The Drak'tdon: The Drak'ton, #3

By Beth Chaisson

They were a race of people who were forced off of their planet because of a global catastrophe. Generations were forced to travel in space as they looked for a new home planet. During this time, they have their own problems; crime, politics, the unknown. During all this, the leaders of the ships try to keep a show of control during a time of chaos.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Beth Chaisson
• Release date: May 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9780999108826

Beth Chaisson

Hello, my name is Beth Chaisson. Thank you for checking out my page. I've been interested in writing ever since I used to write poetry in elementary school. Unfortunately, I don't have any copies of those early pieces of writing anymore. When I was in High School, I moved to write stories. I tried to write romances but unfortunately that didn't work out for me, after a few failed attempts with a few stories I decided to move to science fiction and I seemed to have a knack for it... the stories still were not good enough to be published but they were much better than my romance stories. One thing I definitely learned is writing is like physical work. What I mean by that is the more you do a physical job, the better you will be at the job. You will develop both muscle memory and psychological memory. The same is with writing. The more you do it, the better you will become, though the person must want to do it. For us fictional writers and bookworms, I really believe one reason we enjoy books is because it is a ticket to the imaginary world, it's a cheaper way for us to go anywhere we want and do whatever we want without getting hurt (we can not do that in the real world), and the best part of all is when we come back home it takes less than a second. You who just read this last paragraph just found out why I am a bookworm and have been my whole life. I am the cheapest traveler on planet earth because I do all my traveling in books. If I go traveling for real most of the time, it is to visit family in Louisiana or friends in North Carolina. Otherwise, I am some place else in a book or writing a book.

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The Drak’tdon’s Survival

The New Drak’Nat

The Drak’tdon’s Survival

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

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Prologue

Their travel started far off in a distant, unknown part of the universe where there was a dying star in a distant galaxy, this star was known as Ang’uis. It once use to be a yellow star, but as it got older over millions of years it grew and grew until examiners began to call it a sub-giant star. As Ang’uis continued to grow it eventually began to engulf the closest planets within its orbit. Ang’uis was on its way to becoming a giant star as it slowly turned a deep red color.

Roughly one hundred seventeen million miles from Ang’uis there was a planet called Drak’Nat. As Ang’uis continued to grow it pushed Drak’Nat out of its natural orbit, and this allowed life to begin. To protect themselves from their star’s powerful rays they developed scales along their bodies, a tail to assist them with balance, and four legs which assisted them with walking considering their long bodies. As their intelligence evolved over countless generations, they learned how to use their front claws to grasp and grab, as their evolution continued they created a name for themselves, the Drak’tdon.

To understand the Drak’tdon one must understand the two races that made up the Drak’tdon race, the Wings and the Serpents; not to mention there were two types of Serpents, the feathers, and the hairs. The best way to tell the difference between the Wings and the Serpent Drak’tdons were to know the way their bodies were built. The Wings were taller from head to claw than they were long. They were shorter from nose to tail than the Serpents, and they had Wings along their backs. The Serpents were longer than the Wings from nose to tail, though from head to claw they were shorter than the Wing. The two Serpent Drak’tdons, the hair, and the feather had one thing in common and that was their bodies were built similarly. There were only two things that made a hair Serpent different from a Feathered Serpent, a feathered Serpent had feathers crowning around their head, the hair Serpent had hair trailing along their spine from their head, also feather Serpents are the only Serpents with Wings from their front claws to the sides of their bodies.

In the beginning, the Wings and the Serpents had a civil war between them, the Wings were fighting the Serpents for the right of supremacy over the land for meat, which was the Drak’tdon’s primary source of food. Over countless generations as they got smarter and more intelligent the civil war switched from physical fighting to social separation. What ended up forcing the two races together was the star Ang’uis. While the Drak’tdon people grew and developed, the star also continued to grow with them until finally one day the star’s heat began to evaporate the planet’s dihydrogen monoxide and made the availability of meat decrease. As Ang’uis continued to grow larger and larger, the planet Drak’Nat slowly ended up turning into a desert planet. In the end, a group within the Drak’tdon society decided to do something in an attempt to save their people, this ended up being the boldest move in the history of Drak’tdon society.

