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***** ***** ***** ***** CHAPTER FIVE ***** ***** ***** *****

High over the world of Trathala hung the great moon of Hurn. At one third the size of Trathala itself, it was as large as some of the smaller planets in the solar system; so large it held its own atmosphere, so large it made the nights of Trathala almost as bright as the days. In many of the myths of Trathala it was considered not really a 'moon' but a younger brother, a world birthed along side their own that journeyed around the sun again and again.

It was on Hurn, thousands upon thousands of years ago, that a great chapter of the Trathalan civilization would close.

Thousands of years later, it was reopened when first the Alliance came to their world, and then the Tajlan Empire. The first offered relative peace to the inhabitants, the second brought war.

The Great Imperial Tajlan Armada came slowly however. They had no faster then light drives, no great shield technology or anything that set their ships apart from the Alliance. What did set them apart, was that instead of travelling in one vast armada, each ship burning fuel, the Empire had found an Asteroid and hollowed it out. Putting the whole of the Armada inside and outfitting it with truly massive engines, it carried the Armada, troops, soldiers and forces too Trathala. During the journey they raised trained and taught a new generation of soldiers to fight when they would eventually arrive,

The Great Asteroid ship had faithfully carried its payload to Trathala, parked itself in orbit around the planet, and proceeded to unleash the might of the Tajlan Empire upon the world. It now sat at a point between Trathala and Hurn, anchored in the gravity between the two, serving as a Headquarters for the invasion and the war on the Alliance forces.

To date, Hurn was where the bulk of Tajlan forces where kept. The low gravity made shuttling to orbit relatively easy and the atmosphere meant they didn't need to construct costly sealed habitations. It was an excellent staging area for the forces of the Empire and seemed forever busy.

At the largest launching port on Hurn, Qwintoni solders were busy preparing themselves for their first deep space assignments away from the relative safety of the primary Headquarters. The bases on the outer edge of the asteroid field had just been finished and represented footholds of the ever-expanding space the Imperial Armada controlled. Soon they would be full of solders to guard against the Alliance and repel any foolhardy attempts to regain territory.

Watching them prepare, was a great and hulkish Qwintoni. Born on the eve of leaving his home world, raised on the immense trip through space, and bred ready for war, Jakenenth felt lucky that he would not be going. Despite his size, he was still considered young, though he had excelled in his classes and his studies. He had obtained the rank of Nepatitz faster then almost anyone else during the great crossing. Many of the officers considered him a model solider, indeed he had served in the initial invasion of Trathalam (now renamed New Tajlan) and had witnessed first hand what his people where capable of.

The majority of those that passed by were younger Turpitz solders, most of whom had yet to see combat and would spend the next quarter rotation inside small asteroid bunkers. There were a few higher ranked soldiers, most of whom regretted being order to deep space guard duty. Jakenénth watched their ranks as they shuffled through the large hanger, which led to the transports. Every so often he would see a Vernitz, and even an Opatitz. But none of them were Nepatitz. And being a Nepatitz meant you didn't get ordered around like lower ranked troops. One could, sometimes, choose where one would be stationed. And currently, Jakenenth was exactly where he wanted to be. Putting in an application early, Jakenenth was able to stay on the moon base and more importantly, near Trathala.

Jakenenth thought for a moment on the importance of this. He had never taken well to the mission his Overseer's had tasked him with. A defense of his Home world was one thing. It was something he believed in, something he felt to be pure. But this, this was something far different.

In his upbringing during the trip to Trathala, Jakenenth was shocked at the staggering scale of raw materials spent to outfit the Armada and the great Asteroid ship that had taken them all across space to this target of conquest. That in retrospect the leaders in charge must have known full well that Trathala was already inhabited further churned his stomach. He felt bitter inside, used. He had never seen his home world, never know his people. He and a generation like him had been born, raised and taught only to fight, to fight away from home on some world many of them felt they had no right nor place taking.

The conflict inside him was great. What he had learned of his home world was either propaganda he knew to be false and heavily slanted 'facts'; or information, smuggled on bored before launch from people who already felt a change was needed. It was these people who had quietly but surly taught Jakenenth and a handful of others as much truth as they could. He looked away from the launching area and made his way back into the primary structure of the facility.

He checked the chronometer on his bracer ever so often, keenly aware of the time as he stopped at the base's recreation facility. Recreation was something a Qwintoni did not often partake in, and today was no different, he entered in and sat, awaiting a particular 'friend' he was supposed to see

As he entered the area, he examined the various sparing areas, watching the few Qwintoni present match wits against each other. Those Qwintoni not sparing, practiced complex battle moves in the moons low gravity. The rest of the occupants inside were, not to his surprise, mostly Tejlini officers. They sat on the floor while discussing various topics of the day. How the war was going, how glorious the quick military victories had been, and how they were going to wipe the floor against the Alliance military forces.

Jakenenth took a seat on the floor in a quiet corner away from the rest. It had been over hundred rotations since there had been a war with the Tejlini. Despite the peace, Jakenenth still viewed them as contemptible and arrogant. He tried not to disrupt his brief visit with distracting thoughts about issues he could not control, for now. For the moment, he thought it better to focus on what lay ahead. Glancing out a window, he viewed the world his people had so easily taken. He admired its beauty from his far off vantage point, the beautiful, blue and green world of Trathala

Not 'New Tajlan', not a planet full of aliens but a world held by a corrupt and repressive Empire. Jakenenth mused over his traitorous thoughts. It wasn't that he hated his Homeland. On the contrary, since the formation of the Tajlan Empire there had been a new era of peace and prosperity after nearly 500 rotations of senseless warfare.

