by Dale Marsceill (c)1996
Part I
The Aethyr like space has no gravity, is silent, black and filled with twinkling stars. Unlike space, the Aethyr is warm and friendly to those who inhabit its vast expanse. It's inhabitants, Astral Elves, breathe the Aethyr like air. They absorb its power and can manipulate it to do anything from healing a wounded comrade to hurling blazing balls of fire. Their empire is massive and spreads throughout the Aethyr. The elves were a peaceful race with no desire for war or dominance. All was well until the invaders came.
Unlike the elves the invaders were greedy and wanted to grasp all they could. These invaders were equipped with terrible machines capable of hurling deadly bolts of light. They would kill all that got in their way. These invaders called themselves man.
Man had come into the Elven territory demanding unconditional surrender. When the elves refused, man attacked one of the outer colonies destroying everything and killing all. For the first time in their long peaceful history the elves went to war.
In the beginning the war was one sided, man had all the experience and all the technology. Man took much of the Elven territory and violated all they plundered. Through years of stumbling and many failures the elves learned the art of war. They developed mighty ships powered by the very thing they were designed to defend. These ships carried their allies, Astral Dragons, en masse to wage war on man. One of these massive ships was christened Gultegra's Glory in honor of the Glory of their capital city Gultegra. This is one of her Aethyr Stories.
Oriana home port to Gultegra's Glory twinkled in the eternal twilight that is the Aethyr. At the city limits the Glory floated patiently waiting for the elves scurrying about her decks to undo its moorings.
On the Glory's bridge an elf wearing a block of ribbons pinned to his uniform watched the elves around him prepare the ship for duty. Standing next to him, a second elf wearing a similar uniform with fewer ribbons spoke up above the noisy bustle of the crew. "Wing Master the power mages report no problems with the Aethyr Crystal, all the dragons are aboard, all weapons are ready to go and the crew is present and accounted for. We should be able to leave in about another half hour. Do you wish to speak to the crew before pulling from the pier?"
"Yes I do Wing Master Tsartharus."
"The telepathy crystal is ready for your immediate use." Tsartharus handed a round black crystal to Nientriar.
Nientriar took it and received a small grain of comfort in its warmth. He opened his mind to the crystal and tagged onto a strand of Aethyr radiating from it. Out loud he spoke words his whole crew heard. (Good day shipmates. Welcome back. By now you should have found your racks and stowed your gear. I know out liberty time was cut short and I apologize for that. In return I'll extend it to make up for the loss.
The mission we are about to embark on is a reconnaissance mission in the Paroalla sector. This is an urgent mission and it had to be attended immediately. A class one destroyer has been found lurking around the inner fringes of Dead Space. Intelligence suggests it may be carrying new combatant technology. We are to find the destroyer, discern what it's carrying and destroy it. I will keep you updated on the mission progress as things unfold.)
Four decks below and twelve frames aft a tall skinny elf was emptying a large red bag of its contents and placing it into a wall locker. He paused to hear the Wing Master's speech and then once it was over he searched the Aethyr for a familiar thread and tugged it gently. Hail Thorak.
(Hello Solinar, how are you faring?)
(What did you think of the wing master's speech?)
(I was touched, although he could at least mention us once in the speech.)
Solinar shook his head and chuckled at his Astral Dragon's comment. Since the day of binding Thorak had come off with an overblown ego and a super sized attitude to match. Solinar couldn't begin to the count the number of times since that day he had depended on that demeanor to get him through the tough scrapes. (What did you think about the new technology?)
(I'm not surprised. The rumors of that have been flying all over Oriana.)
(Aren't you worried about it?)
An image of Thorak's tooth studded grin floated in Solinar's mind. (Should I be? The humans haven't been able to stop us since the fifth year of the war.) A gout of black mist burst from Thorak's snout as he snorted. (At least you guys are good for something.)
Solinar smiled, (You love us, and you know it.)
A fiendish grin cracked across Thorak's muzzle. (We don't have to admit it.)
