Draconia: Rehatching

By F.J. Hansen

The Treaty between Draconia and the Earth Union is in shreds. The experimental colony of Hatching, a product of that Treaty, is to be removed from Draconia. Varthikes and Audwin's dream of a peaceful co-existence between their two kinds seem to be lost. Forces from Earth are closing in to avenge what is believed to have been an unprovoked attack on the colony. Norseen forces are also closing. Renegade Draconians still remain to ensure all aliens are repelled from their world. Enemies are everywhere.

Hope still exists, however. Captain Mark Johnson of the United Earth Space Fleet is determined to defend Draconia against all threats--Norseen and Human. Malcon Ambassador Cairleeta has devised a plan to save Draconia and the colony. But, ultimately, it is up to Varthikes and Audwin, and the power of their friendship, to ensure their home survives the Norseen invasion to be rehatched.

• Language: English
• Publisher: F.J. Hansen
• Release date: Jan 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311716552

F.J. Hansen

Greetings. I am F.J. Hansen. I hail from Fremont, CA, where I was born, raised, and am currently living. I am the seventh of seven children, with three older brothers and three older sisters.I've been writing science fiction since 1999, though Draconia: Forging Trust was my first published book. Besides writing, I enjoy traveling and the abundant life of our home planet.

Book preview

DRACONIA

REHATCHING

(Book 3)

F.J. Hansen

Copyright 2014 F.J. Hansen

Smashwords Edition

Cover Art By

David Bonin

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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PART I

DRACONIA'S SECRET

CHAPTER 1

AUDWIN SAT on the cliff, arms crossed and legs dangling over the summit. The cold, morning air blew around his face, though he barely felt the chill. Waves roared as they rolled in to crash against the shore below him. The pre-dawn sky reflected grayish-blue off the glassy-blue surface of Sunrise Sea. Behind him, the whistling, squeaking, and squawking calls of birds and other forest dwellers formed a chorus that welcomed the new day. A new day and, on Earth, a new year. But, if there was ever a day in his life that Audwin dreaded more, he could not recall it. Today, he and Kiyoshi would inform the colonists of The Circle’s decision. Their reaction would not be good.

Have you been awake all night? a feminine thought-voice asked.

Audwin turned to his right. Sarkiphing had been sleeping there, lying parallel to the cliff face between him and the river that rushed down the slope toward the sea. Her belover, Vithglen, slept beside her. Valthes, who was formerly opposed to the Humans before being won over by Audwin's daughter, slept in Landing Field. Sarkiphing beheld him with two inquisitive golden eyes. Almost, he told her as he rubbed his eyes, now becoming aware of the soreness in them. He opened his mouth in an enormous yawn, then wiped away the resulting tears. I couldn’t sleep. I keep thinking about...

The Circle’s decision? Sarkiphing finished for him.

Audwin nodded. How to break it to the colonists, how they’ll respond. We can be sure they won't take it very well. He looked back at the queen. How are you doing? How are your laser burns?

Sarkiphing craned to her left and lifted her wing to examine the wounds. Three days ago, Loyal Providence, who had briefly taken control of the colony before Captain Mark Johnson arrived, had shot her down, with him on her shoulder. She turned her eyes back to him. They continue to heal. I will again attempt to fly this sunfall. She extended her head toward him. But, you should sleep. For several sunfalls we can go without sleep and still remain alert. You, however, are not Draconian.

As Sarkiphing spoke, Audwin’s eyelids seemed to grow heavier. He hadn’t gotten much sleep the night before, either. The night that The Circle had made its decision. Audwin nodded. Sarkiphing was right. However the colonists would respond to the news, he would be better able to face them well rested.

Come. Sarkiphing turning her head back ever so slightly, gesturing Audwin toward her. You may rest beside me. Like you do with Varthikes. He smirked at the reference to his friend—her brother. Audwin climbed to his feet and made his way over to the queen. As he settled down in the crook of Sarkiphing’s left forearm, his thoughts turned to his friend, now on a Malcon cruiser in orbit with his unborn offspring. He briefly wondered how they were doing before his eyelids fell shut.