No, it was not the seven nations of the Empire he hated, it was the one nation of the Imperium. Although they had been responsible for bringing about the era of peace, they had done so by taking away almost all personal freedom and civil rights. It wasn't long before a democracy movement began gaining momentum. But the Imperium held such great political power that progress was near impossible. It seemed that the time for progress might never come.

But it did, ironically in the form of the conquest of Trathala. The generation that had been born and raised on the trip to Trathala, was quick to feel the weight of a repressive government. Despite being raised in a world of spoon fed propaganda, the younger warriors resented the idea that they were being born and bred for nothing but war against a people they had never met. But it wasn't until Jakenenth had seen with his own eyes how first contact with the idyllic people of Trathala had been conducted, that he was finally disgusted enough to take action into his own hands.

A tap on the shoulder brought him out from his thoughts.

"Jakenenth, it is time." The Qwintoni turned to see a friend of his, Tethjro, another high-ranking warrior. He nodded softly as he looked around. From the recreation facility, the two slowly made their way down increasingly disused hallways. At every turn making sure there where not seen or followed. Finally they came to a hatch in a disused part of the base. A series of knocks was echoed by a similar series before the two entered inside.

"Welcome Jakenenth, Tethjro, I am glad the two of you made it, we were about to start." An Officer said from behind the table. There were twenty of them all together, most of them high-ranking warriors, and all but two were Qwintoni. They looked at each other with a somber sense of duty as the door was locked behind them.

"Let the free people of Tajlan meet once more. The war continues, as does the waste and the lies." One, the oldest among the group spoke as others nodded, his name was Klenthtoro, he was an aged, grizzered Qwintoni, who was old when the great armada left his world.

He was one of the few that remember his home world, and knew enough of its secrets that something needed to be done. He was the one who had started the secret plan, to teach as much of the youth about his world as possible. That such a war, away from home, against a larger enemy force, and fought on a planet they had no business taking, would wound and eventually break the Empire. He was an excellent planner and thinker, skilled in the art of doubletalk and hiding secrets. He had survived numerous 'purges' of others like him within the ranks of the officers over the long twenty years of his journey. Many of his allies had been lost to him, and he was no longer willing to watch and wait, the time of waiting was over.

"We must act, we must act decisively and with force, we must send a message that not just us, but a majority of the soldiers, and the youth, have no want or desire for this war." The others nodded in agreement, all of them aware of what was needed, but few of them had any sense of what could be done.

"Klenthtoro, we are all in agreement, but are numbers are few, we can't very well hold a coup and over through the primary leadership. Any movement to install outright rebellion or dissension would be brutally crushed. What can we possible do to begin to begin to change the minds of our leaders or force their hand to withdrawal from this miserable backwater world we are forced to occupy." Klenthtoro smirked, looking at the younger members of the council, an all-knowing look in his deep eyes.

"We are going to help the primitive of the world bellow, help them 'drive out' our forces." He said softly as the others looked at him incredulously.

"The primitives below are fanatic pacifists!" one of the Tejlini spoke up, others rising from their seats.

"They would never raise a hand, they didn't attempt a single engagement to defend their own world."

"How can you possibly think we could use them to destabilize the leadership of those in control?" Klenthtoro smiled.

"Because, I have been given a rather embarrassing report, outlining an attack upon a small garrison by primitives. It seems a group on the island know as the 'Lonti Clan' has been casting aside their religious beliefs and dabbling in open rebellion." The others stopped their protests, looking at each other, more confused then shocked by the news. Jakenenth, found himself, albeit timidly, speaking up for the first time.

"Excuse me sir, but if you, and the leadership knows who has been attacking these small forces, why have they not responded, one of our primary airbases is on the island. Why have they not simply bombed and crushed the rebels?" Jakenenth looked down suddenly, he felt a little embarrassed that his mind, trained as it was, seemed to instantly devise a method of attacking and defeating the force that might hold they key to their plans. He looked away, but Klenthtoro seemed to understand.

"You are correct, as it is now our forces could easily crush these primitives. But they have been unable to locate them. They seem to be very, very good at hiding themselves, and that may serve us. The leadership has been embarrassed by the brashness of the attacks and is trying to keep things quiet, holding back on simply rolling over suspected areas while trying to find their next attack. And with each attack that occurs and goes un punished, those in charge of the planets garrison, feel the pressure mount a little bit more.

Gentlemen, Tejlini and Qwintoni, this is our chance. Imagine if we 'help' these attacks, imagine the increasing shame of those in charge as a group of primitive religious zealots best the Empires finest." One of the Tejlini looked up.

"What are you proposing, help attack our own forces? Give aid to the enemy? We are still fighting a war Klenthtoro." The aged Qwintoni chuckled and mused on this. The thinking of Tejlini, even under best of circumstances, still seemed to center into ideas of victory and glory. He looked up, a stern gleam in his eyes.

"My good friend, for every victory these primitives have, it will tighten the noose around those in control of the planet. This is perhaps are best opportunity to truly enact changes we are after. We force out the older leadership, move in our operatives and leaders. When the time is right we can act, we will be the ones in control and we can at last put an end to this madness and leave this wretched world behind us." The others looked up, a gleam of hope in their eyes at last as they nodded their approval.

"By the Gods Klenthtoro, you are correct. The fall of the garrisons bellow will put the leadership in a state of panic; they will be desperate to restore order by any means possible.