Solinar gave Thorak a grin then a troubled frown replaced his ready smile. (Be serious for a minute. I can still remember when the humans attacked Satrinara with new technology. They leveled the city and killed every living thing.) Solinar's face paled to chalky white. (I can still remember that awful stench to this day.)
(That was new technology then, now it's old and we know how to combat it. I'm sure we'll be able to combat the new technology as well.) Thorak made a low rumbling growl that vibrated the wooden planks in the deck. (We were here first, and Man will have to kill every single breathing elf and dragon to take the Aethyr from us.) Thorak's red eyes burned like smoldering coals. (We don't die that easy.)
(I wish I could feel the same as you my friend. Remember Satrinara . . .)
(I understand your fear buddy, don't let the others see it. Remember you're a Wing Leader in the Elven Aethyr Fleet. You cannot show fear to those who are above you or below you. You gave that privilege up when you assumed the responsibilities of your rank.)
(I know Thorak and I will show no fear. I just hope there is nothing to fear . . .)
On the bridge a swarthy elf sitting behind Nientriar watched the city lights fall from the bridge window. Once the eternal twilight of the Aethyr replaced the elf-made lights of Oriana he turned to Nientriar. "Wing Master we've cleared the city, do you wish to gate?"
Nientriar nodded. "Gate when ready."
"Aye, aye sir." The elf placed his hands on two glowing crystals set into a bench in front of him and with mind speech he called the power mages. We are ready to gate. Awaken the crystal.
Nientriar gripped the arms of his chair as his skin began tingling. A white blinding flash of light flared into existence at the far end of the Gory and rolled over the entire length of the ship consuming everything in its path. As the light surrounded him Nientriar's internal sense of direction was thrown askew and the Aethyr spun. A moment later the dizziness faded and the light receded.
Nientriar turned to an elf sitting at a gem bedecked bench on his right side and asked, "Dragon Rider Aluminar, Where are we?"
The elf Nientriar addressed place a hand on one of several gems glowing with different colors. He opened his mind and sent a surge of Aethyr into the crystal. A response returned from the crystal and he replied. "Paroalla."
"Plot a course using the last known coordinates of the destroyer."
"Aye, Sir." Replied Aluminar as he placed his hands over two gems that glowed with crimson light. He opened his mind to the Aethyr and sent it flowing into the crystals. A moment later he came back with a reply, "The coordinates are entered sir, she's ready to engage."
A slight breeze of warm air brushed through the bridge signifying a massive shift in the Aethyr. The Glory began to float forward.
Nientriar turned to a broad shouldered elf on his immediate right. "Wing Master, send out the scouts." The elf nodded then opened his mind to call the Glory's Own.
Pack Leader Solinar twisted and turned in his bed. Sweat glistened off his forehead and his sheets were twisted in damp knots.
Smoke rose in black strands from the village. The acrid stench of burning flesh rose from below causing Solinar to gag. Silently the Dragon Jaws landed under Solinar's command. Solinar leaped off Thorak's back and ordered his elves to spread out and search for survivors. All around black gutted buildings rose like jagged fingers into the smoke choked Aethyr. Solinar approached one of the buildings and looked into the gaping hole that had once been a doorway. Inside black scorched corpses lay haphazardly in charred heaps. The stench coming from the charnel house nearly brought Solinar to his knees.
The image of Tsartharus broke Solinar's concentration and the dream shattered into black splinters. (Attention Pack Leader Solinar! )
Startled, Solinar snapped into a sitting position. (Wing Master! )
( We have arrived at Paroalla and you are to assemble your pack and search the area for a Class "A" destroyer believed to be in this area. Once you've found it, you are to send a message and board it. Search the ship from prow to stern and note anything unusual. Assemble your elves within the hour!)
(A map of the surrounding Aethyr appeared in Solinar's head and he quickly put it to memory. Aye, aye Wing Master.)
Tsartharus' picture faded leaving Solinar with nothing but broken shards of his nightmare. Solinar opened his mind to the others in his pack and called them to duty.