When he opened his eyes again, it was to find an expanse of golden scale hide filling his view. The sunlight that shone upon the scales made them even more brilliant. It was the sunlight that prompted Audwin to raise his head from the tough-scaled arm. The king who had been resting beside Sarkiphing earlier was gone, granting Audwin an unobscured view of the colony, still in ruins from the Draconian attack five days ago. He lifted his eyes toward the turquoise sky filled with a layer of alto-cumulus clouds.

You are awake, Sarkiphing observed. Audwin turned his head to see a golden, vertically-slit eye gazing down at him. Are you now refreshed?

Did I miss anything?

Governor Takamura has not yet informed the colonists of The Circle’s decision. I had asked him to let you sleep. He agreed, saying he would prefer you, as The Circle’s representative, to deliver The Circle’s message.

Audwin sighed and rolled his eyes. Of course he would. Well, I guess I should be the one to tell them. At that moment, his stomach seemed to twist and utter an audible growl. But first, I need to eat something. Audwin climbed to his feet, and Sarkiphing moved her forearm to let him out.

When Audwin had finished his breakfast ration pack, he, Kiyoshi, and Ilka gathered the colonists on the summit between Sarkiphing and the ruins of the colony. Five days ago, we were attacked, he started when he had their attention. Kiyoshi and Ilka stood to his right. Obviously, you’re all aware of that. What you may not be aware of, though, is what led up to that attack. You’ll recall the alarm the previous morning, and the announcement that Draconia, made vulnerable by inadequate defenses, was under attack. The attack came from a Loyal Providence-Norseen Alliance. A wave of murmuring spread throughout the crowd. Some exchanged expressions of disbelief with their neighbors.

"During the attack, an Earth-built fighter broke through the atmosphere and hit Bare Peak Range. Loyal Providence’s goal was to provoke the dragons into attacking us, then make it appear to the United Earth Council that the attack on the colony was unprovoked. Thus, turning the Earth Union against the dragons.

Well, it worked. An Earth Union fleet is now en route to annihilate the dragons. For this, and for the Union’s failure to uphold its end of the Agreement, the Circle of Grand Sages…has terminated the Treaty between Draconia and Earth. Many in the crowd exchanged wide-eyed looks and mutterings. Others kept their hard eyes on him as he took a deep breath, preparing himself for what must come next. Since it was a product of that Treaty, this colony is no longer permitted here.

The crowd erupted in its expected protest. You said this was our new home! We’re not responsible for Earth’s decisions! Maggie’s right! Why should we suffer for Earth?

"We’re not gonna to leave! a man declared with such strength that he silenced the entire crowd. Buck LaTreio stepped forward and crossed his arms, his strong eyes locked on Audwin. We’re stayin' here whether those beasts like it or not!"

Look. I understand your anguish, Audwin told them.

Do you? Doubt saturated Buck’s voice.

The other day, you called me ‘dragonlover’. I don’t contest that. I admire these dragons. I’d rather stay on this world with them, but I'm also required to leave.

So, go ahead and leave. You were never part of Providence anyway.

Mr. LaTreio! Kiyoshi threw the man a piercing glare.

I may not have agreed with Fasunyax’s alliance with the Norseen, or his attack on our patrol ships, Buck continued, "but he was right about one thing. This planet should be ours! It is ours! We're stayin'! Many in the crowd nodded and voiced their agreement. Buck turned back to the colonists. Let’s get back to work! He swung back to Audwin and stabbed a finger at him. You tell your damn dragon gods, we’re not gonna leave. And, if they come for us, we’ll be ready." With that, Buck turned and stormed off with the scattering crowd.

Audwin let out a tremendous sigh as he turned to Kiyoshi, who, with Ilka, turned to meet his eyes. I didn’t think it would be easy.