"Yes, and if we have contact with these 'rebels' and with a word can stop the attacks, or make them worse, we can easily affect a rapid change on the military leadership of the world below, and eventually, on the leadership here as well. When we have our people in place, we can simply leave this world behind."

Another round of nods and agreements followed before Klenthtoro raised a paw to silence the talk.

"Indeed, but we are forgetting something, in order for any of this to work, we must send someone to meet with these primitives, to find them, gain their trust and above all, make sure they can be loyal to us."

"Agreed, but who, and how many should we send?" Tethjro spoke as Klenthtoro turned, his gaze falling on Jakenenth. Jakenenth looked up and his twin sets of ears flitted back in embarrassment.

"Me?"

"You, you are the youngest of us, you are the most open minded to our cause and our ideals. More then that you have proven yourself supremely skilled in your training, you have reached the rank of Nepatitz quicker then almost anyone else in the fleet. You, Jakenenth, our going to go to Trathala, you are going to find these rebels, talk to them, and for the sake of the Gods, make sure they don't do anything stupid."

Jakenenth looked up at the others, his heart racing, he wasn't sure he could possibly be prepared for what they asked of him, yet, he knew it was what he had been preparing for his whole life.

***** ***** ***** ***** CHAPTER SIX ***** ***** ***** *****

Following the first attack against the Imperial forces, Adric watched as more and more Darnethlil seemed to get swept up in the role of leader, commander, and organizer. More and more he would bring those of his clan into the growing insurgencies. Yet the more people brought in, the more Adric worried, he never seemed to have any plan other then simply the next attack upon Tajlan forces. And the attacks themselves left Adric further worried.

Sure they had had no real losses, no great defeats, but they hadn't exactly been going after military installations or heavy armed forces or bases. It seemed more like simple hit and runs attacks. Weapons were seized and destroyed and the Soldiers were tired up and left. Adric was, curious about why they weren't captured, he remembered once asking Darnethlil why they were let go and had been disturbed when Darnethlil had responded by saying simply that:

"The Soldiers will never fight again."

Despite what Darnethlil had said, Adric sensed that the true motives behind Darnethlils attacks were generated more by the murder of his father then a plan to liberate his people. As far as Adric was concerned Darnethlil had no serious plans, no tactical knowledge and very few resources. Compounding these faults Adric had observed how much Darnethlil was hampered by his own beliefs and religions views. The guilt from even a single death from either his Clan or the enemy weighed heavily upon his shoulders.

To Adric the fact that Darnethlils people had won their first few raids with minor injuries and no deaths had surprised him. Though Adric was glad that his alien friend was successful, the victories they claimed brought their people no closer to freedom from the Tajlan Empire. Darnethlils Clan, strong as it may be, lived on one small unimportant landmass. Even if they managed to liberate the entire territory, how could he even begin to help the other twelve Clans?

For the most part Adric tried to keep his concerns to himself. He could never trust Darnethlil not to stay out of his mind and he did his best to only think of such things when the Trathalan was not around.

That was one other thing which worried him. He had been on the world for almost a month and so far had yet to be introduced to anyone else. He felt isolated and alone, and every time Darnethlil left he worried that he would never see the Trathalan again.

Eventually he could no longer hold his concerns, on an evening as Darnethlil returned from yet another 'victory' .

Adric waited for him inside of his room. The large Trathalan entered, weary and looking tired. Adric hesitated, this was not his first attempt to confront both his savoir, and his captor, and he began to think differently but was betrayed by his thoughts.

"You worry; you worry of my cause and me. Forgive me Adric, I feel I have indeed become caught in the need to drive out these invaders from my home."

Adric looked up, he wanted to say more but was a bit taken aback. It unnerved him greatly that the alien read his mind so casually, yet at the same time he answered a question Adric had no idea how to ask. He slipped back in the chair he so often sat at, watching as once more Darnethlil unlocked a place under the floorboards, depositing captured Tajlan assault rifles.

Adric wondered just how many weapons had been captured by now; enough to probably arm all of his freedom fighters, if they ever dared used the damn things.

Darnethlil shot him an angry glare, his wings flared in an equally angry appearance as Adric slunk back a bit.

"Do you not think how easy it would be to use my enemies own weapons against them? If I did so it would go against everything I hold dear, I have sacrificed already so much of my soul to this fight, I will not compromise myself any more!" Once more Adric found himself have questions answered he couldn't possibly put into words. He felt frustrated and upset. He steadied himself and finally spoke up.

" It is not alone that. I am alone, always, you self are my only Trathalan known here. You depart and know nothing of others here, what if you do not return? What if you, killed?" Adric spoke, his eyes beginning to water from his emotion. He didn't exactly agree with the Trathalan on how he did things, but for whatever reason, he had become attached to the big 'dragon' and couldn't stand the thought of something happening to him. Darnethlil sighed and began to understand, he closed his eyes, reciting a verse of scripture before laying his hand on Adrics shoulder.

" You always seem to speak words of truth Adric of Gaea, much is there I learn from you. The time has come I believe to end you being a 'prisoner' to me. Indeed, the time is approaching that a great council will be had; plans are being formed for a great and glorious attack on our oppressors. And when we meet, I think it is time to introduce you to the others of my world. I think first however, I need to teach you how to 'speak' without wings."

Adric looked behind himself, suddenly a bit self-conscious as Darnethlil smirked.

Since that night, Darnethlil had seemed fit to take up 'tutoring' the alien in the ways of his world. He was taught greetings and customers, etiquette and proper social interaction. To begin with, he had to get used to the concept that they almost never smiled or used facial expressions of any kind when they could help it. Most all emotion was displayed through their wings, understanding these gestures were somewhat daunting though, and often led to embarrassment as Darnethlil seemed to delight in pointing out that Adric had no wings of his own to sign with.

