear that we know what's going on and we don't have a problem with it. I'll interview him when I get a chance. Now, what have you been doing while I was sleeping?
“Me? I uh, I was catching up on a bit of history by reading your log. I hadn’t realized you’d sat with me when I was in a coma. So I figured I owed you one.”
Two.
“What?”
So you’ve been here for the last three days watching over me?
“Most of the time. When I had other business to attend to Tye or Trace stayed with you.”
Thanks.
“It was my pleasure. Besides you were sharing your dreams with me.”
I was broadcasting?
“Yes and no. I wouldn’t call it broadcasting as much as sharing. I was the only one that experienced it. I have to admit that you have a creative subconscious.”
Should I even ask?
“Probably not, but I have only two things to say. First stop dwelling on mistakes you’ve made in the past. We can’t go back and change things. Even if you could I wouldn’t allow you to. As bad as things seem, we’re here and we’re all together, nothing is going to change that. You’re not alone and you never will be. I’m here and I’m not going to leave you. Now, get a bit more rest while I go and fix some breakfast.”
I’ve had enough rest. Don’t give me that look, I’m not going to be doing everything. Oh, by the way, what season is it?
“Early summer why?”
Well, if you’re going to keep me from working then at least allow me to give you a tour of Snarion.
“How are you going to accomplish this tour? All of our shuttles are being used for the transfer.”
Can you ride a hover bike?
“Yeah, but we could only find two onboard. Dare claimed one, and I know he isn’t going to give it back. The other Asha is using to oversee the transfer process.”
You didn’t check everywhere. I have a private hangar. I’m surprised you didn’t notice that my starfighter wasn’t in the hangar bay. Anyway, I’ve got a couple of bikes stored there and I feel like getting out in the fresh air. So what do you say?
“Computer, open comlink to Rusty. Hey Rusty, Prowler's awake.”
“Wonderful, just keep him entertained so that he doesn’t get himself into trouble again.”
I heard that.
“Good. If Dawna can’t keep you out of trouble I’ll send the twin terrors, you claim are your sons, up there to help her.”
“That’s alright, I’m sure I can handle him.”
“I’ll bet.”
“Dare, shut up and get back to work.”
“We’re going into town so you’re in command.”
“That’s fine. Wait, how are you going to get there, swim?
Don’t worry about it we’ll be back before it’s time to lift off, Prowler out. So how long do you think it’ll take him, before he realizes that I didn’t tell him when we’d be back?
“He’s probably on his way up here already.”
Then he’s already too late. The hangar is just above us and the stairwell is behind the tapestry.
“I feel like a kid breaking the rules.”
Yeah? Well hurry up, or he'll catch us.
End Log
Entry 198
“So where are we going?”
It’s a surprise. Besides, I’m not going to broadcast my whereabouts on an open frequency.
“How do you know where you’re going is still there?”
I just know. Now slow down, we’ve come as far as we can on the bikes.
“So where are we?”
We’re about three kilometers outside the Royal City.
“I can see that. What I meant was why are we here?”
We’re going to go for a walk in the woods.
“You just want to get me alone in the woods so that you can have your way with me. My mother warned me about your type.”
Would that be the poet, marauder commander, bounty hunter, planetary lord, mercenary leader, or freedom fighter type?
“You pick one, since in this situation they’re all the same.”
To answer your question; this is just a relaxing walk through the forest.
“That’s what you think.”
So what you’re saying is that you plan to get me alone in the woods so that you can have your way with me?
“Yup.”
My mother warned me about women like you.
“I can believe it. So where are we going?”
We're going to the former residence of Lord Nightiger.
“And we’re going there because?”
I’m following up on a hunch. Nightiger built his home as an exact replica of the Clan Lightstripe Sanctuary on Shendria. When I attended classes at the Guardian University I’d come here to relax or hide because I knew no one would follow me.
“Why is that?”
Because they believe the place is haunted.
“Is it?”
In a manner of speaking, there are interactive holograms that are programmed to greet visitors and attend to the grounds. However, when the temple was constructed the Snarions didn’t understand the technology. Now they would be able to recognize it for what it is, but because of the legends that have been passed down . . .
“They believe it's haunted. So how did you figure it out?”
It isn’t easy being human, or wolf for that matter, and attending classes at the university. The first week was truly hell for Nature and myself.
“What about Ryune and Stayve, didn’t they protect you?”
They did their best, but they couldn’t protect us all the time. Anyway, one night during the second week a, group kidnapped us and brought us out here. They told us if we tried to leave that they would shoot us. Then they posted sentries at the gate.
“Let me guess, you fearlessly marched into the building and proved how brave you were.”