LaTreio may be somewhat extreme, but I have to agree with Maggie, the governor said. We should not have to suffer for Earth Union’s negligence. Can you not arrange something with the Circle of Grand Sages?

I don’t know what would convince them to let us stay. Audwin shrugged helplessly. I’ll try to think of something, but the main reason they allowed the colony in the first place was the promise of protection. Without that, there’s no reason for them to let us stay.

But, wa-wasn’t Captain Johnson going to try to convince the admiral of the truth? Ilka asked.

That’s right, Kiyoshi agreed, sparing Ilka a glance. We cannot leave right now, anyway. Not without sufficient transport for everyone and our equipment. Didn’t you say we had a month?

Audwin nodded and turned toward the sea. He found Sarkiphing watching him. They were all waiting for him to make a decision. Kiyoshi was correct that they couldn’t start leaving right away. They had to wait for transportation. Might as well use that time to their advantage. Audwin met Sarkiphing’s attentive eyes. What do you think, Sarkiphing?

You are my friend, Audwin. To Varthikes, you are more—a dear clutchmate. You should, I think, do what you can in the time that you have to repair the fractured alliance between our kinds. That is, you should know, what Varthikes would do.

With a shy smile, Audwin nodded his agreement. Yes, I know. He turned back to Kiyoshi and Ilka. It was as he turned that he remembered the proposal Cairleeta had made a week ago, before the initial attack. I will speak with Grand Sage Shienphid. He turned back to Sarkiphing. But, I’ll need a wing.

I will ask Vithglen to provide it.

*

Varthikes drifted back toward consciousness, back to the warm, biped-created cavern. He opened his eyes to the dimly lit cargo hold of the Malcon cruiser. His eyes quickly compensated for the low light, supplementing it with their own. He lifted his head from his left forearm and turned toward the incubator immediately before him, passing a Malcon seated at the monitoring station. He focused on the young occupant of the incubator—his stripling, whose egg had been fractured during a fight between his mate, Sonaphing, and a renegade—a renegade who was once Sonaphing’s belover before they parted on differing views of the bipeds.

The colony’s Doctor Schmeisser and the healers of the Malcon cruiser came to the rescue, providing this incubator in which the pre-hatchling could continue to develop. For this, Varthikes was eternally grateful for the bipeds’ technology. It was proof that an alliance with the creatures from Beyond really could be beneficial to Draconia.

Joyful sunrise, my youngling, he said to his stripling. At least, he thought it was sunrise down at Bare Peak Range. That was one problem with being on the starship. The lack of natural lighting played havoc on his system. How these bipeds were able to function on these starships was beyond him, even if they had time-telling devices. But, it was yet another reason to respect them. You, my stripling, must forget never what these bipeds have done for you. These Humans and Malcons. They may appear not like us on the outside, but they are indeed very much worthy of our honor and respect. Most of them.

With his thoughts on the bipeds, Varthikes turned to the Malcon present. The gray-skinned, cranial-ridged alien had a small light shining over her. No doubt to help her see the words in the book that was in her lap. After a moment, probably sensing the Draconian’s eyes on her, the Malcon, whom Varthikes identified as Le’Firnn, looked up from her reading. My apologies, Varthikes. I did not realize that you were awake.

Joyful sunrisings, Healer Le’Firnn, Varthikes said with a courteous nod. Assuming it is indeed morning at Bare Peak Range. What about is that book you are reading?

Le’Firnn glanced down at her book, then back up at the Draconian’s eyes, surprised by Varthikes’ inquiry. She told him that it was about a group of Malcons trying to prevent their forces from destroying a peaceful alien society to satisfy their own needs. Forgive me, the doctor said when she finished, but I did not expect that your kind would be familiar with books.

We are not, Varthikes admitted. All information passed on from our forebears is recorded in our crystal spheres. I have, however, become very familiar with books since Humans came to our world. Often I am with my brother, Audwin, when he reads. I have learned even to read a little from Genisa Takamura, the colony governor’s mate.