Never the less, Darnethlil seemed true to his word, following that night the Trathalan began to speak openly for the first time about much of his society, culture and how his world, used, to be.

As the two sat in his study one evening, they had spent the day, much as all the others before it, with Adric once again desperately trying to understand the Trathalan written language. Adric remembered how looking at the bizarre flowing script had once made his eyes water. Yet now, to his own immense surprise, he was starting to comprehend it. He sat in the large round chair in the middle of the room holding a book he had been told was around three hundred years old.

"Huzzlanthr thronlira huffanrin zzraatron thalanphalo, ipola stra ehenro." He said, his Human mouth making a formal butchery of words designed for a mouth more similar to a lizard. Despite this, he looked to Darnethlil and relayed to him.

" Living-words conjunction great-laws of high-holy one for high-holy one knowledge supreme. His mind translated form the words he spoke. He realized he shouldn't have been surprised it seemed to be yet another holy book he was reading. Most of the books in Darnethlils Library where religious books of some form or another, dictating ways of worship, rituals, daily prays and endless forms of self-meditation.

What Adric found odd was it seemed to come easier and easier. Normally he wouldn't question such excelling at learning something new, but he remembered that he had twice flunked Spanish 101, and this seemed several degrees more complicated. Still however it was happening, he was glad for it. He was able to finally begin to do something when Darnethlil as not at home and, despite the fanatical religious nature of the culture, Adric was beginning to appreciate Trathalan society. At least, for a civilization that still seemed in the early 1500's.

Setting the book down, Adric considered much of what he had learned. The driving factor behind much of Trathalan life seemed to be religion, but it certainly seemed to differ from what he had expected. It had a central God that was worshiped, but everything else about it seemed to resemble Eastern religions of Earth, then the monotheistic western religions he usually associated with. Each Clan practiced slightly different version, but all of them seemed to accept them as being part of a single unified philosophy.

The aspect that most surprised, or impressed Adric, was that far from having one ancient unchanging book, the religion seemed to encourage both new ideas and constantly questioning old philosophy. The result of course, seemed to be countless books of an ever-changing religious philosophy. He guessed it was probably the reason for the apparent lack of advancement with any sort of technology, but it was at least less annoying that religion on Earth.

As always, Darnethlil seemed to be reading his thoughts.

"I continue to discovery it a curiosity that you have such a low opinion of your own holy worship practices, I am reminded however that the worship you have thus far described to me of your world seems overly consumed with the conversion of others then the betterment of ones own self" Adric smiled, this was something he had often refrained from discussing. Not out of any sense of defending the various faiths of his world, far from it, he felt he could speak for days about the aspects of Earth religion that on a daily basis had so often driven him mad.

"You understand self's own thoughts on religion worship, It not aspect I often wish to converse about" He relayed as best he could to Darnethlil, who for once seemed to let it go.

"I believe that perhaps it best we move on from this topic for now, there is still much I should teach you before the time comes when others make contact with you" He said, flicking his wings a bit in thought.

"You know my Clan, Lonti, and that I am its leader, though this is somewhat of a poor time for which to lead my people." he said, whispering to himself for a moment in pray.

"Of course there are many others across my world, all of which you should come to know. When I myself was young one of the first things I was taught by my tutor was a simple song that aided in formalizing myself with the Clans of my world." Adric watched as Darnethlil without a moment's hesitation started to sing.

It sounded, to Adrics sudden realization, like a nursery rhyme its rhythm was simple, and the odd Trathalan words seemed to rhyme with one another over and over. What his mind heard however was a bit different.

"Hear then before you, the custodians of Trathala and Hurn; long ago together as one, separated by time and conflict each balanced against itself.

Know then Clan Jipal, owners of the oceans, keepers of boats and harvesters of water.

Know then Clan Lyman, masters of the forbidden dance, keepers of the flattened music. Practice the art of the shinning glass.

Adric listened as Darnethlil went on through name after name. Each Clan it seemed had its own purpose, something that each where known for. The translator didn't seem to work well for much of it, though Adric picked up on the Clan names.

Indri, Orin, Stry, Nazul, Galin, Lonti, Liya.

Adric blinked, as the last phrase seemed to echo in his head

Know then Clan Liya, thieves of the forbidden arts, breaker of the ultimate law. Always they seek the shattered past.

When he had finished, Darnethlil looked at Adric with at first a pleased expression, but changed as he felt a strange puzzlement to the Humans mind. Adric, who had tried to listen to the words in his mind, without being too distracted by the rhythmic melodic tones of Darnethlils speech, had found himself increasingly wondering about much of what the song was referring too. He guessed it was simply a kids version describing in the simplest terms what the other 'Clans' of Trathala practiced or excelled in. However, his brain had seemed to get caught up on one of the Clans description.

"What wrong knowledge Clan Liya steal?" Adric asked, curious that out of all the descriptions, only this one seemed to be outwardly negative. Looking at Darnethlil for the briefest of moments he caught, or maybe felt, a moment of regret. Now, he could feel it, in Darnethlils recalling of what must have been a fond childhood song, he had said something he shouldn't have.

Darnethlil looked noticeably uncertain, something Adric wasn't sure he had ever seen before. The Trathalan seemed to hesitate before compiling a response.