Chapter 1

Hothshka was part of the Wing race, he had auburn scales, red eyes, and an odd habit of keeping his wings tight against the back of his body as if it were a cape. He was Pak’Nat of the ship At’lats which served as one of the seventeen ships flying over the planet Drak’Nat. For a change he was on the planet, in one of the hallways and making his way to the Meeting Hall of Contention, that was just a fancy word for where the Regent Leaders got together and talked.

Pak’Nat Hothshka was well aware of what he had to do at the Hall he just wasn’t happy going there to do it, give a speech. I know I volunteered to do this, but I still don’t like it. In order to prepare himself for the speech he used a tactic one of his instructors had taught him, he immediately began to breath slowly in through his nose and slowly out through this mouth. He continued doing the same breathing technique over and over again till he was able to calm down. He shook his head a bit to help him focus a little bit better. Once he had finished he couldn’t help but notice his Nam’Mok’nan approaching him, Nam'Mok'nan Skould. He needed to talk to him about something very important.

Nam’Mok’nan Skould was in the hallway as ordered to meet up with Pak’Nat Hothshka before he could say anything his Pak’Nat dropped his voice to a whisper, Nam’Mok’nan, why isn’t the plan ready yet?

Nam’Mok’nan Skould took a deep breath as he explained the bad news he knew his Pak’Nat wouldn’t like. Sheda, he didn’t like it either and he was chest deep in the middle of it. I have good news and bad news, sir. The good news is the Entrance Protectors know you’re coming and will grant you access without question. The bad news, I’m sorry to say, sir, is as you know those Of-7 and higher won’t do anything unless they can talk to the Regent Leaders. Both are too stubborn and seem to feel that since the military is in charge of the ships and the politicians are in charge of looking after the people…they want to know once we leave the planet who will be in charge of what, before evacuating the people to the glide of ships. Nam’Mok’nan Skould was just a half meter shorter than Pak’Nat Hothshka in both length and width, he was also of the same Wing race. He made it a rule to keep his gold scales in pristine condition as were military protocol, though at the moment protocol was the last thing on their mind.

Hothshka kept his voice as low as he could, Nam’Mok’nan Skould, listen carefully. I need you to go back to the At’lats and oversee the evacuation, try and get as many people as you can on those ships. Step on any political and military claws as you have to in order to get it done. While you’re doing that, I’m going to buy you and our allies some time at the Hall and try to break up their current argument and get their focus on me and our goal. That way when we have to leave the Hall, hopefully, there won’t be a panic.

Skould went into a standing salute to Pak’Nat Hothshka, his golden eyes were focused on what he knew he had to do as he turned around and went back to the At’lats to follow his Pak’Nat’s orders. Meanwhile, Pak’Nat Hothshka was moving his attention to the stone doors of the Hall as he began to collect his thoughts for what he was about to do. While he did that he thought back to what his dad told him about the Hall. He remembered being told something about the Meeting Hall of Contention was created because of their growing star, Ang’uis. Because of that, the races had agreed to put their differences aside so they could come together and try to save the Drak’tdon race.

As soon as Hothshka got to the doors of the Hall he was greeted by the two Entrance Protectors, one was a dark brown haired Serpent and the other a reddish brown Wing. Once they saw Pak’Nat Hothshka, the two Drak’tdons opened the doors to the Hall to allow him entrance inside the Meeting Hall of Contention...without saying a word. Once Pak’Nat Hothshka was inside the Hall, he couldn’t help but notice the military people were on one side of the Hall, mingling with each other. The political people were among themselves on their own side of the Hall, at the same time he walked all around the inside of the Hall to get a feel of the environment inside the cave. What always seemed to amaze him was the ancient age of the building which was built all in stone, yet somehow the builders had the foresight to make enough area to contain both the military and political people, while somehow allowing both to have their own side of the cave.

As he walked around the Hall, Pak’Nat Hothshka was able to find a spot to stand and look around the cave while he watched the Hall come to order. He was watching both sides as they slowly went from having a civil conversation with each other to shouting at each other back and forth. He couldn’t help but wonder if anyone heard his name when it was mentioned by the Entrance Announcer. At least one good thing had happened while Hothshka was in the Hall, he was surprised to see his brother nearby whom he’d known for nearly his whole life. So he couldn’t help but go talk to his old partner in crime, Hey Bentleth, how are you? I see you haven’t pulled rank on me yet.