A half hour later Solinar stepped through a hatch into a large open bay filled with scampering elves and giant black serpents. At the far end of the bay, by a set of massive doors, nineteen dragons were coiled and poised for action. All except one had riders on their backs.
Solinar crossed through the chaos and approached his own dragon. "How are you doing today Thorak?"
Thorak a giant among giants rested on his belly with his eyes half lidded. His sinuous body was thicker around than Solinar was tall and it was longer than the length of ten elves standing from head to toe.
Upon seeing Solinar Thorak uncoiled his sinuous body making a raspy sound of scales scraping on wood. As his body rippled a dull sheen flowed along his length. He lifted his massive head covered in thick mangy blue-black hair and swung it lazily from side to side. His jaw opened to half Solinar's height exposing rows of sword length pointed teeth. It was the closest he could come to a grin.
Using mind speech Thorak greeted his partner. ( I'm ready for a fight.)
Solinar climbed onto Thorak's back and looked into the Aethyr as the bay door was opening. "Calm down, don't go blasting things into Aethyr just yet. Before we destroy anything we have to find it and search it to identify what new technology the violators have come up with."
Another toothy grin crossed Thorak's muzzle. (How long will I have to wait?)
Solinar shook his head. "Not too long I hope."
Thorak's smile fell. (Can I at least blast one violator?)
"Not until the Wing Master gives the order."
(Well at least it'll be more entertaining than scaring children.)
Solinar eyed his partner suspiciously. "Thorak you didn't."
Thorak arched his serpentine neck and faced Solinar. (I didn't think harassing a few children would do any harm.)
Solinar shook his head in disgust. "Thorak! That's terrible!"
The dragon snorted, (I eventually stopped.)
Solinar glared into Thorak's cold red eyes. "When? After you got bored!"
Thorak gave Solinar a serpentine shrug. (Not exactly. I stopped when I ran out of children. I had some difficulty with hysterical parents. They failed to believe I never intended to eat their kids.)
Solinar shook his head in disgust. "Dragons have a sick sense of humor."
Thorak snorted. (You think that's bad, try to figure out Elven humor.)
Solinar glared at his companion but refused to return a reply. Instead he scanned the pack with a critical eye.
Twenty-four elves were mounted on serpents like his own. Anxious faces looked up to him with expressions varying from eagerness to trepidation. Some of the faces were hard with experience while others were still soft from ignorance.
Solinar addressed the group. "A destroyer has penetrated the border. Sources suggest it may have some new technology. Our mission is to find the destroyer, report on it's position and collect data on this weapon."
Solinar paused to learn the mood of his pack. A few eyes were burning with battle lust and the fire spread to the rest of the pack. It quickly infected him as well.
Solinar buckled himself into the saddle and signaled Thorak. The giant serpent coiled his massive body into a tight spring and launched himself into the Aethyr. The pack followed behind with a mighty war cry ringing from their lips.
Shortly after the glory fell out of sight, Solinar ordered the pack to come to a halt. All around them, the stars sparkled quietly spreading their meager light through the Aethyr. Solinar sat quietly allowing his eyes to adjust to the dim grey light that permeated through all the Aethyr. Once satisfied, he turned to the others. "According to the last intelligence reports the destroyer was in this region. Our mission is to find the ship and report it's location. Then we will infiltrate the ship and see what goodies the humans have in store for us. To accomplish these goals we will break up into five claws lead by Siemtar, Palixar, Saldinar, Soristier and myself." The four elves named floated forward to rest at attention in front of Solinar.
Solinar eyed the four elves critically and going over their past performance history in his mind. Satisfied he nodded and continued, "Very good. Now select four elves per leader and select a different point of the compass. I'll go heavenward and take Santinier, Talidmar, Eptinor and Mardinar. Now begin." Solinar saluted the four elves and they returned it with a neat snap of their wrists. The four elves he mentioned aloud fell in behind him and Solinar took them up.
