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Counter Earth Chronicles - Dual Realities

*Chapter 64: The One Who Must Carry On *

December 31st, YOE 35

9:03 AM Free Counter Earth (Song's Flower Emporium, World Three)

“Good morning! How is my favorite chakat and human?" The junior knight in the blue full bodysuit with the gold highlights asked.

“Good day to you master Naka." Kiwi answered bowing respectfully to his beastial superior.

“He is very convincing Song." The maned wolf on the chakat's viewscreen replied.

“I have been instructing him on how to convince others that he is still under the influence of the empire's human controlling device." The beautiful chakat who was wearing a yellow bonnet and blue sweater replied. “So how is our favorite knight?"

“Headed back to castle Sevren."

“Naka, that is wonderful!" Song beamed as Kiwi peered over her shoulder.

“With the liberation of the KLIS moon-base those who were taken from Castle Wundagore have returned and there is no longer a need to backfill so Biff, Looper, Dusty and myself will be headed back to World Three." The junior knight continued.

“Naka, that is just… just wow.." The brown haired pre-teen replied. “What is the first thing you are going to do when you get back?"

“Why not take you two out for desserts?" He replied smiling.

“YAY!!!" Kiwi shouted.

9:54 AM Free Counter Earth (Lady Ursa's Lair, Castle Wundagore)

*chime* *chime*

“Come on in, the door is unlocked." I replied.

“Hey little buddy!" A goofy red dragon said greeting me.

“Master Sorren." I said bowing to my beastial superior.

“You know I am uncomfortable when you address me like that." He responded embarrassed.

“Yes Sir." I replied continuing to bow.

“Yes, yes the mind control device." The red dragon replied. “I understand its purpose and all, but I do dislike seeing you like this."

“Yes master Sorren." I noticed that he must have been on break from the cafeteria as he was still wearing his white chef's hat and apron."

“You don't have to act like that in front of me even if the mind control device is forcing you." He said not realizing what he was saying.

*BOING*

“Thank you! Thank you!" I said hugging my friend.

“Uh, what did I just do Alex?!"

“You just used Sir Ram's invention to restore my free will- well just when you are around." I said smiling at him. “You could make it permanent. Just order me to do so big buddy!"

He thought for a moment before responding.

“I better not. It could complicate your life where-ever you turn up next."

“Turn up next?" I asked my dragon friend.

“You haven't heard then? The castle is buzzing with the news!"

“What news?" I asked cocking my head.

“The meeting the commanders of the knights are having in World Two today Alex?"

“I just knew it was a meeting that my mistress had to attend."

“Well the rumors are flying that the high master wants to institute some changes…" He said placing his paws on my shoulders.

10:30 AM Free Counter Earth (Castle Warwick, World Two)

The high master of all Counter Earth had a fierce scowl on his face that morning which complimented his red eyes, mustache and beard. Those in attendance thought that they would be in for an earful but that was when that glare softened to something much more amical.

“Commanders Rhinox, Wolf, Tiger, Keiko, Dr. Pina and Lady Ursa I am most pleased with the recent developments regarding the extraterrestrials."

“Thank you master." The knights seated around the mahogany wood table in the castle's conference room replied in unison.

“Have all the abducted been accounted for?" The High Evolutionary asked his commanders.

“All but for twenty-nine sir." Lady Keiko replied politely.

“We believe that they are still in KLIS possession." Sir Wolf replied.

“Including Sir Ram and Mara." Dr. Pina replied.

“Was a through search conducted of the KLIS moon-base?" The dictator on the viewscreen asked.

“Yes sire and all that was found was a manifest of those that were harvested." Commander Rhinox replied.

“ A pity." The leader of all Counter Earth sighed.

“By the way, I noticed Commander Gator is not present." Lord Tiger observed.

“It is rather odd too as we are inside his meeting room." Lady Ursa said, looking around.

The room was rather rustic with a nicely carpeted floor, brick walls covered by several tapestries and then there was the finely crafted table and chairs those present were using.

“Commander Gator has been resigned." The High Evolutionary replied.

“Reassigned?" The gorilla, bear, sheep, rhino and wolf asked out loud while the tiger smiled. He knew where this conversation was headed.