Even though Bentleth was a haired Serpent, he couldn’t help but chuckle at the Wing he had grown up with and had come to see as a brother. With the both of them the same age of seventy-one years old, they still enjoyed being in competition with each other on occasion, with rank being one of them. As he laughed the light played on his golden scales while his platinum hair laying flat on his neck, finally someone decent to talk to around here. Hey Hothshka, I was hoping to see you. I came to let you know my ship, the Hoard, is ready for Project Hope.

Hothshka nodded, he had a lot on his mind, Thanks. I have my Nam’Mok’nan in charge of the evacuation right now as we speak. That reminds me, have you spoken to any of the sub-ships on the planet about Plan two, to send the messages about making all the ships dual powered to be able to run on both anti-matter and hydrogen?

Bentleth only gave a brief nod, "Yes, I did. That was a fun talk by the way, since using hydrogen use to be such a hot debate since an explosion killed hundreds of people, but I was able to talk to everyone in the group about the sub-ships that the byproduct is the much-needed oxygen and dihydrogen monoxide we’ll need once we’re in space, and it would take more strain off of the anti-matter. I won’t lie to you though, the idea of hydrogen so close to families did scare a lot of people."

It took Hothshka a moment for Bentleth’s last words to sink in, Let me make sure I heard that right, hydrogen close to families scare them but anti-matter doesn’t? Are they serious?

A grin slowly slid on Bentleth’s muzzle, he couldn’t stop the chuckle from his brother’s words, Believe it or not. While I’m thinking about it, plants have been added to all the ships to help in being another producer of natural oxygen and food to supply the ships. Some of the plants have even been placed in the vents to help circulate the oxygen to put less stress on the fans. While he was talking, Bentleth was forced to raise his voice to make sure he would be heard as the roaring in the Hall got louder.

Hothshka briefly glanced around at the people in the Hall before going back to his brother, Bentleth, in order to save the Drak’tdon people you and I both know that the fight between the races must end, no matter what. What we see here is an age old war game.

What Hothshka was talking about wasn’t anything new to Bentleth, though the gold hair-Serpent also wasn’t afraid to talk about it, You know good and well I agree with you brother, but it won’t be easy to convince them. While he was speaking, he motioned to the shouting crowd, The fighting among races has been going on for countless generations. You know our story, you and I became friends and then later brothers because we refused to let this age old fight tell us who we could and couldn’t be friends or family with, so we chose to fight that age old belief. As the brothers spoke, they were also trying hard not to bump into anyone while they were making their way to the front of the Hall.

As soon as Pak’Nat Hothshka reached his target he turned to his brother, Bentleth, Well, we’re here. Time to get to work. Good luck on your end brother, and be well.

Bentleth nodded, he knew Hothshka hated what he was about to do...he had a phobia of it. Be well brother. Contact me if anything comes up. With that Pak’Nat Bentleth left the Meeting Hall of Contention to get the evacuation started while his brother’s speech kept everyone preoccupied.

Once he took the podium, Pak’Nat Hothshka looked across the floor at the menagerie in front of him as the roaring continued. He glanced at his brother leaving as an idea came to him that might get the Hall’s attention, he took a deep breath and then made the loudest roar he ever gave in his life. Immediately, the Hall went silent as everyone was staring back at him. The haired Serpents were coiled with their hair raised up, while the Feathered Serpents were also coiled with their feathers flared around their head, and the Wings reared back with their wings spread back, all from shock. Good, you know how to shut-up, Hothshka couldn’t help but use his favorite saying one of his military trainers use to use when he was in basic training.

Yes, Nok’Al Hothshka, and we couldn’t help but hear you from one end of the Hall to the other, it was the Regent Leader of Kilften and he wasn’t happy with the situation, now why are you here? Being just half a meter taller than Hothshka, he was also of the Wing race yet unlike Hothshka, who was a colorant, this Regent Leader was a gem with ruby scales.

Pak'Nat Hothshka barely glanced at the Regent Leader of Kilften as he spoke, I came here to tell everyone in the Hall that everything is in motion—

Excuse me, but can anyone please tell me what Nok’Al Hothshka is talking about? Here’s a better question, what is someone below the rank of Of-10 doing inside the Hall when only someone with the military rank of Of-10 or higher is allowed in the Meeting Hall of Contention with the Regent Leaders without an appointment? While he was speaking, the Regent Leader of Kilften was also looking around the cave for any form of security to help him with the troublemaker, but he couldn't seem to find any type of help.