Very interesting, Le’Firnn commented, and Varthikes sensed that she did indeed think so. She turned her attention to her controls. Your offspring is doing well.

He is, Varthikes confirmed, turning an eye back to the incubator. He should be safe later this sunrise to emerge from the incubator.

*

Amity sat on the rim of the nest, her bare feet resting on the warm sand. She munched on one of the granola bars that her parents had left her. Auntie Son had gone to get herself and her baby some food, leaving her alone with Araphing in the cave. As she ate, she watched the baby dragon sleeping on the sand.

Araphing stirred and slowly opened her eyes. The little dragon raised her head and turned to Amity. Good morning, Araphing, she said, her eyes locked on the two golden eyes that glowed in the cave’s dim light.

Araphing replied with a high-pitched trill. She stretched her head forward, sniffing the granola bar in Amity’s hand. At the same time, Amity felt the ache of hunger, as if it came from her own belly. You hungry? she asked. Your mommy’s bringing food for you.

Araphing chirped. She reached forward with her forearms and pulled herself closer to Amity. I don’t know if you’d like this, Amity said. I guess you can try it. She broke off a piece and offered it to the baby, who extended her tongue to lick it out of Amity’s fingers and swallowed. But you better not get sick. I don’t want your mom mad at me.

Araphing chirped again, demanding more. Alright, Amity relented as she took a bite herself. I’ll give you one more piece. But then, you have to wait for your mom. She broke off another piece and offered it.

Araphing grabbed her hand. Ow! Hey! The little dragon’s teeth poked into her wrist.

Araphing, release her, a new, firm voice commanded with a subdued growl. Instantly, the baby obeyed and dropped her head to the sand. As soon as her hand was free, Amity checked her wrist, glistening with baby dragon drool. Four pointed teeth marks, but she sighed with relief to find no blood, though a bit of skin appeared shredded. She turned back to the entrance to find Sonaphing standing there.

We, dear Araphing, eat neither the Humans nor their food, Sonaphing said in a gentler tone as she approached the nest. Especially not our friends. You may, however, eat this. And, she lowered her head and opened her mouth. A dead, soaked animal—it looked like a large duck—plopped onto the stone floor.

Araphing crept forward and, after sniffing the corpse, began tearing the flesh off. Meanwhile, Sonaphing turned to Amity, sniffing. Her eyes examined the girl’s hand. Are you alright, Amity?

Amity just nodded, keeping her eyes on her hand. Auntie Son didn’t sound angry, but she was still a little afraid to look at her.

Were you trying to feed Araphing?

Again, Amity nodded. This time, taking a deep breath, she looked up to meet Sonaphing’s big, golden eyes. Her head didn’t hurt like it would have had the dragon been mad. I’m sorry. Are you mad at me?

Sonaphing lowered herself to her belly. You would feel it if I was. Time it will take for her to understand that with you she must be gentler. Just as time it took for you to understand that with creatures smaller than yourself you must be careful. But you, too, must be careful. Araphing’s teeth and talons are sharp.

The dragon’s eyes comforted her, and she leaned forward to hug Sonaphing’s snout. A deep croon resonated from her throat, and Amity giggled as the snout vibrated against her. Then, a lighter croon joined the deeper croon. She turned to see Araphing rubbing her head against her mother’s.

Then, Araphing turned to Amity, as if sensing her gaze. Standing on all fours, and with Amity sitting, the young dragon’s head was level with her's. Araphing leaned forward to touch Amity’s cheek and gave a closed-mouth chirp, as if to apologize for biting her hand. I forgive you, Araphing. And, Amity put an arm around the little dragon’s neck. They held that way for a moment before Araphing pulled back and went back to her breakfast.