"By the Aethyr!" Proclaimed Solinar with mouth agape and eyes wide. "They said there was only one destroyer. There's three here!" Equally surprised Solinar's claw stared silently awaiting their next command.
Three Giant mountains of steel armed with a forest of laser cannons hovered with a low ominous rumble before the elves. Metallic clouds compiled of nothing but star fighters swarmed about the destroyers like locusts. Surrounding the space craft was a grey haze that filled the Aethyr and corrupted its life energy.
"I think the Glory is in for a big surprise." Commented Santinier who the first to recover from the shock.
Solinar glanced over the scene before him with pinched eyes and furrowed brows. "This doesn't look like its going to be a quickie. I had better call the others."
Wincing with disgust Solinar immersed his consciousness into the corrupted Aethyr. By doing so Solinar's awareness expanded to omniscient proportions. (If we could locate humans this way, the war would have been over long ago. Damn the humans and their dead cold space ships. Ah, there' s a claw now . . . )
Siemtar stared hopelessly into the empty Aethyr running his fingers through his thick brown hair. His face was pinched and his head pounded from his efforts to find the destroyer. With head aching he contacted the others in his claw. "Well it looks like there is nothing going on in this part of the Aethyr, I hope the others are having more luck than us."
The lack of enthusiasm coming from the rest of the claw was telling him they were near defeat.
(Siemtar!) Hearing his name ringing with his commander's presence caused Siemtar to snap to attention in his seat.
(Wingleader Solinar, have you had any luck?)
(I have indeed. Unfortunately more than we really need. I need you to report to me immediately. I'll give everyone a briefing once you get here. Although, I think it will be obvious once you arrive. Use me as an Aethyr Mark and teleport to me. Be quick about it, I have already located the others and told them the same.) .
(I will do so posthaste Wingleader.)
(Good, see you soon.) Solinar's voice faded but his agitation remained within Siemtar's mind.
(Claw! Gather around! The enemy has been found and Wingleader wants us to report immediately!)
The elves gathered around Siemtar while he focused himself on the beacon Solinar left for him. Using the combined energies of the Claw Siemtar constructed a spell that picked them all up and whisked them away instantaneously.
The different claws took form in ranks behind Solinar as he stared thoughtfully at the three destroyers poised for attack. Once he felt the pack was whole he turned his dragon about to face it. "Recon has made a mistake. As you can see there is not one but three destroyers encroaching on our borders. One or all of those destroyers may have the new technology aboard. We will break up into three groups and investigate each ship simultaneously."
Solinar studied the pack, he tilted his head toward a young elf with silver wispy hair. "Dragon Rider Palixar lead yours and Dragon Rider Siemtar's claws to the destroyer on the left flank. Dragon Rider Siemtar will act as the second in charge for your combined claws." The elf nodded and dropped from the body of the pack. His pack and Siemtar's followed.
Solinar turned his gaze to Saldinar. "Wingman Saldinar lead your pack with Wingman Soristier's to the destroyer on the right flank Wingman Soristier will act as second in your combined packs." Saldinar nodded and rose above the pack, Soristier followed and their two packs followed behind Soristier.
"The rest will stay with me and we'll investigate the lead destroyer." The remaining elves fell in behind Solinar.
Solinar surveyed the three groups and every elf looked eager to continue the mission. Solinar's pride in his pack swelled. He then lifted his hand in salute. "Follow through with your orders." Solinar's salute was returned and the still cloaked elves followed through with their orders.
Solinar checked with his claw using mind speech. (Is all in order?)
All acknowledged they were ready.
( Fall in and let's go.) The group of seven dragons formed their ranks into a small arrow head with Solinar at the point.
The small group approached the destroyer's midsection. Solinar heeled Thorak around and relayed some more orders. (Dragon Warrior Zlndtar, go with Dragon Rider Candor and enter the ship through the engine exhaust ports.)
(Yes sir.) The elf paired up with her partner and waited for further instructions.