Pak’Nat Hothshka watched the Regent Leader of Kilften while he spoke his mind. Once the Regent Leader was done with his rant, Pak’Nat Hothshka continued to address the Hall, The Regent Leaders and the Of-10s and Of-11s of the military have been having this same discussion about the people on Drak'Nat about who would be in charge once everyone is evacuated, and for some reason everyone seems to think it’s a secret. I can’t help but wonder if it’s really a power fight?

"Hothshka you are out of line, youngling, I don’t care if being a Nok’Al makes you an Of-6. If you are going to address the people in this Hall you will have to show much better respect than that!" It was Fa’Aldé-Nuem. Just like Hothshka, she was of the Wing race and that was where the similarities ended. She was one hundred seventy-six years old, and the look she gave Hothshka from her silver liquid metal eyes would make most people feel like their scales were burning as she towered him by fifty meters, she still had her wings back as if she were about to attack. She was one of the most powerful people in the World Government, her former job use to be Adjudicator of Differences before she retired and got her name back, but many still gave her honor and respect because of her service.

Pak’Nat Hothshka cleared his throat again, he knew it was up to him to draw out time so he knew he had to pick his words carefully, "I’ll remember you said that, Fa’Aldé-Nuem. Well, I have a lot to say to everyone here and time is of the essence. As everyone knows, Ang’uis is growing so big that it’s now killing our planet, and yet for some strange reason, no one is doing anything to help save the Drak’tdon people. Now according to my sources, there hasn’t been any agreement as to who should be in charge of the planetary evacuation, not in reference to military or political action. Now while everyone here has been fighting, our planet has been crumbling and dying around us, along with the people you want to save, and none of the people know what is, or in this case what isn’t being done to save them. So, in this case, a rogue group has been put together of politicians, scientists, and military personnel with the job to get as many ships ready for space travel as soon as possible. Already we have a few in the glide, one is the largest which will be used for animal breeding for our meat and for meat distribution from ship-to-ship. It has been decided that the only people living on the meat ship will be the military running the ship, the Regent Leader, and the workers and their families who will be working on the breeding and slaughter of the meat. No one else will be allowed to live on the meat ship. Plants have already been placed all over the caves and hallways of all the ships to help produce natural oxygen for everyone to breathe; also to help plants grow, special white lights have been inserted which will give off every color within the spectrum—"

Nice to know. Tell me have you and your friends found answers to some of the other problems like energy and dihydrogen monoxide? I ask because both the plants and the people will need the dihydrogen monoxide, this time the speaker was the Regent Leader of Thokkaw. He was a one hundred and twelve-year-old Serpent with an attitude problem, and he didn’t need his purple scales to make him seem powerful, and his blue hair along his spine was a bit rough that day, but his crimson eyes said just one thing...shut-up.

Pak’Nat Hothshka had other ideas, Well, I believe I can answer two of your questions at once. You see, all the ships have been outfitted to work with both hydrogen and anti-matter; and, as I said earlier since the byproduct of hydrogen is both dihydrogen monoxide and oxygen, the ships will have the much-needed liquid and oxygen to keep us alive.

I’m sorry, it seems I didn’t make myself clear with my question, let me try again. What’s to be done about dihydrogen monoxide? This hydrogen idea of yours sounds great but the whole glide will run out before we find a new planet to live on, the Regent Leader of Thokkaw refused to let the topic go.

Hothshka took a slow and deep breath, okay remember why you’re doing this, he looked at the clock in the back of the Hall as he pushed on till he got the message the ships were full. Okay, one more time, Maybe I should draw it out for them with colored wax like it’s done for hatchlings. Maybe then they’ll understand, As I said dihydrogen monoxide and oxygen is the byproduct of hydrogen. Before the hydrogen gets anywhere close to low on any of the ships it will be possible to refill and get more, from outer space itself, because it’s the most abundant known element in the universe.

Before it was possible for anyone to make a comment, the entire Hall suddenly began crackling with radio static coming from Pak’Nat Hothshka’s radio which he had been carrying on himself, then a voice came on the radio. The voice didn’t say its name, it only called for Pak’Nat Hothshka, Pak’Nat Hothshka, we’ve moved all the people as ordered in reference to Project Hope. Only the people in the Hall need to be evacuated and then we’re ready to leave.