“I want a permanent outpost established on the moon; It will be the first line of defense against the KLIS invasion."

“That will create a vacancy here in World Two master." The female bear replied.

“I am getting to that commander." The master and ruler of all Counter Earth said addressing his subordinate who was surprised that she was allowed to retain that title. “Commander Rhinox, Commander Keiko, Sir Wolf will continue to run the knight core in their respective jurisdictions. Lord Tiger will return to his position as commander of the Knights of Wundagore and Dr. Pina will continue developing anti-KLIS technologies and reverse engineering the alien technologies we have in our position."

“And me sire?" The female ursine warrior asked uneasily.

“Oh I have something special in mind for you commander…."

11:00 AM Free Counter Earth (World One School Of Technology Sciences)

“And again Milo and Panda Lee are absent." Proctor Teagan commented looking out over those in attendance at the lecture hall.

“Um, actually so are Arthur and Minka sir." The white furred adult cat masquerading as a teen replied.

“I think Milo and Panda Lee are seeing the school councilors you know after recently being freed from KLIS custody." Primrose said smiling.

“I can overlook their absences as they have experienced something so profound, none of us can begin to understand. But Arthur and Minka skipping school for their extra curricular activities has become rather irritating. Although their grades are stellar…" The otter replied continuing role call.

“If what Milo told us is true, they are going to need a lot of counseling." The cat whispered to the rabbit…

“They sold their souls to save the empire just like we did." The rabbit whispered to the cat. “The four of us now belong to the same club."

11:35 AM Free Counter Earth (Flying Saucer Restaurant, World One)

“That is quite the story Panda Lee Ling." The female waitress in the blue dress with a white apron replied as she took the panda's order.

“Yeah, some secrets are just too big to keep to one's self." The teenage panda said looking downward.

“Well children of animals who else knows?" The waitress asked re-adjusting her outfit.

“A small circle of friends." Milo replied from the opposite side of the table. “Metallic walls, floor and ceiling. This place kinda looks rather familiar."

“So patrons what happened to this Yoana character?"

“Well…." The wolverine boy began.

Earlier

December 25th, YOE 35

6:34 PM (Master Koala's Lab, World Three Technology Museum)

“This scientist's invention is quite the marvel!" The seven foot tall tanuki shaped goo creature replied. “Imagine all these other realities just ripe for conquering!"

“Yoana you are not suggesting?" Milo asked.

“If I was, could you stop me?" The female free person replied, making herself look formidable and fierce.

“No, we could only cry." Panda Lee replied.

“Well then it is fortunate I am not in the mood for conquest- I think leading my clan will keep myself and my friends too busy in the meantime."

“And the twenty-nine souls within you?" Milo asked.

“It was part of our agreement to save your civilization was it not?" Yoana asked.

“Yoana promise me…" The overweight wolverine started to say."

“I will promise you nothing! But rest assured Chubby the twenty-nine will be used to maintain our power."

Milo and Panda Lee traded glances at each other.

“And I will make sure my companions and I establish a rotation so we don't inadvertently kill them." The tanuki said looking at the reality viewing machine's display. “Well that is interesting."

“What is?" Panda Lee asked.

“Big butt you said some friends of yours were drawn to this device looking for a reality a human female fled to?"

“Yeah." The she panda responded.

“Well, here it is."

“Yoana, how did you do that?!" Panda Lee gasped.

“A girl has to have her secrets." The goo creature replied as Milo jotted down the coordinates while Yoana fiddled with the controls. “Well this looks like my stop."

Milo and Panda Lee watched as Creature Controlled Counter Earth appeared on the window of the reality viewing machine.

“Nice doing business with you two. Remember not to call, visit or attempt to stage any sort of rescue otherwise…."

“You might not let us come back?" Panda Lee asked.

“Might? Don't you mean won't? By the way Chubby…" The tar-like tanuki replied.

Milo looked at the seven foot tall goo creature as she patted him on the shoulder.

“I know we have had our differences- but for what is worth, I consider you a friend and despite my current host, you were the best I ever had." Yoana said walking into the event horizon of the machine.

Just like that the female goo creature who merged with INTERCEPT and had taken twenty-nine prisoners of the KILS as her personal payment was gone.