"They have always been, unstable. Their leaders have in our history, tired to bring about; ways of thinking, the rest of us have long ago done away with. It is best that you do not concern yourself of them." Darnethlil spoke, and again Adric could feel the emotion in his minds voice. He had remembered a map of Trathala and knew that the Clan was the closest neighbor to the Lonti Clan, the two landmasses separated only by a small channel.

Adric guessed there most be a past between the two. Even a fanatical pacifist cultures must have had disagreements. Still, Darnethlil was hiding something and it worried him.

***** ***** ***** ***** CHAPTER SEVEN ***** ***** ***** *****

Out in the dark space between Trathala and its' moon, a small high-speed transport roared towered the green surface of the planet. It had taken him about two solar days to reach the planet, and he had spent much of that time going over the information the others in the council had given him. He had a few ideas on where to go to find the leader of the primitives below. First and foremost was the simple matter of language.

Most reports from Imperial Soldiers reported that the Trathalans seemed to be able to understand both Qwintoni and Tejlini speech, how this was no one had any idea, and so for, none of the ciphers had worked out the Trathalns language. Jakenenth was trying to finish his plans on how exactly he would handle his first encounter with the Trathalan rebels if and when he ever discovered them. He felt a tremendous burden on his shoulders from his duty, he knew what was expected of him by the others knew he could not fail.

Yet he found himself second-guessing himself, thinking twice about things. His mind was distracted and dwelled largely on the event that had taken place half way between Trathala and Hurn. It was there that the transport received word of the first direct attack by Alliance forces...

Since the start of the war, each side had brought their ships, albeit slowly, to the territory around the Trathalan star system. The Imperial ships, free of their Asteroid transportation, took up patrols of the primary asteroid bases and mining instillations that had been captured in the initial attack. Of course at the time, there had been no real military to face in the System. The imperial forces largely walked over the outer asteroid facilities and moved in with troops. But within the past month or so, the ships of the Alliance forces, the Tri-Star Federation as Intel said their official name was; had arrived on the borders.

Jakenenth regarded the dancing and daring that had taken place at first. He knew that neither the Imperial nor Alliance ships wanted a direct encounter. Of the few fictional books smuggled on bored by the movement, Jakenenth remembered a precious few where listed as 'Science Fiction'. He had read of great starships with powerful weapons, energy guns and odd fields that prevented damage, physic bending drives that went faster then light and hull armor that could brush aside multi kiloton nuclear warheads. Taking a moment to look around the cramped, official and utilitarian interior of his shuttle, he found himself wishing his ships had such great power.

He recalled from his training of Imperial warships, the average armor was built just strong enough to keep out most micrometeorites as well as standard background radiation. The average weapons consisted of long-range tactical warheads geared to fire at ships no one might ever see. And even the great Asteroid ship, which had the most powerful drives ever constructed by his people, at full burn could barley push .20 of c.

It was all of this that made the initial attack on the asteroid base of K-2567 all the more shocking to the entire Imperial military in the system.

Tracking incoming ships was largely a game of luck; immense linked infrared sensors and light sensing interferometers peered endlessly along space trying to pick up a microscopic blip. Sometimes they would catch the infinitesimal small heat of a ship tens of thousands of miles away, and sometimes not.

When three five-megaton nuclear missiles impacted against the Asteroid, the shockwave immediately incinerated a destroyer and the EMP scrambled most of the other ships computers. It took nearly five minutes to locate the source of the attack, three small blooms of heat about 18,000 miles from their location. The remaining two destroyers, their targeting systems questionable, each launched over twenty missiles, over half their payload, in response. Five minutes after their counter attack, three more missiles came into range of the base. Anti missile counter measures were now operational, though it seemed the Alliance missiles were emitting a scrambling single, it was only by saturating the incoming field with anti missile fire, that two of the missiles were destroyed; the third however struck the lead ship, the cruiser Jahentro, which evaporated in a ball of atomic fire.

A survey ship sent to the location of the alliance heat signatures found wreckage, but it was virtually impossible to tell what type of ships, or how many, may have been destroyed.

Jakenenth suddenly found his finger nails embedded in the chair he was strapped to. He shock his himself a day later he still could not get the report out of his head. Since the initial invasion, Trathala and his movements plan to oust those in charge had largely taken up all of his thinking and concentration. He had simply taken it for granted that no one would risk a direct engagement so soon, giving his people time to act. All of that seemed to have changed now, if the Alliance forces had started to push against the Imperial outposts, regardless of casualties, it would put in jeopardy everything his fledgling movement had so far worked for.

His thoughts where interrupted as a warning light came, on signaling that the shuttle had begun descending toward Trathala. Shaking his head he tried to focus himself. In a short time he would meet up with the small group of members planet side. He would have to relay all the communications and information updates from the main group on the moon as well as find passage to the island that the attacks had so far been taking place on. He gathered his material in his travel bag, locking the security clearance for his personal computer pad just as the shuttle began to hit atmosphere.

The old, rickety transport lurched as it became engulfed in the planets atmosphere. The speed increased as the peace of space was replaced by the growing roar of heat building beneath the thin poly-ceramic heat shield. The thin plates that separated the ships occupants from being incinerated glowed ever brighter as it descended into a blazing fireball. Between the din and heat caused by re-entry, Jakenenth could hear a few of the others mumbling about certain death. To Jakenenth, it didn't concern him, old as this ship was; its poly-ceramic heat shield was the exact same type used on1st class transports. And in over 120 rotations of use the amount of failure could be counted on a single paw.