Thank you oh great Divine One! Pak’Nat Hothshka once again took a deep breath, Thank-you for the information, then he cut the radio transmission. Here comes some fun. Alright everyone I’m sure you have questions—

I know I do, it was the Regent Leader of Kilften again, so what did you do to be dropped from an Of-6 to an Of-3? Did you sleep with every female in every clutch in the Irg’Daber Reg’nal? He was beginning to look all over the cave for the Hall Entrance Protectors to escort Hothshka out of the cave.

Don’t kill him, no matter how much he annoys you, Pak’Nat Hothshka had to breathe as deeply as he could so he could try to stop his wings from moving while they barely shook, then he answered the Regent Leader’s question, Oh, I’m still an Of-6, it’s just there’s been a change within the military which I’ll be more than happy to tell everyone here all about it. You are all aware of the two forms of the military which have existed for a millennium, the Arksba and the Airborne Til’yiba. Well considering the planet’s dire circumstances, the group I’m a part of decided to merge the two and create a new military service called the Wex’der Pin’al’ess. This new military service has been created for one reason, for the Drak’tdon race to go into outer space to save the people on this planet. That’s what Project Hope is all about, it was put together by a group of Drak’tdons and myself. Part of the plan is while I’ve been talking to everyone here, a group of civilians was being flown to ships within the glide. Our scientists have been working hard to make sure both types of energy are equally distributed among the ships. All the ships in the glide are fully equipped with Healing Caverns and medical personnel, so any and all medical problems can and will be handled. Everyone here in the Hall will be the last people to be brought up to the ships...or if some of you wish you can burn with the planet.

Pak’Nat Hothshka immediately looked at the Entrance Protectors and without a word, he simply nodded, nothing more. The Entrance Protectors opened the Hall doors as they allowed a group of people as well as Nam’Mok’nan Skould to enter the Hall, they all walked among the Hall leaders silently.

Pak’Nat Hothshka took another deep breath, it’s time, Alright everyone, we’re going to the sub-ships which will bring everyone here to the ship At’lats, so please follow me. Pak’Nat Hothshka finally walked off the podium with a spring in his step and out the doors of the Meeting Hall of Contention for the last time. He knew he was being followed because the higher ranking military and Regent Leaders he had been talking to could be heard grumbling all the way to the sub-ships. Once everyone was herded into the sub-ships, the doors were closed and the sub-ships took off to leave the planet Drak’Nat...forever.

It took a little while for the sub-ships to dock in the At’lats’ landing cave and for the sub-ships to be evacuated, once that was done Pak’Nat Hothshka and Nam’Mok’nan Skould lead the group down the hallway to the Air Circulation Cave. While in the hallway, Hothshka began telling Skould the final step in the Project’s plan, I need you at the bridge and take over till I get there.

Yes, sir, Nam’Mok’nan Skould immediately left the group and made his way to the At’lats bridge to put words into action.

Pak’Nat Hothshka along with a few allies led everyone into the Air Circulation Cave where Pak’Nat Bentleth was there waiting for them.

Bentleth! You and Hothshka always were the ones to make trouble whenever the both of you were together. Now you’ve both gone too far! The Regent Leader of Thokkaw was muzzle-to-muzzle with Bentleth.

The Regent Leader of Thokkaw wasn’t the only one making noise. Everyone from the Meeting Hall of Contention was yelling and demanding something from someone. There was no doubt why Pak’Nat Bentleth made a roar so loud it almost rivaled Pak’Nat Hothshka, with the same result.

Pak’Nat Hothshka was up on that podium to give us the much needed time to get as many civilians off the planet as possible. There was just one problem, time. Getting as many ships and sub-ships prepared and then the evacuation isn’t easy, and the reason we were doing all this is that you fools have been trying to agree who’d be in charge once we’re in space. Since none of you were doing your job in saving the people, we decided to take over. We were able to save over one hundred thousand lives, but there was a huge cost. Roughly two hundred thousand people are still on the planet because we don’t have space! Bentleth ended up spelling it out to everyone.

It was Fa’Aldé-Nuem who reacted first to the numbers as a shiver went all over her body, Pak’Nat Hothshka, did I understand that we’re the last off the planet?

Pak’Nat Bentleth and Pak’Nat Hothshka switched places. The brothers knew they were horn deep in trouble, but this time it was trouble they knew was too important not to get into, Yes, you heard right. I’m sorry to say it, but we are the last off the planet. If someone had dropped a stone on the metal floor it would’ve rang as clear as an empty cave if not clearer. Now that I have everyone’s attention I’ll let you all know what’s going to happen to each and every one of you. Before any of you try to bite my head off, please know that a meeting was held to make this decision. It wasn’t just me.