Now…

“I couldn't be sure but I thought she was winking at me as she said that." Milo confessed to the The female who appeared to be in her fifties with a worn looking face- blond hair with small wrinkles.

“That is a great story…" The teen's waitress said. “You saved the empire and lost a little weight in the process."

“Is it that obvious?" Panda Lee asked.

“I noticed less of your postier wiggles when you walk Panda Lee Ling and your head is even more symmetrical than before."

“Cassia Manassas?!" Milo replied seeing through the alien's disguise.

"So this is where you have been!" Panda Lee gasped.

“Correct little creatures, Hue and I decided to open a quick serve restaurant- it was a great opportunity to observe beastial- human behavior and to better fit in."

“I thought this restaurant looked familiar. It is your spaceship!!" The wolverine boy replied.

“We wondered what happened to you- you two were hiding in plain site!!" The she panda said shocked.

“I just hope the food is good and the ingredients are from Counter Earth." Milo said returning to the menu.

“We haven't killed anyone patrons yet!" Cassia said enthusiastically.

“Um, Mrs. Manassas your human disguise- it needs some adjusting." Panda Lee observed.

_12:01 PM Free Counter Earth (Rumble and Corey's Lair, Forests near World Five) _

“Mmm… this is nice." Corey Collins quipped as he laid on his werewolf, I could stay like this all day."

“...can't must find food…" Rumble said sniffing his boy's hair.

“Spoil sport, let's be lazy today and just lie around."

“...and when we become hungry..?"

“Point taken, it isn't like we could just order takeout." Corey said stretching. “So what shall we hunt today?"

“...fowl…"

“Those are difficult to catch and even more difficult to prepare." The black haired teen countered as Rumble whimpered at him. “Alright fowl."

The two proceeded to the trapdoor of their below ground hide-away. As Corey prepared to go outside, they discovered a female aardwolf at their doorway and not the four legged kind either.

“Uh, hi!" She said greeting the startled human.

“Crap!" Corey shouted.

_1:21 PM (Master Koala's Lab, World Three Technology Museum) _

“So here it is just like Milo said." The hedgehog boy replied stepping into the cellar of the museum. “The whereabouts of Naomi Good."

“Arthur, are you sure about this?" Minka said to her partner in crime.

“What do you think?" He shot back her.

“The metalic sphere did give us snippets of where she was and we did skip school today to travel to World Three." The she monkey said staring at the reality observation machine.

2:00 PM Free Counter Earth (Deer-feeder's Office, The Oasis)

Ritz Site was amused as he watched the footage the rebellion obtained from the female KLIS scientist. She was all smiles as she floated down the corridor of her craft. She was followed by a frowning former protege who after being evicted from his base of operations ran back to his former mentor with his tail tucked between his legs.

“It looks like someone couldn't make it out there on their own after all." The leader of the new rebellion snickered.

*knock* *knock*

“Sir you wished to see me?" A woman in a blue jumpsuit complimented by red boots and red gloves asked.

“Operative Iya Summers." The bald headed man with the nicely trimmed beard said to the red headed woman who entered his office. “How does it feel to be free of the mind control device?"

“Feels like a permanent vacation. It is wonderful not to be under its control." She replied.

“While you are here you are not but while you are within any of the cites of the empire you are. That was until Spirit gave you that standing order to act like you are not under control of the device."

“That was a brilliant strategy, using the device to defeat the device." Iya remarked.

“Yes it is. So you bring news operative?" Deer-feeder asked giving his agent his undivided attention.

“Our operatives are reporting that the empire is retaining the KLIS moon-base they liberated. The former commander of the knights of Warwick will run that."

“That creates a vacancy in World Two." Ritz replied.

“Lady Ursa err, commander Ursa has been tapped to succeed commander Gator in that capacity sir."

“That's right! The acting commander was de-evolved and returned to the wild during the incursion!" The bald headed man with the nicely trimmed beard said recollecting.

“Correct sir- Lady Vermin will be the new second in command."

“So Lady Ursa, Lady Vermin are relocating to World Two eh?" The leader of the new rebellion said smirking. “With the KLIS threat contained…"

“Beastial protests have stopped and a calm has come across the empire." Ms. Summers replied.