Hell no, I was scared senseless. But given the choice of being blasted or facing a ghost I chose to face the ghost. When we got inside and the ghost greeted us as honored guests we realized just what he was. We told him what was happening and luckily the computer was able to help us. It activated a projector just inside the gate and scared the guards so bad that they never bothered Nature or me again.
“What did it say?”
I don’t know. We were escorted to rooms where we spent the night. The next morning we had fresh fruit from the orchard and then walked out. We missed a couple classes but no one ever asked where we were or even mentioned the incident.
“Shh!”
What?
“I heard someone. You said that no one ever comes out here right?”
No one from Snarion, what did you hear?
“I though I heard someone laughing, I guess I was wrong.”
“You assholes! That was my lucky hat.”
“Well then, you’re just going to have to go find it. If you do find it, then it must be lucky, because you sure aren’t.”
“I keep telling you if we search the city we’re guaranteed to find a Snarion or two.”
“Yeah right, I’m telling you, the Imperiam has wiped them out.”
“There might be something of value left.”
“You can just tell that to the commander when he finishes his bath then.”
“I will. Right after I get my hat back.”
Hunters, and they’re using the temple as their base.
“I wonder where their ship is?”
I’d say they landed in the courtyard. If my hunch was correct we should be able to slip in the back door.
“Shouldn’t we go back for weapons and reinforcements?”
No, we don’t want to run the risk of these crants discovering our operation. I’ve got my Knar’tosh blade and my blaster, and I know you’re armed as well. Contact Rusty and fill him in on the situation. I want the ADL ready to launch on a moment’s notice. I want Rusty to fly the transport only as far as the city where he and Ghost will change to their horse forms to transport White Fox and Nature to where we left the bikes. T’yer and any Shendrian that can keep up with Rusty and Ghost should join them. I want as much of the area booby trapped as possible. However they’re not to attack until we signal them to do so.
“And what are you doing that you can’t contact them?”
I’m trying to remember where the back door to the Clan Lightstripe Temple was so that I can find the one to this structure.
“You don’t even know where it is?”
Not yet, relay the message while I search.
End Log
Entry 199
“What took you so long?”
I found the data access panel but that was where the other hunters tossed the guy’s hat over the wall.
“You killed him?”
No, I used a knock out drug. Though once I revive him he may wish that I killed him. Now come on, the entrance is back this way.
“Away from the complex?”
It may seem that way, but most of the complex is actually underground.
“What if our prey has found it?”
They’d be dead. I’m not even certain we’ll be able to get in.
“Just for the record I’m not liking this plan.”
So noted. That rock over there is where we find out if we can enter or not.
“You’re kidding right?”
Nope, I just have to find the switch. Ah, got it.
“Identify yourself!”
Master Tabris, I am Tigris Dacat. Heir to the Dacat family, I humbly ask to enter the Nightiger Sanctuary.
“I am sorry. I have a Tigris Dacat on file, but that was long ago. Even then, I would not have been able to allow you to enter here.”
Master Tabris, I am now called Lord Prowler Lightstripe. I am the heir of Shendria Lightstripe, and Lord of the planet Shendria.
“If what you say is true will you accept a test to prove this?”
Master Tabris, I carry the Knar’tosh blade and I have fought in the arena to prove my ancestry. I'll accept the test.
“Place your hand within the slot that is now opening. However, be warned, if you are not of the Lightstripe blood you will die a most painful death.”
Let’s just get this over with.
“It is done. I am now examining your blood sample. Analysis complete you may enter Lord Lightstripe. However your companion cannot.”
This is my mate, Lady Dawna Lightstripe, of Clan Destiny. She’s no threat to the facility. We’re here to rid the sanctuary of the vermin that now inhabit its upper level.
“Lady Lightstripe, you may safely enter the facility. Please step around the boulder and enter the lift.”
“Your mate?”
I’ll explain later.
“Oh, I think I understand all too well as it is. We'll be discussing it later.”
Whoa!
“I take it you weren’t expecting a landing bay?”
Ah no. It would seem that Lord Nightiger improved on the Shendrian Temple design.
“Then you weren’t expecting to find this piece of junk either.”
Junk? More like relic. Junk won’t fly and I’m betting she will. Probably not as fast as the rest of our ships, but so what, a ship is a ship.
“You look like a kid with a new toy. Only this isn’t new and you’re not a kid.”
Dawna, this is Nightiger’s ship; this is the Star Grove.
“And I should be impressed because?”
Never mind, it isn’t important right now. We should be able to download a floor plan to our headsets. Then we’ll head for the armory and then the control room.
End Log
Entry 200
I’ve got the surveillance system online. What’ve you found in the armory?
“Garbage! Everything in here is so old it would take a historian just to recognize the difference between the weapons and the ammunition.”
I doubt it’s that bad.