That’s not very reassuring, the Regent Leader of Kilften was growling between his teeth while he spoke.

Pak'Nat Hothshka ignored the comment as he continued, It was agreed upon that because of the terrible way the majority of you in the Hall handled this emergency, that everyone in that group will be disbanded. You have all lost your titles and ranks as of right now. We’re in the process of assigning all of you living conditions on ships within the glide, but you must understand something right now. This won’t be like on the planet where one area will be one hundred percent Serpent and one area will be one hundred percent Wing. It’s going to be all mixed up and you’ll have to get used to it to survive, Pak’Nat Hothshka quickly prepared himself for any and all reactions from the crowd, of course, it came from the former Regency Leader of Kilften.

Hothshka you have no right doing any of this. I’ll have you demoted so far down that an El-9 won’t know how to address you much less whether to salute you or not!

Pak’Nat Hothshka marched right up to the former Regent Leader of Kilften, which made them muzzle-to-muzzle with each other, Everything we did was totally legal. According to the Drak’tdon Rights Document, whenever a private poll is held by the people in order to make changes to the Hall, at least two or more Hall members must be present as witnesses for validity.

I’m familiar with that old practice, Hothshka. It hasn’t been used for centuries, it was the former Regent Leader of Thokkaw this time, I want to know the names of these witnesses who betrayed our trust!

Three people stepped forward, out from the renegade group, each one representing a race. As former Regent Leader of Kilften slid his eyes across the three, one of them caught his attention. Someone very familiar to him, You! His wings flared from the jarring encounter, You’re a part of this? Think of your status and the people you’re in charge of maintaining! To say the former Regent Leader was in shock was an understatement.

The person that was being addressed was a Wing Drak’tdon, Regent Leader of Biak’Touk. His pale yellow eyes and yellow body gave off a furious feeling to everyone nearby, yet at the same time, he seemed to have the ability to look both calm and dangerous at the same time. Despite the fifty years his opponent had on him, Regent Leader of Biak’Touk snorted a stream of smoke at his face, "We are the Regent Leaders of a people we swore to protect, not a land. Yet both are slowly dying. Land can be replaced with our current technology, but our people won’t be able to recoup. All three of us, the Regent Leader witnesses, agreed to put our differences aside to try and save the Drak’tdon race, and we did that. Not just the three of us did this, but more people than you can possibly imagine.

The former Regent Leader of Kilften finally noticed the other two witnesses, they were both female Serpents but of two different types. The Regent Leader of Qhaterive had been watching him carefully with her light green eyes. Her green scales and yellow feathers didn’t move at all as she stared him down. Her black wings were also totally still as if she were preparing to pounce. As the last of the witnesses, the Regent Leader of Set-he’vi’rl also stepped forward, her silver scales and nickel eyes spoke volumes. She wasn’t happy. At the same time, the white hair along her spine was almost standing. The former Regent Leader of Kilften had a long history of debating many topics with her, with political scars to go with it, The Regent Leader of Set-he’vi’rl. Have you come to annoy me? I know you just love to do that, the former Regent Leader of Kilften watched every move she made…cautiously.

Regent Leader of Set-he’vi’rl crept toward the former Regent Leader, her nickel eyes frozen on his face, "Get back on topic former Regent Leader of Kilften! Just in case you haven’t noticed we’re trying to save people here! All three races of the Drak’tdon people to be exact! Before Pak’Nat Hothshka took over that Hall meeting if the Hall had done its job none of you would be disbanded right now. Believe it or not, this was voted and agreed upon by the people. As of right now you are all now forced to use your original names."

At that point Pak’Nat Hothshka wanted to put an end to the bickering so he could try to get back to the bridge of his ship as quickly as possible, Alright everyone, listen carefully, please. To recap, everyone from the Hall has been disbanded with the exception of those who helped with the planetary evacuation. They get to keep their title as they go to a new ship, the disbanded group has lost their right to rule or lead anything. A new group is in charge now, like it or not!