Solinar turned to the next group. (Dragon Warrior Kalor, go with Dragon Rider Timior and infiltrate the ship from above. The two elves paired up.)
Solinar turned to the remaining elf. (Dragon Warrior Tharier you'll accompany me and we'll infiltrate the belly of this beast). The remaining elf fell in behind Solinar without comment.
Solinar addressed the group as a whole. (I need all of you to scour the ship with a sharp eye. Once you have completed your search, meet up with me amidships. If I fail to meet you, wait only an hour. After the hour, abandon me and fly to the Glory with all haste and make your reports. Dismissed.) Solinar raised a salute which every elf returned and they headed to their various assignments.
Solinar and Tharier approached the destroyer and they could feel the Aethyr's suffering. Solinar relayed some more orders once they got a little closer. (Halfway aft of midships is a small portal. It will allow you into the ship. Find it and break in. Search the ship from stern to bow and I'll come from bow to stern. We'll meet midships and compare notes. Any questions?) Tharier shook his head.
(Carry out your orders.) The elf nodded and guided his dragon toward the aft end of the ship. Solinar swung around to the left and headed forward.
Halfway forward of midship Solinar found the portal he was looking for. It blended in with the ship so well that he nearly missed it. It was locked from the inside and there was no place to grip it from the outside.
Solinar opened his mind to the Aethyr and began weaving it into a blaze of magical fire. A brilliant red flash erupted from his fingers and struck the hatch. Air escaped with a loud hiss as the hatch turned to molten slag.
A gaping black hole was left where the hatch once stood. Solinar opened his senses to the Aethyr and the darkness faded to grey. A long narrow channel was revealed in the grey half-light.
Solinar released the buckles that held him to the saddle and he floated from his seat. (It's too small for you, so I'll have to do this alone. If I'm not back within an hour leave me behind and report to Command.)
Thorak snarled. (You'll be back.)
Solinar smiled. (One hour no longer.) Solinar opened himself to the Aethyr and commanded it to push him upwards. He slowly floated into the hatch.
The channel was cylindrical with several other channels branching from it into gloomy darkness. Solinar ignored the other channels to follow the main one.
Two minutes later Solinar spotted a faint light in the distance. Slowing he approached it with a spell ready to be released. At the end of the tunnel was a hatch with a small window. It revealed a broad passageway traveled by humans on missions known only to themselves.
Solinar opened his mind to the Aethyr and wove a scintillating membrane of energy equal to the size of the hatch. He placed it over the hatch and fused it into the metal.
Once the passage was clear, Solinar pulled a lever protruding from the wall and the door's release engaged with a soft click. The door swung into the passage and pressurized air rushed from the passage with a hiss. The membrane bowed toward Solinar stopping any air from escaping. Solinar stepped through the membrane into the empty passage, and closed the door behind him.
At the beginning of his search Solinar found a red door with muffled voices coming from it. He stepped up to the door but couldn't find a knob or handle. (Damn lazy humans and their cursed science.) Frustrated Solinar gave up on the door and continued his search.
Further down, the passage ended with a white door brazen with a burning star. Solinar glared vehemently at the symbol. ( No matter how many times I see this cursed symbol I always want to blow the damn thing to Aethyr. One day we will be free of this cosmic pestilence.)
A low hum signaled the approach of someone on the other side of the door. A soft swish followed and the door slid open. A highly decorated starfleet officer stepped through and passed Solinar without blinking an eye.
Solinar dove through the opening in the precious seconds it took for the door to begin closing. It closed with a swish just as he crossed the threshold.
Looking around Solinar noted several large screens were mounted on the walls each displaying a different part of the surrounding Aethyr. In front was a massive window jutting outwards displaying what lay before the ship. Several dozen men and women dressed in white uniforms sat before consoles of colored lights and switches. In the middle of the space were three chairs. Two of the three were occupied by officers decorated with braids of gold. Solinar watched the man in the middle chair with curiosity.