*

Mark stood in front of the viewscreen in the Arcadia's briefing room—nearly identical to the one aboard the Frontier—while Captain Trihard sat at the table. He briefed the other captain on what had really happened on Draconia, backed up with proof provided by the Malcons. When he finished, Trihard shook his head, his brow furled in disbelief as he absorbed everything. And, what you’ve told me is all true? he finally asked.

It is, Mark said, giving a solemn nod, as he joined the other at the table.

So, the attack on the colony was, in fact, retaliation. But the colonists had nothing to do with the attack on the Range.

No, they didn’t. The attack on the colony was undertaken by a renegade band, which our Draconian allies have already more-or-less neutralized. The majority of the population are not involved. Bombarding the mountain ranges, therefore, would be unjustified.

Trihard remained silent for a moment, absorbing Mark’s last statement and his intention behind it. So, you’re going to ignore our orders?

Part of them. I fully intend to defend Draconia from the Norseen, as outlined in our Treaty with The Circle. But, I will not help to exterminate an entire race, and I will not allow Admiral Nabrokov’s order to do so be carried out.

After a few more moments of contemplative silence, Trihard finally nodded. I agree with your position, but I will not fire upon another Space Fleet vessel.

Now, it was Mark’s turn to nod. He opened his mouth, but the intercom beeped for attention. Trihard here.

"Captain," came a feminine voice, we’ve just intercepted a transmission from the planet.

Transmission?

"Right, sir. From a Dylan March"—Mark gave the intercom his full attention—to Admiral Nabrokov. Something about a substance of possible significant value.

Mark slapped the table. He knew he had forgotten something. Can you pinpoint the coordinates of the transmission? he asked.

"Yes, sir."

"Send them over to the Frontier, please. Mark looked up at the other captain. I’ll deal with March."

You know him?

Mark nodded and came to his feet. He and his brother are mercenaries, but their father was an admiral, whom I served under for several years. They were here to do a job for me, but landing on the planet wasn’t part of it. So, I’m going to see what they’re up to. With that, Mark left the briefing room and made his way through Arcadia’s corridors toward the teleportation room.

*

Commander Slikmac stepped into the infiltrator’s cockpit. His copper-tinted eyes scanned the control room. Major Vrhaiess and four others worked at the various control stations. Four others occupied the rear compartments of the craft. They were all that was left of his expedition to this planet. His attempt to prevent the Humans from gaining control of the fire-beasts and to obtain a specimen for the Confederacy’s cybertroop experiments.

At least, he succeeded in one of his objectives. A specimen was now on Pedthel, undergoing neural chip implantation under Admiral Shielehk's supervision. But, even though the impossible bond between the Humans and the beasts was in ruins, he did not have control of the planet. If only those grisskee Malcons had minded their own business. If only he had disposed Fasunyax the moment his usefulness had expired! If only the Confederacy had sent more vessels in the first wave!

But, he was not yet defeated. Now, the infiltrator sat on an asteroid in the system’s belt as they waited for his second wave. When it arrives, he will take out that Malcon task force and those two Human vessels. The wave had better arrive before the incoming Human fleet. The Confederacy had better be sending him more vessels this time!

We are intercepting an Earth Union signal from the third planet, reported the officer manning the com-station.

Let us hear, Vrhaiess said.

Slikmac stepped further into the cockpit as the com-officer worked his controls. A moment later, the voice of a Human male came through the com-speakers. Dylan March here for Admiral Nabrokov. I’m doin’ a job for him on Draconia. Tell him I found the source of his ‘substance of significant value’. If he wants more details, he can contact me.

Substance of significant value. The phrase echoed in his mind. What substance? How could it be valuable? Possibilities rushed through his mind, including the one that his beacon on the planet’s moon might have intercepted some kind message about it. Contact Captain Slhartz, he finally said, speaking for the first time since entering the room. His order drew the attentions of those at the controls. I must speak with Captain Slhartz. With that, he turned and left the cockpit. If there was something valuable on the planet besides the beasts—a new poison, a new drug, or a catalyst for a new weapon—perhaps Emperor Treshem will take his operation more seriously.