With that Hothshka quickly turned around and made his way to the door of the cave. On his way, he left a few military personnel there with another job for them to do besides their usual security, to assign the disbanded military and political personnel a cavern for them to live in. Live. In space. He had to admit the thought scared him despite the speech he had given not too long ago. There was no way to know how long their current meat storage would last before animal reproduction could pick-up, was there enough for distribution before reproduction kicked in and their stores ran out? Oh Great Divine One, please let the meat hold out! Already he could see a fight between the Wings and the Serpents breaking out if they ran out too soon. Once he was in the hallway he thought of this group he joined of military, scientists, and politicians. All of them were doing their best to save the lives of the people who lacked the power to help themselves. Some, though not all, of the people in the Hall, had a reputation for arguing too much to do their jobs and help the people. Hothshka never was the type of person who wanted to be a speaker in front of a group of people, it just wasn’t him, he didn’t have the interest. As he made his way to the bridge he was working hard to hold onto his optimism.

Chapter 2

Pak’Nat Hothshka had finally made it to the bridge of the At’lats, he didn’t know how but it had somehow become the unofficial lead ship for the glide. As soon as he took his first step on the bridge the crew immediately stood to attention,

Pak’Nat on the bridge, Nam’Mok’nan Skould’s announcement rang loud and clear while the sound echoed across the bridge as if to make sure everyone would be able to hear every word.

You may be seated, Pak’Nat Hothshka glanced around the bridge as he walked up to his second in charge, Nam’Mok’nan Skould, Could you join me in my office, please?

Yes, sir, Nam’Mok’nan Skould followed his Pak’Nat to his of’fire office. Once the two were inside, Pak’Nat Hothshka made sure the door was closed before he asked his next question,You know the loud bridge announcement makes me uncomfortable. Why do you over-do it?

Nam’Mok’nan Skould couldn’t help but be surprised at the question, Sir, I was following the protocol of the newly created military, Wex’der Pin’al’ess.

I know, and I’m sorry if it seems I bit your head off. It’s just...I’m not comfortable with that protocol. When we were in the Airborne Til’yiba the announcements weren’t as loud. It’s one of the reasons why I didn’t mind being Nok’Al at the time, Hothshka couldn’t help but think back on those days.

Well sir, you know as well as I do that the Of-7s and higher, for whatever reason, wants the announcements to be so loud that is echoes off the walls. If you wish I’ll find a middle ground.

I’d appreciate it Skould, thanks. Also, I’d like to congratulate you on getting the people evacuated off the planet. I know it wasn’t easy for you. Pak’Nat Hothshka thought for a moment, I know it’s too early to ask but I’m curious. Do you know if any of the disbanded has been assigned to any ships yet?

A few Regent Leaders, reigning and former, have already been given a personal cavern. At the moment we still have some on the At’lats that need to be moved. The former Regent Leader of Thokkaw is currently giving Pak’Nat Bentleth a headache on the Hoard ship. From what I hear his real name is Szwe’yv and as Pak’Nat Bentleth’s cousin he’s giving him a lot to hear about on what you did in the Hall. That reminds me, what is former Regent Leader of Kilften’s real name? Do you know? Skould couldn’t help but be curious as he prepared to file away the information. He wanted to make sure the At’lats computer had the needed information about former Regent Leaders for future use.

The former Regent Leader of Kilften’s real name is Bdom’theq. I only hope a physical fight doesn’t break out between Pak’Nat Bentleth and Szwe’yv.

Oh, you’re going to hear about it sooner or later if it does. Bdom’theq, I hear, is furious because he was put on a Serpent ship and he’s a Wing Drak’tdon. He might want to talk to you about a transfer, Skould couldn’t help but chuckle at the idea.

Tell Bdom’theq to kiss my tail, Pak’Nat Hothshka thought to himself, He’s not going anywhere, if he wanted a better place to live on a ship he should’ve made an attempt to try and save more of the people on our planet and not leave it to people like you and me, Skould. Maybe larger ships would’ve been made and we’d have larger caverns. But he didn’t do anything, and that’s the reason why he was stripped of his title. We all have to live in smaller caverns than we’re use to living in. I said it in the Hall that all races are going to have to learn to live together if the only way he can learn that is being thrown into his own personal fire then so be it. He’s staying on the Hoard. Out of nowhere, a stray thought came to Pak’Nat Hothshka as he studied Nam’Mok’nan Skould, Have you ever thought of becoming a Regent Leader before joining the military? You’d make a really good one.

Skould couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurd concept, No sir, it was never for me. I’m a bit too much like you, I don’t want to lose my name. Besides, with the almost absolute power that comes with the position...I’m not real comfortable with the idea. I prefer my military life. While they were talking they made their way back on the bridge. Suddenly out of nowhere a very surprising voice was heard,

Request permission to board the bridge.