The man's eyes were deep green and shadowed over with bushy black eyebrows. His hair was kept in a long black braid that reached down to the middle of his back. In contrast to his dark features his uniform was pristine white and decorated with braids of gold. He held a black mug with one hand, and rubbed the stubble under his chin with the other.
A dark skinned woman sitting before the forward window turned from her console and addressed the man. "Captain Adrius, the disrupter has successfully penetrated through the Dragon Carrier's shield."
The captain's emerald gaze turned to the woman. "Have you gotten a positive lock?"
The woman nodded and replied. "Yes sir."
Adrius leaned forward in his seat. "What are the coordinates?"
The woman returned a quick glance at the screen and replied. "40 Alpha, 60 Gulf, 32 Zebra sir."
"Outstanding! Continue surveillance."
"Yes sir." Replied the woman as she returned to her screen.
Grinning the Captain turned his head toward a man sitting at a console by the far wall. "Ensign Larrington."
A nervous man with thinning blond hair snapped his head around. "Yes sir."
"Radio the rest of the battle group and tell them to lock onto the coordinates we have gotten. Tell the others to prepare for interception."
The nervous man replied, "Yes sir." And returned to follow through with his orders.
The captain turned to the only other man wearing gold in the space. "Commander Adrian"
A man with pale skin, turned his powder blue eyes from the window and acknowledged the Captain's call. "Yes sir."
The captain stepped out of his chair. He towered over any other man in the space. "Take the helm until I return. I'll be in the briefing room if you need to reach me."
Adrian lifted himself from his own chair and stood at eye level with the Captain. "Any other orders sir?"
"Page me immediately if the Dragon Carrier changes its course." The Captain breezed by Solinar as he approached the door. Adrius got out of his chair and lowered himself into the captain's seat and continued to stare out the window.
Solinar stepped behind the captain as he walked through the door. (Okay Captain how in the name of the Aethyr did you manage to penetrate our magic.)
The Captain lead Solinar back down the passage he had followed up to the bridge. They stopped before the red door and it slid open. He stepped through with Solinar right on his heels. The door swished closed nearly nicking Solinar in the rear.
Inside the room officers decorated similarly as the Captain sat at desks murmuring quietly amongst themselves. One man noticed the Captain's entrance and jumped to his feet calling aloud. "Attention on deck!"
Murmuring was replaced by the sound of scuffing boots as everybody leaped to their feet. The Captain walked up to a podium standing in the front of the room and looked upon his men with pride. "Return to your seats."
More scuffing followed as the men did as they were told. Solinar leaned against a nearby wall and shook his head with disgust. Humans have such a stupid idea of military protocol. The Captain scanned the room and eyed every man critically while he waited for them to settle. Once silence filled the room he began. "We have received a positive lock on an Elven Dragon Carrier. I have sent the coordinates to the Battle Group with orders to follow me in an assault."
The Captain pulled a small black box from his pocket. On it was a single button protected by a clear cover. He flipped the cover off the button. The air in the room grew electrified with tension.
"You've all heard the rumors about the new technology that has been recently developed. It is designed as a countermeasure to the elves and their black sorcery. I have here a small example of what we have in store for them."
"With this technology we will no longer have to play their childish games of hide and seek. With this we will no longer have to watch our people be destroyed by dark arts beyond our understanding." The Captain depressed the button and a dull hum filled the room.
The hair on the back of Solinar's neck began to raise (What in the . . .)
Before he could finish his thought, millions of red-hot needles jabbed into Solinar's body. Unable to stand the pain he dropped to his knees and cried out in agony. His hold on the Aethyr left him taking his invisibility with it.
Startled officers flew out of their seats with weapons drawn. "Hold your fire!" Cried the Captain before the first laser was shot. To calm his men down he said. "The elf is helpless, his magic is gone! The disrupter has worked as planned!"
With blurry vision and pounding skull Solinar looked up at the Captain. He saw a malicious grin of joy then the world turned black.