CHAPTER 2

CAPTAIN ETHLIN Robertson, her fingers laced together, paced back-and-forth in front of her favorite bench in the main arboretum. The one next to the raspberry bushes. In the ten years that she’s been commanding the Vancouver, she would always sit here to read when she was off duty. Today, however, her mind was too preoccupied with the recent events.

Two days ago, they were assigned to an outgoing task force, their destination unknown. Robertson assumed that it might be to reinforce the defenses around the White Space Portal that Captain Johnson discovered six years ago. Then, yesterday morning, Admiral Nabrokov came aboard to personally take command of the task force and ordered a course set for the Drac System. That afternoon, he explained the situation to her and her command crew, backed up by a recording of Governor Takamura’s distress call to Earth.

The Draconians had betrayed the colony. Attacked it without provocation. She had been afraid something like that would happen when a certain gullible, dragon-loving ensign, formerly under her command, struck a deal with those creatures. A deal that allowed the colony no defenses in this situation. McClance was trying to chase a fantasy, and the colony was massacred because of it.

The door behind her slid open, interrupting her train of thought. She turned to find her senior helmsman and chief science officer, Lieutenant Commanders Steve and Zoe Wilson, entering the arboretum. The two had been married five years now, though Zoe continued to go by her maiden name, Netson, while on duty to avoid confusion. You thinkin’ about Draconia? Steve asked as they joined her, no doubt noticing her concentrating expression.

Robertson nodded. I suppose it was bound to happen. What do you two think about it?

Steve shrugged and shook his head. "Hard to believe. We don’t have all that much experience with these dragons. Goin’ by what we do know, they don’t seem the type to attack unprovoked."

Zoe nodded her agreement. We also know there are Draconians opposed to the treaty, just as there are Humans who disagree with it. It could’ve been these rebels that attacked. Robertson nodded as she considered Zoe’s point. Whatever really happened, she continued, what the admiral is ordering is inappropriate. Nothing justifies genocide.

Robertson had to agree with that. They must dissuade the admiral from it, but Nabrokov seemed to carry around him a very strong air. Dissuading him would take a lot of work. The intercom beeped for their attention. Admiral Nabrokov, Captain Robertson to the bridge, came the voice of Commander Carry Marco, her executive and senior com-officer. Admiral Nabrokov, Captain Robertson to the bridge.

Excuse me, Robertson said as she started toward the door. The following footsteps told her that the two officers were coming with her.

They stepped onto the bridge and approached Carry at her station. Admiral Nabrokov was noticeably absent still. The admiral is taking the message in his office, Carry explained.

Message?

Yes, Captain. We received a message from Dylan March, forwarded by Space Fleet Headquarters for the admiral.

Wow... Dylan, Steve mumbled.

Robertson turned to her helmsman. He had his eyes to the deck, as if recalling a long-distant memory. Who’s he?

Steve raised his turquoise eyes to her. Unless he’s a different Dylan March than the one I’m thinkin’ of, he’s a rogue and son of Jonathan March—our commandin’ officer, Steve waved his hand between himself and Carry, "back in the Discovery days, durin’ the Malcon War."

Robertson nodded her understanding. Why would the admiral be dealing with a rogue? She turned to Carry, who concentrated on the screen immediately before her and listened into an earpiece. Robertson opened her mouth to rebuke her for eavesdropping on the admiral's conversation, but curiosity kept her silent. Dylan is talking about a job that he’s doing for the admiral on Draconia. He says he's found the source of the substance of significant value. She lifted her blue eyes from the screen and locked them on the captain.

A perplexed Robertson turned to Steve and Zoe. They were both deep in thought. ‘Substance of significant value.’ She could only think of one thing on Draconia that would fit that description, but surely it wasn't that. How... What could have tipped the admiral to it?