“And with their humans under control the beasties are free to focus on other concerns." Ritz Site said smiling.

“Sir?"

“There is an opportunity to further safeguard our operations by keeping a better tab on the beasties Ms. Summers."

“Sir?"

“Iya, I need you to find a certain operative, I have a assignment for him."

To Be Concluded….

_[MEANWHILE] _

December 31st, YOE 35

9:03 AM Chaundoon (Cave Of The Four Kings, Marble Canyons)

“Stab, Impale hurry up!" The warriors' squire shouted. “Otherwise there aren't going to be any good seats left!"

“Not an issue for us little scout." Impale said patting Kiwi on his head while he finished getting ready.

The brown haired preteen watched the son of Black Scythe strap on his wrist guard and shoulder guard before reaching for his javelin-pike.

Stab was wearing three beaded necklaces and a small red loincloth. Their human attendant noted that both were not wearing their war paint so the meeting that they were attending wasn't that type of meeting but he was still curious.

As the feline warriors were making their way toward the Chamber Of The Four Kings, curiosity got the better of the preteen.

“Does anyone know what the meeting is about?"

“Perna Pride was approached by Cestus, a warrior from Pantanal Pride who requested an audience." Stab said quietly.

“But not with just the chieftains but with the whole pride." Impale added.

“That is rather unusual." The female savage mentioned.

“Has that ever happened before?" Kiwi asked adjusting his shoulder pack.

The chamber was crowded with the remaining members of the tribe. Kiwi saw Naka and Song sitting next to Pierce and Shred. Pulse was sitting next to Pummel, Pound and Smash. He wondered if they would be stuck in the very back row of the cave unable to hear whatever the meeting was going to be about. But that abated when Stab and Impale sat down right next to Salamanca and Tonka right adjacent to the tribe's remaining leaders. Rank did indeed have its privileges.

“Everyone, thank you for coming!" Chieftain Lyre said standing her green beaded necklace, shoulder band visible for all to see.

“A warrior from another pride arrived in our territory and requested an immediate audience." Black Scythe said nodding to the guards.

The crowd watched as a dark furred warrior was escorted in. He wore white painted swirls all over his body and little else.

“This is what is left of Perna Pride?!" Cestus exclaimed turning to address the leadership.

“Speak Pantanal Pride." Lyre ordered.

“Chieftains, I bring you a warning! Odd things are happening in the pridelands- ground, river and streams disappearing! Strange obelisks, and weird structures rising from the ground!"

“We have seen the same in areas outside the Marble Canyons." Chief Black Scythe replied to the foreign feline.

“It is happening at an increasing pace. I suspect it won't be long until this happens within your territory then what will you do?" He asked bowing respectfully.

All in attendance gasped.

“Do we know who is behind this or why it is happening?" Chieftain Lyre asked.

“They call themselves the conclave!" Another warrior said entering the chamber. He wore a animal tooth necklace, a furry shawl and carried a large tri-bladed yo-yo.

“WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!" Stab and Impale's mother shouted brandishing her weapon.

She was joined by Stab, Impale, Shred, Pierce and the tribe's guards.

“Please don't be alarmed! Blade has joined me to tell all that will listen!" The dark furred warrior announced.

“Three Rivers Pride and Pantanal Pride working together?!" Impale shouted.

“My chieftain was captured and taken inside a structure that appeared in our part of the drylands. Before he tortured and killed his attacker, she identified herself as member of this fallen clan." Blade replied.

“Never heard of them." Lyre said.

“Some of them have survived and are resurrecting themselves." The warrior from Saber's inner circle announced.

“To what end?" Impale and Stab's mother asked.

“To retake what was once theirs." The dark warrior from Pantanal Pride warned.

“What if another clan or tribe now inhabits what was once theirs?" Lyre asked.

“It will be most unfortunate for that clan or tribe." Blade added.

“This is why I have appeared in your territory chief Black Scythe, chief Lyre." Cestus advised to the two chieftains.

“And I as well." Blade announced. “The Conclave is coming."