“Oh yes it is. This contraption is the only thing that even looks like a gun.”
It’s a tranquilizer gun. You load a tranquilizer dart into the chamber and then you pull the trigger. Compressed air forces the dart out of the barrel at high speed.
“It looks like a pipe with a pistol grip to me. So, how many targets are we dealing with?”
From what I’ve seen there are eleven humans and two servant robots, besides the guy we’ve already taken care of.
“Thirteen targets then, since the two robots are most likely programmed to defend their owners.”
Are the fighters ready to launch?
“Yeah, you want them to begin the attack?”
No, I’m hoping we can take down the crew before they can launch. However, if they do make it off the ground, I want them forced back down rather quickly.
“You just want their ship don’t you?”
Not for the team, or myself, I’d like to capture it so that the Snarions can begin rebuilding the space station.
“So what’s the plan?”
I figured we’d take out their commander first. The problem is he has the robots with him. So rather than just cutting off the serpent’s head we’re going to divide and conquer.
“So, when we find one that’s alone you’ll teleport up and grab him and then back down here where I’ll knock him out.”
Not a bad idea, but I’m not sure I can teleport that many times without resting. Instead we’re going to be fighting. I’m downloading a three dimensional map of the upper floors into our headsets. The security system has our transmitter frequency so it can update us as the targets move.
“Great, so where do we start?”
First we need the right weapons, and that tranquilizer gun will be perfect. Go get a couple of air canisters and as many darts as you can find.
“Why do we need the dart gun when we can get close enough to inject them directly?”
I’m planning ahead. If someone does sound an alarm we’re going to switch to sniper tactics.
“Got it, here are all of the darts and I found another gun. What are you doing?”
I’m diluting the seldon; if I shoot a human with a full dose it’ll kill them.
“What about the guy with the hat you took down earlier?”
I always carry three pre-mixed doses. A small dosage for a child or anyone about that size, a medium for human sizes, and one that would knock out Brent or you in your median form.
“That’s nice to know.”
Damn, I only have enough left for eight doses.
“Then I guess we’ll have to take three down the hard way.”
I guess. Well, the darts are prepared are you sure you can shoot that thing?
“Yeah, I point the open end at the target and pull the trigger.”
Good, I’ve selected our first target. Second floor second room along the West side.
“The one in the shower?”
That’s right, while I deal with him you can phase into the next room and capture the one who’s sleeping. Now all we need is something to bind them.
“Will stun cuffs and spacer’s tape work?”
That’ll be perfect. How many sets of cuffs did you find?
“Four, and I’ve got a role of tape for each of us.”
Great, just remember we have to take these two down without a sound.
“No kidding, let’s go.”
[ED] I teleported to the room and Dawna immediately headed through the wall. I moved over to the shower unit and tapped on the glass. [ED]
“Yeah, what is it?”
The Commander wants to see you.
“Great, what does she want now?”
I don’t know. He just sent me up here to get you.
“Fine, fine, hand me that towel would ya?”
Sure.
“Hey wait, who are you? Ugh.”
Room service, I hope you enjoyed your stay.
[ED] I dried the guy off as best I could, moved him into the bedroom, cuffed his hands, taped his mouth, and tucked him into bed before Dawna returned. [ED]
“That was almost too much fun. He was having an erotic dream so I played along. I had the cuffs and the tape on him before he woke up. When he did, he started to struggle and the cuffs knocked him out again so I tucked him in. I figure if anyone checks they’ll think he’s still asleep. Oh, I see you had the same idea.”
So you could see into his dreams?
“Yeah, just like I saw yours-”.
It’s probably another ability of your telegem. Just remember, use it only for good. Well, most of the time anyway. Now, which target should we hit next?
“The Gallery, right now. He’s heading out to join the three by the ship.”
No, let him join them. I figure they’re starting to wonder what happened to Hatty. If they go out to search for him we can lock them out.
“Hey, who are you?”
Thpt
Nice shot.
“Thanks, now get him in here before the other sentry notices!”
Set him in the chair. He won’t wake up until I give him the antidote.
“The other sentry is likely to notice he isn’t coming back out.”
So he’s our next target. I’ll teleport to the room directly across from here. Once he’s in front of the door you shoot him and I’ll drag him inside.
“He’s almost into position, go!”
Sorry about this, but I don’t have time to make you comfortable. Now to take care of number six next door.
“Already taken care of.”
Well, that takes care of the upper floor. Now we go after the guy on the first floor. This is going better than I had planned.
“The camera in that room is out. All we have to go on is that there's a person in there.”
That means that I can’t teleport in.
“I guess we’re going to be moving through some walls.”
Wait, the group in the courtyard just left to find Hatty. You take care of number seven while I teleport back down to the control room and lock the gates.