You don’t think he’s talkin’ about that...water-stuff, do you? Steve asked, voicing the question that was on her mind.

Robertson shook her head. I don’t know what else it could be. She turned to her chief science officer. Everything relating to the mineral is still sealed away, right?

Yes, ma’am, including Dr. Bolden’s reports.

Robertson nodded her approval. Certain Draconians may have betrayed the Treaty with the Earth Union, but she was determined to not do the same. Otherwise, how much better would they be? And, she certainly would not help to reveal one of the unique treasures of their world to the wrong minds. We must each maintain silence on this. She met the eyes of each in turn to make sure she had their cooperation. "Steve, Zoe, one of you help Carry retrieve the files. Once you have them, send them to Mark on the Frontier. Then, have Baker erase them from our system. Any questions?"

When there was none, Robertson dismissed them to get to work.

*

Vethes stood on a ridge overlooking the northern coast. The greenish-blue waves, swelling white, crashed against the sandy shore below him. Over seventeen cycles ago, Varthikes had been rescued around this same spot, a victim of his own curiosity. Unfortunately, that incident had not rid him of the quality. He and his predecessor should have been much more strict with him. They should have forced that quality out of him, instead of allowing it to mature, making him perfect prey to the bipeds’ manipulations, resulting in him luring others into the creatures’ mental talons. Including Lephazing, his late beloved mate, and himself.

Now, all of Draconia lay dangerously close to the jaws of the bipeds and those they have manipulated. Even those of The Circle, perhaps the Grand Overseer himself, who was once opposed to the bipeds’ presence until he met McClance—the biped that The Circle chose to be their representative. After that encounter, Grand Sage Enthem had no longer been opposed to the bipeds’ presence. Certainly a sign of their manipulations. Now that Vethes was no longer blinded by them, he could see the evidence clearly.

Vethes turned to the two with him. Erithes, the only one of his three acolytes who had remained loyal to him, and Salphenj, one of the original opposers to the bipeds’ presence. All three of them sported heavy scars over their golden-scaled bodies, rewards for their effort to protect their world. Salphenj endured the worst with dark-red scars over her left cheek, right shoulder and upper arm, chest, underside, and flanks, as well as teeth marks on her left shoulder. But, their determination to defend their world against the biped scourge was as strong as ever.

What, honorable Sage Vethes, is our next move? Erithes asked with a respectful bow of his head. Vethes acknowledged the gesture with a slight bow of his own. Grand Sage Shienphid may have stripped him of his position, but he was still Sage to these two.

To the Island of Sages we must fly, Vethes said. From The Circle we must rid those under the bipeds’ influence.

I agree, Erithes said.

As do I, Salphenj spoke up. I am, however, unfit at this time to fly to the Island of Sages. She lifted her wings to reveal her wounds beneath them as reason. Trailing edges of her wing membranes were also torn in places. Here at Bare Peak Range I will remain and attempt to rally support.

Vethes dipped his head in agreement. Then, he and Erithes departed, leaping off the ridge and into flight. They flew northwest. Salphenj roared with all her might, sending with them her hopes for victory. Vethes bellowed back. May you fly with success as well, he said.

*

Having penetrated Draconia’s atmosphere, Mark flew his shuttle northwest toward the coordinates provided by the Arcadia’s com-officer. He was now passing over a gently rolling grassland toward the forest south of Hatching. As he closed on the coordinates, the terrain around it became more defined on the navigation screen. It was a glade, and not just any glade. If he remembered correctly, this was the site of first contact between Humans and Draconians. Probably just coincidence, if a spectacular one.

The grassland below him soon became forest, the pointed canopies of the coniferous trees reaching to touch him. A flock of Draconian birds raced from his shuttle’s path, their two sets of wings flashing blue and white.

Then, Mark was over the glade. Instantly, he saw the scout ship that he loaned the March Brothers a week ago. They had landed the ovular vessel with its nose to the lake at the other end of the glade. He set the shuttle down several meters from scout ship and powered down.