As the S'mar from a competing pride finished his briefing, the pre-teen scanned the crowd- all were transfixed on the alarmists, their faces full of concern. He then stared at his adoptive parents the maned wolf and chakat. They had grim sour looks as well.

9:54 AM Chaundoon (Infirmary, Central Tower)

“Sorren!" I said greeting him. “Err… I mean King Dragon. Have you been waiting long?"

I received an eyebrow raise that would have made Lady Ursa proud.

“Mr. Winter." The red dragon said all too formally.

“Sorry my liege everyone was busy waiting on patients. We have seen an influx with the coming eclipse tomorrow and coming festival tonight. It is like everyone in the city and surrounding areas are twitter-pated or something- Penny, Psi, Pestle, Shakara, Lily Blossom and myself have been swamped."

I noticed how the goofy dragon was rather quiet.

“But you didn't come here to listen to me opine. Uh, what did you come here for?"

“I really had you going there for a minute didn't I little buddy?" He said bouncing his eyebrows.

“Yeah you did."

“I came to see how Ganzel, Kip and Yogi are doing." He replied placing his paw on my shoulder.

“Well you just missed their parents." I said ushering him to follow me to one of the patient rooms.

Silently the red dragon observed from the doorway the little dragon, bear cub and yeti.

“How are they?"

“Lucky to be alive your majesty. Yogi's arm's and limbs were heavily damaged; they had to be rebuilt. Ganzel received some serious lacerations and Kip suffered several broken bones. But they are healing."

“Another one of Marbas' structures which are appearing all over the place." The red dragon huffed.

“This one was weird- the six towers transported them to a section of the planet with meat eating plants. Were it not for Corey and Rumble…" I started recounting what I had learned.

“Yes, there would be funerals taking place today. There are more and more of these structures appearing all over the place…" The wingless red dragon said to me.

“To what end your majesty?"

“I believe world domination- this latest revelation that some structures can transport occupants to other parts of the planet is quite disturbing Alex."

“You are thinking we could wake up one morning to see a conquering army on our doorstop your majesty?"

Sorren closed his eyes and nodded. “It is always, always something."

“I think I speak for the rest of your subjects- you have been severely tested this past year- sentient weather, hostile insects, the crazy, rogue Chado, the dark moon which was leading up to our imminent destruction you brought us through all that to right now."

“Are you saying that this is just another bump in the road little buddy?"

“Yes, you will guide us through this to the next one and the next and the one after that King Dragon."

“Actually, I am going to hold a summit the day of the eclipse to talk about this latest threat Alex."

“Really?"

“I will invite everyone who is interested- all of the leaders from the nearby tribes and clans; we need to get ahead of this- whatever it is." Sorren replied as I smiled.

“What is it?"

“You indeed are the light in the darkness that will bring hope to us all my king. Now I think my patients could use a little of that too." I said opening the door to the patient's room.

“Kip, Yogi and Ganzel, how's it going?" King Dragon said, smiling as he entered.

Time: N/A [eternity] Realm of Fire and Magma (Terror Tower)

“I see something in this dark red haze." The sand cat called out. “This way!"

“Not so fast Geff, something seems off." Peyton, the leader of the Shadow Chasers warned her two colleagues.

“What do you mean?" Pia asked the leopard cat.

“I mean we have been that wolf demon's prisoners for… for… I don't know how long. We have begged him to let us go and each time he has said no." Peyton said thoughtfully.

“That is because we pissed him off by violating his territory." The sand cat said to the margay and leopard cat.

“Right so he threw us in for what is the lack of a better term his 20' x 20' toy box and he only lets us out every now and then like pets." Peyton said looking forward.

“So you think he is just letting us out to stretch our legs now?" Pia asked standing next to her.

“It is possible." The leopard cat stated as the dark red haze dissipated around them.

The team found themselves on what appeared to be a gameshow sound stage.

“Guys I don't like this." Geff said looking at three smaller podiums with each of their names on it. Off to the side there was a large podium with an audience of creatures- Diamantopoulous' minions including his orangutan slave and oncilla servant.

“And now the gameshow that few decide to face head on, some try to delay and others try to avoid entirely…. This Is The Rest Of Your Life!!!" A minion who resembled a black leopard with a fiery mane announced.