As the glowing fireball that was once their ship descended into thickest part of the atmosphere were radio blackout occurred Jakenenth began to focus on how to implement his plans. After contacting his friends, exchanging information and then travelling to the island of 'Lonti' he would need to track down a member of the primitives resistance, hopefully without anyone killing each other. As the ship began to emerge from the fireball surrounding it, its wings tilted to a higher angle, slowing its descent to proper speed. A few moments later and it burst through the Trathalan sky. Jakenenth watched from above as the craft neared the northern continent that was his destination.

***** ***** ***** ***** CHAPTER EIGHT ***** ***** ***** *****

Along the western coast of the large Lonti Island stretched out a steep cliff face. Sheer bone white cliffs hung over the crashing waves of a beach far below. It was atop these cliffs that Qwintoni soldiers walked along the thick cool grasses in the fading light of evening. There were four of them, three of them just young Turpitz soldiers, tasked with investigating reports of Trathalan activities. The fourth was a slightly older Opatitz, who sighed as he looked out from the electric fueled vehicle they traveled in. They had traveled up and down the coast for a day after it was reported that a cargo carrier passing along the road had arrived at its destination minus several cases of assault rifles, explosives, and field rations. Given that the drivers as well as guards seemed to be suffering acute memory loss, the hallmarks of an attack by Trathalans, soldiers had been dispatched immediately to the coastal area.

The Opatitz however had his doubts.

"Turpitz Keljen. Please tell me again, why we have not returned to base when it seems that, once again, there is no sign nor trace of the attackers anywhere to be found?" the Opatitz growled.

"Sir, the last group that passed by this area reported radio contact with an unknown source. It had no ID marker or ident tags." Opatitz Kurlo looked down from the top of the vehicle. He had been scanning the horizon with a pair of sighters, but paused to look down. He had heard of stray radio signals in the area, but so far nothing had ever come from tracking them.

"Keljen, is there currently any signals in the area? Or are you just following more rumors form the base?" the older Qwintoni asked with just a slight mocking edge to his tone. Turpitz Keljen tried to ignore the stares from the other two soldiers, both of which gave the familiar looks of, "I am bored, hungry and want to go back, and you are the only one keeping us out here." Keljen just glared at the radio monitor, daring it to yield anything.

It began to beep rhythmically.

"S-Sir! Signal! No ident, very close! It's coming in very close, can't be one of ours sir!" Keljen barked excitedly, the mood in the vehicle changing in an instant.

"Report our position immediately to the base, Turpitiz, and send for backup," Kurlo said as he grabbed his own assault rifle and unslung it. "Torthjo, Jenanken, check your weapons and body armor. The natives aren't supposed to use weapons in their attacks, but I don't want to take any chances." A group of 'YES SIR' met his twin ear sets as Keljen, beaming with triumph now, steered the vehicle to follow the signal.

Some fifteen minutes later, the small jeep pulled along the edge of a cliff, the four soldiers looking down over the western coast.

"It's a cave sir, signal seems to be coming inside," said Keljen.

"Very good, we repel over the side. I want radio and speech silence from here on out, we don't know how many there are," Kurlo said as the four prepared, and a moment later began to repel down the cliff face.

At the bottom, the four moved with uncanny stealth along the rocks. Kurlo checked his armband and looked to others.

"Three heat signs. Twenty measures inside cave. Weapons hot," he singled with his hands and tail as the others nodded. Checking constantly, they approached the cave.

"Bang bomb" Kurlo signed again and removed a stun grenade. He threw, counted, and braced himself to the sudden concussive blast that was built to stun anyone not wearing heavy protective headgear. The four charged.

Guns raised, night scopes operating in the gloom of the cave, they dashed for the heat signs inside and nearly shot three of their own soldiers.

Keljen stopped first as on the floor were three nearly naked and bound Qwintoni soldiers. They had each been reported missing over three days ago.

"What the pit is going on here," Kurlo barked in anger as he removed his helmet. As if in instant answer, the sand behind him at the caves entrance erupted with Trathalans. Turning around quickly, the other three were blinded, as night vision looked out into the glare from the setting sun. The shapes of the rushing Trathalans simply blobs of movement. There was the sound of gunfire, the three soldiers firing wildly as Kurlo rubbed his eyes and got his bearings. There were no other exists he could see as the sounds of 'something' cracking against ceramic head amour was heard repeatedly.

"Damn beasts!" he snarled as he turned back around, grabbing another stun grenade as he raced to help his soldiers. He wouldn't allow this; he would not let these savages take down the Empires finest! The numbers however were not in his favor. He counted six Trathalans. All of them held Imperial rifles, and were firing at him. Moving behind a rock, he found Keljen. The two said nothing, only checking their ammo as Kurlo tossed his grenade. There was a 'whish' sound in the air. A movement as quick as lightning and the two soldiers watched in horror as the silvery canister sailed back over their heads.

Kurlo moved desperately to get his helmet back on, but not in time. The world went white with noise and force as he blacked out.

"It is almost too easy," hissed a voice in Trathalan as the soldiers were causally stripped of their garments. Every piece of equipment was taken from them: rations, armor, grenades, and guns. There was clicking sound as the Imperial Arm bands, the portable wrist computers of the Tajlan Armed forces, were pried off with a stolen key ring.

Again, more voices in the Dark. "You keep collecting those pieces of jewelry, you know they have yet to speak to us as they do these beasts," said a voice. There was a pause as one of the Trathalans who seemed to be the leader looked at the Opatitz.

"This one, this one is higher ranked than the others. He will know what the others do not. He will give up the secrets to make these speak," the voice, higher pitched then others, said as a metallic ring that was lined with glowing crystals was forced around Kurlos head.