Mark stepped off the boarding hatch into a sea of grass, the blades coming to his thighs. He locked his eyes on the scout ship ahead of him and started toward it. A man awaited him on the ship’s boarding ramp. He stood toward the bottom, his arms crossed and a crooked grin on his scruffy face.

Yo, Johnson, what'cha doin’ here? Dylan asked.

Asking you the same thing. Mark stepped up to the ramp. Dylan’s higher level forced him to look up at the rogue. He did so with a glare. And, what’s the deal with that message you sent the admiral?

Dylan shrugged. Simple. I struck a deal with the admiral. See, I noticed the Union’s apparent renewed interest in this system. He asked me to do a job for him and, in return, he gives me back my ship.

"Isn’t that what we agreed on?"

Dylan nodded his admission and shrugged again. Yeah, well... Ya’re only a captain. My chances gettin’ me my ship are much better goin’ to the bigger guy.

Dylan! a voice called. Dylan turned back to the ship. "Dylan!"

What is it, Corbin?

Nabrokov for ya!

Dylan turned back to Mark. If ya’ll excuse me. And he started up the ramp. Mark followed him to the cockpit. He stood at the door while Dylan settled into the seat at the com-station. On the monitor before him, Mark recognized the face of Admiral Nabrokov.

I got your message, March, the admiral said, going straight to business once Dylan identified himself. You had mentioned that you know of the source of the substance.

That’s right, Dylan said. He leaned toward the screen, placing an elbow on the edge of the console. Least, I’ve a possibility. It’s in the water. Still haven’t a clue what the stuff is, though, or what it does. Don’t suppose ya’d like to share that bit of info with me, would ya? Why it’s so valuable?

That information is classified. When I receive your samples and verify that what you say is accurate, I will send to you the release order for your ship.

"In the same condition she was taken from me!" Dylan demanded, pounding the console with his fist.

Yes. Nabrokov out. And, the transmission was severed. Dylan sat back and crossed his arms. He held his eyes on the Earth Union insignia of an eclipsed planet that replaced the admiral’s image on the screen.

Mark crossed his own arms as he considered the exchange that just took place. The admiral hired him to locate the source of a ‘substance of significant value’. Dylan told the admiral that the stuff was in the water. It could only be the calaquim—the zinc-calcium-like mineral that slows aging and, where it’s in greater concentration, rapidly heals flesh wounds. But, only a handful of Humans in the galaxy should have any knowledge of the stuff’s existence, and neither Dylan nor the admiral were among them. How did the admiral learn about this stuff? he asked the rogue.

How the hell should I know? was Dylan’s response, his eyes remaining fixed on the screen. All he told me was to get him samples of water, dirt, and plants from this planet.

And, you’ve got them?

Of course. Had ‘em first day.

Then, no doubt you’d like to bring my scout ship back. You’re probably bored out of your mind down here. Mark hoped he didn’t sound too eager for Dylan to take up the offer. He had to keep those samples from reaching the admiral. But first, he had to get them out of Dylan’s desperate hands, and the best way of doing that was to have a security team standing-by when the scout ship docks.

Hmm... Tempting offer. Dylan finally turned to him, a sly grin on his face. He glanced at his brother. Ain’t it tempting?

Certainly is, Corbin replied. You gonna do it?

Hmm... Dylan rolled his eyes back to the captain. Well, actually, I think we’ll just stay right here. In case the admiral doesn’t uphold his end of our deal. If I don’t get my ship back, I can just take this one.

Mark furled his brow and fought to keep a firm grip on his patience. Dylan had to pick one hell of a time to go pirate. Don’t be an idiot, Dylan. You try to take this ship; I’ll send you back to Dante. And, this ship is equipped with a locater beacon. I’ll be able to track you anywhere in this system. You won’t leave; you need to stay and wait for the admiral. He gave Dylan a moment to digest these facts, which