“When you finish, teleport up to the second floor, first room on the West side. I’ll be in the room on the East side. You take out the robot that's standing guard under me and I’ll get the other one.”
If the Commander makes it to the Gallery I’ll teleport in and capture him while the robots are focused on the rooms.
“Sounds like a plan. Oh and give me one of your darts.”
Why?
"Because I’ve used two and you haven’t used any yet."
Oh right, here you go. I’ll alert you when I’m in position. Master Tabris, close the gate.
“Yes sir, and if I may say so you are doing quite well.”
Thanks, I just hope Tanth will forgive us for the mess we’re about to make.
“You have spoken with Young Master Nightiger?”
This isn’t the time for that discussion, but yes I have.
“If I may be so bold, why are you doing this? According to my records you are Accordan and so you should not be fighting, even to protect this sacred structure.”
I’m fighting because I'm indirectly responsible for Accordia and Snarion’s destruction. Plus, I’m not going to let scum like those hunters ruin what's left of the good memories I have.
“Snarion has fallen? That is impossible, Tanth would never have allowed it.”
Tanth isn’t on Snarion he’s on another planet. Now I’ve got to go and destroy a robot and capture a rat.
[ED] I contacted Dawna and let her know that I was in position. We opened fire on the robots and as I suspected the commander headed for the gallery. [ED]
Thpt
Hello Commander, I’d suggest you surrender but seeing as you’re unconscious it’s a little late for that.
“You, drop your weapon and turn around slowly.”
I guess you caught me.
“Who are you, and what did you do to my crewman?”
It is a complex tranquilizer; he’ll remain unconscious until I administer the antidote.
“And the rest of my crew?”
Likewise.
“Now, who are you?”
Lord Prowler Lightstripe, and you’re trespassing.
“Yeah right, and I’m the leader of the Imperiam.”
Hello Crystal, I’m surprised you didn’t recognize me.
“Shut up and tell your partner to stop shooting my robots.”
“He doesn’t have to tell me to stop. I’ve finished them off already.”
“Drop your weapons or I’ll shoot your friend.”
“Go ahead and shoot him. I can pick up ten more delusional fools to replace him when I stop on Vesuvia.”
That’s the last time I agree to work for a psychotic like you!
[ED] Dawna kept telling me, telepathically, to teleport out of the way. I was trying but it seems once I reach a certain point the gem won’t let me. So I did the next best thing, I dropped and rolled. [ED]
Aaahhhrg
“Wha-”?
Thpt
“Prowler, are you all right?”
It was just a glancing blow. I’ll be fine, unh that is, I’ll be fine after I’ve spent some time in a medtube. Why did you wait so long before you shot her?
“Because I only had one dart left and I didn’t want to miss.”
Only one dart?
“Yeah, it seems the Captain here wasn’t the only one that was unaccounted for. There were two people in the last room.”
“My Lord and Lady, there is a group at the gate requesting that I let them in. They claim that they have caught the rest of the hunters.”
How many and what species?
“Master Tabris, let them in. They’re friends, it’s Rusty and White Fox.”
I guess that means they decided to do a bit of hunting rather than waiting for orders.
“Uh, I kind of gave them the go ahead after you locked the gates. I figured since they came all the way out here we should at least allow them to have a little fun.”
“And it’s a good thing you did. Now hold still while I heal this wound. Dawna, I thought you were going to make sure he got plenty of rest.”
“How were we supposed to know that a group of hunters had taken up residence where we had planned to take a walk?”
“We shouldn’t be here. This place isn’t safe.”
Hey T’yer, I’d like to introduce you to Master Tabris. He’s the ghost that haunts this place.
“Ghost!”
Don’t be afraid, he’s only a holographic projection of the temple's main computer.
“Good morning, Master T’yer.”
“G-g-g-good morning, Master Tabris.”
“It has been a long time since anyone has told me about events that have taken place on our wonderful planet. Perhaps you could tell me what has been happening in the last few millennium?”
Ow, watch what you’re doing.
“Uh, sorry I slipped.”
Yeah right you slipped. Lucky for me I’m immune to the effects of seldon. But if you ever try that again I’ll make sure you wake up totally naked and hanging upside down in the most public place I can find.
“Sounds like fun but I’ll have to pass. Now that I have a family that just wouldn’t be appropriate.”
“So how long until the tranquilizer takes effect?”
I told yooooo I’mmmmuuunnnnne.
“About that long, my drugs might not be as quick as his but they’re no less effective.”
Whiiiiite Foxsss . . .
“I guesssss . . . Oh, yooooooooo didn’t.”
“I think you’ve both had enough excitement for one day.”
“Ruuusssty, yooooollll paaaaay . . .”
Probably, but it won’t be today. End log.
End Log