The Captain walked over to Solinar grinning fiendishly. "Gentlemen early on in the mission the Admiral and had discussed a plan to capture a live enemy. Our plan has worked men. I had purposely leaked out information of our new technology hoping some pesky elf would catch wind of it. As I had expected the nosey elves couldn't resist a peek and they sent one of their own to investigate. This is a great day in our war with the elves. This is the first live capture we have ever made. With this specimen we will be able to find out what makes these creatures tick and discover new ways of counteracting their black arts."
The captain bent down to roll Solinar over just as a scintillating globe took form around Solinar's body. Taken by surprise the Captain fell back two paces and pulled out his blaster. Laser bolts flew and Solinar disappeared.
Solinar woke up sprawled out on Thorak's back. The pack encircled him protectively and the Glory neared in the distance.
Thorak was the first to respond. (How do you feel?)
Solinar groaned and groggily lifted himself into a sitting position. (Like I fought an army of dragons single handedly, and lost. What happened?)
Palixar followed Thorak. "Wing Leader, are you okay?"
Solinar nodded and asked his question again. "What happened?"
"We were hoping you could tell us sir." Commented Tharier flying along side Thorak's left flank.
Solinar turned his head toward Tharier and winced as streaks of red pain surged through his head. "How did I get here?"
"I followed your order's sir. I found nothing of interest at my end of the ship so I waited for you at midship. I waited for an hour, but you never showed. I grew concerned and headed forward." Tharier looked to Solinar for approval.
Solinar encouraged him to go on and Tharier relaxed. "I was walking down a passage when I heard you scream. I ran the rest of the way and found you lying on the floor in a room filled with humans. One of them was about to take you away. Fearing the worst I encased you in a shield and teleported both of us to the meeting point."
"What happened after that?" Asked Solinar pensively.
"I met up with the rest of the claw and we left the ship. We met the rest of the pack at the designated meeting place and Dragon Master Palixar took over."
Politzer took over the tale. "As soon as we had you safely mounted on Thorak's back I ordered a rapid retreat."
Solinar nodded then asked Tharier. "When you rescued me was their anything strange going on?"
"Everything happened so fast it's hard to remember."
"Try to remember Dragon Warrior Tharier, it's important."
The skinny elf's broad forehead crinkled as he replayed the scene through his mind. "A humming sound came from the room but it was so faint I barely heard it."
Solinar nodded again. "Did you feel any disturbances in the Aethyr? Did you feel any pain?"
Tharier paused again to think then shook his head. "No pain sir. There was a strange surge in the Aethyr though. I thought it was just some reaction to being inside the human space craft."
Solinar shook his head. "No, the Aethyr is constant. It does not behave differently than the surrounding medium unless something makes it behave differently."
Palixar broke into the conversation. "Sir what happened to you?"
A grim frown crossed Solinar's face. "The new technology is what happened to me."
Palixar eyed the Pack Leader curiously. "What did it do sir?"
"It disrupts the Aethyr to such an extent that it is unusable. When Dragon Warrior Tharier found me, I had already been blasted by the thing. The pain caused by the disruption is terrible."
"Is that what caused the surge?" Asked Tharier.
Solinar nodded slowly. "I think it might be. Somehow this new technology can displace the Aethyr from a given area. The surge you felt was probably the back wash."
Palixar became even more concerned. "What is it sir? A gun, a blaster, a sword, magic?"
Solinar shook his head. "I don't know. I saw the Captain pull a small box from his pocket then I was on the floor with fire burning in my veins and my head ready to explode."
"What are your orders sir?" Asked Palixar.
Solinar situated himself in the saddle and buckled the straps. "Was there any pursuit when you ordered the retreat?"
Palixar shook his head. "No sir. I think we got lucky."
Solinar's forehead creased with worry. "That's a bad sign. This all looks terribly like we've been set up."
"Do you think so sir?" Asked Palixar.
Solinar nodded. "I'm afraid so."
"What are your orders sir?"
"Return to the ship and fill out reports on everything that occurred. I'll take them to Wing Master Tsartharus and see what he wishes to do."