“And so it begins." Leopia whispered to Flo.

“What is that?" The orangutan asked.

“You will see."

“And here is your host the lord and master of the realm of fire and magma Diamantopoulous!!!"

“Thank you!! Thank you!! You are too kind!!" The wolf demon said appearing on the large podium. “Today we will be deciding the fate of three interlopers who trespassed on this realm and have been my prisoners ever since- the Shadow Chasers!!!"

“That's right boss, this small team of paranormal investigators entered this realm without your permission trying to help a client of theirs sort out some goings on at his cursed home. It was eventually revealed the source of the paranormal happenings was a portal to this very realm!" The black leopard replied. “This paranormal team failed to successfully help their client. It didn't matter though because he became a meat puppet to an extraterrestrial entity that destroyed his realm!!

“Enough backstory, let's meet the contestants!" The dark wolf said to the announcer.

“She is the leader of the Shadow Chasers who successfully guided them to being stuck here Peyton Palla!!!

“Next to her the team skeptic who is desperately trying to rationalize everything they have been through Pia Pampa!!!"

“And then there is Geff Geoffry, a sensitive who is not that sensitive!!!" The announcer scoffed.

“Diamantopoulous." The sand cat replied leaping over the podium “On behalf of myself and my colleagues I wanted to offer my deepest apologies. My team never meant to offend you. During our captivity we have realized the errors of our ways and beg for your forgiveness."

“How sorry are you?" The wolf demon asked.

Diamantopoulous watched in amazement as the sand cat knelt and kissed his footpaws.

“Could you let this pass and allow us to return home?" The margay asked.

“No."

“Then what is the purpose of this?" The leopard cat asked the master of the realm they were stranded in.

“Well, I have an opening for another servant. Consider this the interview/audition." The wolf demon said, smiling darkly.

“Only one position?" Pia asked.

“Yes." Diamantopoulous announced.

“What happens to the two who aren't selected?" Geff asked trembling a little.

“They go back into the box!!" The announcer announced.

“There can only be one!" The wolf demon said, smiling darkly.

Pia, Geff and Peyton looked at him. They were completely stunned.

11:35 AM Chaundoon (Milo and Panda Lee's Room, Manassas Spaceship)

“How about this Snacks?" The yellow tentacled eyeball asked presenting a silver bodysuit to the chubby wolverine. “It conforms to the size and shape of your girth."

“It also looks like something from a science fiction program on the hub." Milo replied.

“Well how about this?" Panda Lee asked pointing to another outfit.

“Isn't that what you normally wear?" Cassia Manassas asked.

“Yeah, very colonial looking." The wolverine boy concluded.

“So what ARE you looking for?" The she panda asked her roommate.

“Something that would look great at the Midnight Festival but also is representative of our lives here on Chaundoon." Milo said studying the few items of clothing in his clothing closet.

“Hon hon, Snacks I have an idea." Mrs. Manassas replied.

Milo and Panda Lee watched the female alien saunter out of their room to the multipurpose room down the hall.

“Now the both of you stand right here. Close your eyes and imagine yourselves at the festival tonight."

“Okay." The she panda replied.

“Right." Milo added.

“Great! Now hold on to those thoughts." The yellow tentacled eyeball said activating a glowing panel.

There was a white glow as the panda girl and wolverine boy's clothing disappeared and was replaced.

“What do you think?"

“White pants and a yellow partial robe with a yellow headband?" Panda Lee said looking at a nearby mirror.

“Black pants and a red partial robe with a red headband?" Milo asked joining Panda Lee at the same mirror.

“I love it!" The wolverine boy shouted.

“I do too! Cassia thank you!" The she panda said hugging a tentacle while Cassia 'smiled'.

“Alright I got to run!" Milo said heading for the door.

“What is the rush Snacks?" Mrs. Manassas asked.

“I have to find a date for tonight!!"

“For some strange reason, I thought he would ask me." Panda Lee frowned.

12:01 PM Chaundoon (Watchtower, World Seven)

“Hourly report the sky is indigo colored this afternoon, temperatures are in the 60's with a slight breeze from the west. No sentient clouds, foreboding haboobs or hostile insects." The former black haired teenager observed.