***** ***** ***** ***** CHAPTER NINE***** ***** ***** *****

In Darnethlils clan home, Adric rubbed his head as he finished another lesson for the day. He had so far spent the morning going over the finer points of Trathalan protocol and etiquette. There were so many rules. Rules for how to greet someone, rules for how close you could be, rules for what tone to speak under what circumstances. It seemed all aspects of Trathalan society were governed by untold years of strict social interactions.

All of this was gradually leading up to the time when Darnethlil had said he would be introduced to his council. Those few he felt he could trust to both see Adric and not fear him. That was easy enough for him. As they day neared Adric became petrified with making a good impression on the others. As well as wondering exactly what this meeting was about. Darnethlil had been increasingly secretive about the whole thing, and unlike the Trathalan, Adric had no means of simply reading his mind. Something that was always done with unnerving ease to the human

As the days went by, Adric began to grow more accustomed to his surroundings, alien they may be. Though he still thought of Earth from time to time, he had slowly adapted to his new alien home. That is if you could get used to the interplanetary war going on and the army of ruthless soldiers bent on the conquest of the planet he currently inhabited. He had also begun to more and more assimilate Trathalan written as well. Sometimes he couldn't even remember reading something, but suddenly felt he understood something from one of Darnethlils books.

The slightly uneasy feeling that something was happening in his brain had become a bit more worrying, though he assumed if there was anything wrong, Darnethlil surely would have noticed.

Adric mulled over these thoughts late one night as he studied the confusing script of Trathalan writing; he had been trying to learn the vertically written language for quite some time, hoping to be able to read some of the hundreds of mysterious books Darnethlil kept inside his home. Yet as was often the case, the more he tried to learn the intricate writing, the more it simply made his eyes hurt.

Looking up from his work he casually glanced outside the window, hoping to see Darnethlil returning from his outing. His travels had grown more and more as the day of the much talked about council grew closer. As he peered out into the bright blue night sky, he did indeed see Darnethlil approaching from across the grassy hills. However, to Adrics surprise, there were several other individuals with him. Almost a dozen winged dragonish aliens walked along side Darnethlil.

"For the love of Pete, He is going to do it tonight, he could have at least told me ahead of time!" Adric looked at himself, then to the closet, he had been working on something, he wasn't sure if it was genius or perhaps something he would never forgive himself for, but he decided it was worth a shot, if he Was going to meet others, he was going to do his damnedest to talk with them on equal footing.

Outside Darnethlil had stopped those assembled and prepared them. He was far from oblivious to Adrics feelings on this subject and tried to inform those around him on the delicate nature of his stay. Though, this was easier said then done.

"I do not understand your motives Darnethlil, nor do I comprehend as to why you wish to house an insignificant offworlder in the hollowed home of our Clan Leader." Spoke one of the older Trathalans, his wings shaking.

"Hold your tongue Toranth!" Darnethlil snapped back, gesturing broadly with his wings. "Les you forgot that the Clan Home is mine! Additional, do not speak such slurs in his presence! He is no offworlder, or I am not of Trathala. Judge for yourself he belongs not to the races of the Empire nor those in the Alliance, he is all together unique. And the fact that he arrived through a Crossgate, an event I swear by as Clan Leader, makes him honored as well." There was a deep silence as the others were a bit nodded to themselves. None dared dispute him again, nor the apparent origins of the alien,

"Very well Darnethlil, we shall meet this, what was word? 'Human' you have, and judge for ourselves."

"I am glad you have come to your senses Toranth, lest we forgot the true intentions of this gathering tonight." The others flicked their wings in a sign of slight laughter as they heart fully agreed. "Within a fore night, we shall liberate our Capital, Toric will be ours again!"

Adric shuddered as he suddenly heard a chores of hideous screeching from outside. He covered his ears as he tried to reassure himself that this was their version of laughing. All too soon it stopped, as they continued on to the house. He could hear them almost at the door now. He gathered up his courage as the door began to open. He had the translator affixed to his head, he had calmed himself as best as he could, and his 'experiment' was already in place.

So it was that as Darnethlil opened the door, ready to introduce the first of his friends to the Alien guest, he looked upon Adric wearing bits of wood and canvas, tied together with string and some hinges he had noticed missing a few days ago. Adric for his part pulled a string which made the makeshift "wings" open up in as much of a gesture of greetings as possible...

Greetings friend of beast dragon Darenthlil, I Adric of world dirt He blinked and tried to correct World Gaea, I welcome you " Darnethlil looked down, the Trathalan next to him, Toranth, seemed genuinely impressed at the effort as he spoke aloud.

"You say he is from another world, but it seems you have taught him well, look, he has grown wings already, you are truly gifted." Toranth spoke, giving a hissing chuckle as Darnethlil looked at Adric, not sure weather to be annoyed or impressed.

After the initial meeting, Darnethlil slowly introduced the others. One by one they were brought inside to meet the Human, easing the shock to both him. And those Darnethlil had brought. As Adric bowed and greeted each in traditional Trathalan fashion, tugging strings and flexing his artificial wings here and there, he couldn't help but still feel uneasy. As the last and smallest of them greeted him, Adric was mulling over exactly what the meeting was about.

"Relax young Adric of Gaea, you worry about all matter of situations, regardless of weather they might concern you. Darenethlil was right you are a most suspicious creature. " Looking up he was surprised to see a broad smile on the face of the small Trathalan. Or at least as much of a 'smile' as could be made on the Trathalans face.