Immediately everyone on the bridge turned towards the voice, and there at the door of the bridge stood the Regent Leader of Set-he’vi’rl. Everyone couldn’t help but stare in shock from seeing a Serpent on the bridge of a Wing ship! It was the Security Leader who quickly went into action as he rushed towards her to make sure she didn’t move any further, an old tactic from his time in the Airborne Til’yiba. Anyone who met him thought he was made for the security job because of his clear diamond scales and his black diamond eyes.

Nam’Mok’nan Skould knew what was about to happen and immediately went into action, Euit’Lant Ser’or Geer’Kru walk back. He waited and watched as the Security Leader froze where he stood as if he were having an internal fight with himself, till he finally backed off and went back to his post. Now every one of you, get back to work, Nam’Mok’nan Skould carefully scanned every person on the bridge as he spoke.

Pak’Nat Hothshka approached the door of the bridge where the Regent Leader of Set-he’vi’rl was still standing and awaiting his answer, Regent Leader of Set-he’vi’rl your request is granted. My apologies for the actions of my Security Leader.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Regent Leader of Set-he’vi’rl finally stepped onto the bridge, the light played along with her silver scales as she entered a place no Serpent before her had ever occupied, It’s perfectly alright, Pak’Nat Hothshka. Our races must begin to get used to working next to each other sooner or later, I much prefer sooner rather than later to learn tolerance.

Pak’Nat Hothshka escorted her to his of’fire office, I totally agree with you, ma’am. Is there any way I may help you?

The current reigning Regent Leaders and Military personnel have been talking...and have decided they want a place for a new Meeting Hall of Contention on your At’lats ship...permanently. Does the At’lats have a cave for such a facility?

Pak’Nat Hothshka didn’t answer right away, for a moment he was mentally running a map of the ship through his head while trying hard to think of any and every cave that might be able to handle the number of people, Roughly how many people are we talking about that will be in the new Hall?

The Regent Leader of Set-he’vi’rl had to stop and think for a moment, Let see, one Regent Leader per ship plus the current reign of the high military...

Pak’Nat Hothshka started making a list, Okay, there are seventeen ships in the glide plus fourteen High Military people as well. That will make...approximately thirty people to fill the new Hall.

Thirty-one if you want an exact count. Does it help?

A smile slowly slid across Pak’Nat Hothshka’s muzzle, Yes it does, I do know of such a place for the new Meeting Hall of Contention. It’s just a little bit larger than the Air Circulation Cave. The only problem is it’s being used for storage right now so we’ll need to get people to clean it out and do a bit of construction.

A smile slid across her muzzle as well, Thank you so much for your help, Pak’Nat Hothshka, I greatly appreciate it.

Regent Leader of Set-he’vi’rl, we just overthrew our government to save our race, you don’t have to be so formal. Though I must admit you do have me curious, why was the At’lats chosen to be the host ship for the new Meeting Hall of Contention?

If there was one thing the Regent Leader of Set-he’vi’rl had learned about Pak’Nat Hothshka while working on Project Hope, it was his contradictory shyness yet take charge personality, I don’t know if you’ve heard, but word is already spreading through the whole glide. To the survivors, you’re a hero.

Hothshka couldn’t help but rear back a bit in shock, Regent Leader it wasn’t just me, Project Hope was a group effort and you know that, Pak’Nat Hothshka didn’t like where the conversation was suddenly going.

We all know that Pak’Nat Hothshka, but the civilians need that symbol of hope your ship brings since you’re the Pak’Nat of it. That’s why we’re offering that your ship be the official lead ship of the glide during our travel in space. At the same time the At’lats will also have the new Meeting Hall of Contention within it, the Regent Leader waited for Pak’Nat Hothshka to have sort of answer to the offer.

It took a moment for all the information to sink in for Pak’Nat Hothshka as he stood in shock. When he chose to help his people it was a group effort, no one was given any kind of special treatment. Ever so slowly, Hothshka came out of his fog addled brain as he addressed the Regent Leader with an all too familiar question, The new Meeting Hall of Contention I already accepted. Do you or any of the other Hall members need anything from me? He was trying as hard as he could to prepare himself for any type of answer, and to prepare for his own reaction to the question.

"No, there isn’t anything more asked of you. I do thank-you for everything you’ve