“...looks like the whole city is just about ready for the midnight festival…" The brown werewolf commented.

“Yay, we just have to get through the last few hours of this day of remembrance and then it is festival time!! From the looks of it, we are going to be in for some show tonight." Corey Collins replied scratching his fur.

“...yes…" Rumble acknowledged.

The white werewolf noticed that the brown werewolf's tail was wagging.

“You are excited about this aren't you?"

“...yes…" Rumble grumbled.

“I thought so."

“Corey Collins and Rumble Wolf, I thought I would find you two here." A white dragoness said emerging from the stairwell onto the roof. She was preceded by her guards Mathias and Mattimeo.

“Duchess Jua." Corey said bowing to Sorren's main squeeze.

“...your majesty…" Rumble said doing the same.

“As you were." She replied.

The leader of the sand folk was wearing a orange dress with a halter top that really accentuated her… well, everything.

“...what brings you to the tower..?" Rumble mumbled.

“I actually came to thank you again for saving Trail, Ganzel, Kip and Yogi and to see how are you healing." Sorren's steady announced.

“...healed…" The brown werewolf replied.

“Rumble is virtually indestructible." The white werewolf replied. “His wounds healed rather quickly after our tussle with those plants." Corey said proudly.

“...Corey too…"

“You know you are right- it must have been that duplication pond I bathed in." The white werewolf replied.

“That wasn't the only reason I am here, boys." The dragoness said placing her paw on her chin studying the two weres. “In light of the new potential threat facing this colony and its allies, my dragon defenders are establishing a satellite station to help protect not just the city but the surrounding areas and you two would make a fine addition to our ranks." The dragoness said, smiling.

“I never thought of myself as knight material- but part of the dragon defenders?" The former black haired teen thought out loud.

“...tempting offer…"

“Think about it." The dragoness replied waving as she departed.

1:21 PM Chaundoon (Ghost Hunters HQ, Watchtower)

The hedgehog boy and monkey girl stared at the marble table they used for strategizing and researching their cases in their corner office of the building below the watchtower. Both were still reeling from Flo's brief visit and return to the realm of fire and magma a week before.

In the corner of the 20' x 20' room sat an akita with dyed fur sharpening his blades.

“She wouldn't want the two of you moping around about her loss." He advised his companions.

“Yeah." Arthur and Minka replied in unison.

“She would want the both of you to continue on; live your lives to the fullest each day." Midnight Black said, standing sheathing his blades, and joining his partners at the strategy table.

“Like you are doing?" The cheeky monkey girl said looking up at him.That steel grey chain-shirt and those tight black pants he was wearing nearly made her swoon.

“Yes." He replied, placing his paws on the table. “So what is next for the Ghost Hunters?"

“Well there is the Midnight Festival tonight and I am in need of a date- know anyone who might be interested?" Minka asked, making a goofy grin.

“I might." He said, offering her his paw. She readily accepted.

“I have it!" The hedgehog boy replied.

The monkey and akita looked at their leader.

“We were talking about it during our presentation with Ms. Una's class."

“You mean that valley where the suns don't shine?" Midnight Black asked.

“Precisely." Arthur replied.

“Isn't that a case for planetary sciences?" Minka countered.

“Hue and Cassia conducted a preliminary analysis a few days ago; there is no reason for that valley to be encased in darkness." The hedgehog boy countered.

“So it is a mystery." The dark akita replied. “Intriguing."

“Let's head out after the festival." Arthur suggested.

“In the meantime- you need to find a date." The monkey girl suggested.

_ 2:00 PM Open Space (Closet, KLIS Spaceship)_

“You can't stay in there forever little fella." Clay Pen announced to the little aardvark.

“Watch me!" Ember shouted, trembling.

“Not a good idea. If the ship is blown to pieces that will not be the best hiding place." Triceraton said, crossing his arms.

Clay and Ember looked at the dinosaur beastial.

“I mean you can come out little aardvark the danger has passed." He said back peddaling.

“If it has, why haven't we been ordered to resume our chores?" Cinder asked pensively.

“Well, because miss chilly has been focusing her efforts on keeping us breathing." The human replied as he and the rest of Mum's servants converged on the storage closet.

“Has he been in that closet since Mum encountered ONE?" Tricertaton asked Ember.

“Yeah pretty much."

“Doesn't he have to eat… sleep and…?" The former member of the animalitia asked.

“Don't ask." The older of the two aardvarks replied.

“Come on little fella it is not all doom and gloom." Clay said trying his best to reassure the boy genius.

“It's not?" The little aardvark asked peeking out of the small room. “There is hope and/or good news?"

“Mum did finally elude the ship of KLIS that ONE possessed." Ember said to his cousin.

“But this ship took heavy damage." The dinosaur beastial added.

“So that is why the ship hasn't been shaking." Cinder said quivering.

“Yeah we are currently in hiding while the crew are trying to repair that which was damaged." Clay announced.

“Now will you please come out?" Ember asked Cinder.

“It would seem more than logical that if ONE got a foothold of one KLIS colony…" Cinder started to calculate.

“Come on." Ember said, prodding his cousin.

Mum's servants collected themselves and headed to the bridge to offer their assistance.

Upon their arrival they observed a flurry of activity especially around the hexagonal control panel as the greys were moving about this way and that way their facial expressions resembling Edvard Munch's the scream painting.

Not far from the hexagonal control panel was the female scientist. They found her transfixed on her four holographic view-screens her face mimicking the same expressions of her crew!

“Ms. Chilly, we are here to offer our assistance." Clay said bowing.

“Mum?" Ember asked receiving no response.

That was when Cinder wandered over to see what the female KLIS scientist was looking at. The little aardvark noticed that she was in communication with a male KLIS- Lum, who had the goofiest smirk on his face. He was on a bridge of a sky ship, flanked by subordinates who had similar facial ticks.

“They have found us!!" Cinder shrieked as their ship again came under attack from friendly fire.

*WUP*

*WUP*

*WUP*

“Mistress?" The dinosaur beastial asked taking a knee.

The greys that were gathered around the control panel looked up at Mum shaking their heads.

“What happened?" Ember asked taking a knee.

"An unfortunate mistake." The female KLIS scientist telegraphed to her servants.

Cinder quickly assessed the situation.

“One of the crew tried to contact other colonies in this sector on a unsecured channel!!"

The two aardvarks, human and dinosaur beastial watched as a embarrassed grey slinked away from the hexagonal control panel.

“So we are under attack again." Ember said calmly.

“What are we going to do?!" Cinder asked-shouted as he started to freak out.

“The ship will most likely be blown to pieces and our remains will be floating in space with the debris for all eternity I suppose." Triceraton remarked.

“Maybe bumming a ride with you people wasn't the best decision after all." Clay Pen said shaking his head.

“It has been an honor serving with all of you." The dinosaur beastial said steeling himself for what he thought was the end.

Cinder looked at the horrified crew, his mistress and fellow servants who realized they were about to be destroyed by another ship with the same technology.

“Why don't you send out another broadcast on that unsecured channel?" The little aardvark announced.

Mum and her crew looked at the little aardvark.

“An announcement actually, you can say that the ship has sustained heavy damage and rather than being taken alive by the conquer of worlds, you are going to destroy the ship and all life aboard in one massive explosion that will illuminate this sector for centuries to come."

“Say what now?" Clay gasped his jaw dropping.

The female KLIS scientist smiled.

"Such a brilliant young mind." She turned to her communications officer and nodded.

He sent out the announcement.

The attack from the other ship stopped almost instantly as it backed off to a safe distance.

Mum then nodded to her pilot to punch it NOW.

*WHOSH*

“Um, what just happened?" Ember asked as the ship rushed away at high speed to points unknown.

“It was a ruse. A brilliant one." Triceraton replied standing. He then walked over to Cinder and gave the aardvark a pat on his head.

“The danger has passed." Ember replied standing. “But I wonder how many KLIS colonies and their ships have been compromised?"

“If it is all of them…." Tricertaton pondered.

“We could truly be on our own." Cinder said, looking at the female scientist.

“We will have to be selective in who we communicate with but the research must continue."_ _Mum said to her crew and then to her servants who bowed in reverence to their mistress.

To Be Concluded….