" I felt this would make you feel better then our hideous screeching as you so eloquently put. I am Mekal, and I hope that someday you may go to your home." Adric looked at the young Trathalan, he realized he was not wearing one of the jeweled 'translators' everyone else seemed to need in order to speak to him. Even Darnethlil used one when he wished to speak to Adric, he found it rather unsettling. As though reading his thoughts word for word, the young Trathalan turned

" You are right Adric, it would be rude to speak to you different from the others, Perhaps I should have one of the 'translators' as well' " he spoke to Adric as, before he could really respond, he felt the ring around his head yanked away.

" Do not worry Adric, you need not concern yourself with the matters at hand, I am sure it would prove quite Boring to you " he said, turning quickly and heading inside.

Adric watched dumbfounded as his only link to communicating to the others was so causally taken form him.

"Hey, HEY! Give me that back!" he said, about to give chase when the main hall doors where closed and locked. He fumed on the other side. Only able to hear screeches and shrieks from deep inside, not able to make heads or tales of the language without the translator. He turned, upset, a bit embarrassed and humiliated, all he could think of was telling Darnethlil as he sat down by the closed door.

Mekal, still easily in touch with Adric's mind did his best to contain a snicker before continuing on to the council hall. He didn't wish to upset the off-worlder, but he felt it was for the best; some things should not be discussed in front of aliens, regardless of how well they seemed to behave.

Entering into the long wooden hall, Mekal was glad he had been invited to this meeting. Though in active member in the resistance, he had never been to the elaborate Council Hall before within Darnethlils home. Though relatively new, less then eighty turns old, it was one of the few that had survived the invasion. Most of the Clan Homes had been destroyed or burned in an attempt to break the spirit of the Clans. Walking past the hundreds of thin banners, each representing a year of the Clans existence, Mekal finally took a seat toward the middle of the heavy Paragon Wood table, an heirloom from when the Lonti Clan was first founded. Rising from his seat, Darnethlil greeted Mekal as all were finally seated.

"I am glad you finally have joined us young one, I have been wondering where you were Mekal,"

" Contemplating your guest Neth, his is quite amusing " Mekal commented, flicking his wings in a brief laugh. Those assembled did likewise, much relaxed after meeting Darnethlil's guest.

"He is quite an interesting creature, I can only imagine what his race must be like" An elder, 'Solanth' spoke from the end of the table

"Yes indeed Darnethlil, you seemed to have trained him quite nicely for an off-worlder, much more respectful and reasonable then so many other aliens we seem to have come across, I would hazard it shall not belong before you can collar the creature as your own personal pet " Toranth spoke now, ending with a rather over the top shaking of his wings in laughter. Darnethlil glared at him for a moment.

" I have trained him to respect us Toranth, it is only fare we should respect him as well. I will vouch that he should never need a collar." He spoke his face serious as he leaned back.

"But enough of this, all know why we are here, and we know the pearl of our journey, but I am sure that we shall prevail."[/I] Darnethlil began as he roused the spirits of those in the Clan Hall. Outside the hall Adric tried to listen as best he could without a translator. It gulled him that he was robed of any sense of what was being said inside, he kept trying to broadcast his thoughts to Darnethlil, hoping he would hear him, but it seemed they were all much to busy to pick up on anything he broadcast. He looked to the clock on the wall and sighed; it was several hours later before he eventually fell asleep.

Early the next day, shortly before dawn, a large Trathalan shaking him from where he lay on the floor roused him. He looked up to sharp squawks and barks, and then pointed to his forehead. The Trathalan looked at him oddly before turning around. A moment later he returned with a ring and handed it. Adric quickly put it on and huffed.

" All night I hear loud loud noises, but not understand any words, what has been spoken all night?" He said, probably a bit more loudly then he should have.

The Trathalan looked at him, composed himself and patted Adrics head.

" I am sorry you could not hear, but perhaps it is for the best, our Leader has finished and wishes to see you. " he spoke, heading down the long corridor that lead to the meeting hall. Adric followed quickly behind, remembering to put on his faux-wings; sure he would need them as he finally came to the hall. He could swear there where perhaps twice as many Trathalans as had first arrived last evening. The grand meeting hall was full of shrieking and clattering Tarhatalans, wings flared and waving everywhere. More then that they seemed 'dressed up' many with elaborate headpieces and coats. The noise was deafening, both to his ears and his head as so many voices and minds spoke together. He suddenly found himself wishing he hadn't had the translator on after all.

Eventually in the middle of it all he found Darnethlil and quickly went to him.

"Welcome Adric, at last you awaken, it is good I see you now"" Adric looked up,

_"Is it possible that someone explain what is occurring?" He asked, sounding both tired from the long night, and slightly exasperated. Darnethlil 'smiled' which mostly meant he gave his wing a soft curve as he looked down at Adric.

"I apologize for Mekal taking away your communication, he tends to be a bit, forward, but I did not wish you to know our plans till we had fully committed ourselves to them young Adric. The time has come for us to be bold, we have gathered ever Clan member who wishes to, fight, for us. Together we shall make our way to Toric, our 'capital' as you would call it. There we shall spread among the people, spread our message and have them join with us. When the whole of Toric is with us, united, moving as one, we can act upon our invaders at last! We shall drive them out and send a message to their leaders! Adric this will be a wonderful day to remember!" Darnethlil spoke to him, his wings climbing higher and higher as he echoed with a grand voice inside Adrics mind._

Adric looked up, his mouth agape. A torrent of questions and suddenly revelations churned in his head, already Darnethlil looked down at him curious, able to feel heavy weaves of emotion welling up, unable to make head or tails of them. Adric felt his hands clenching, his face twitched a bit as he tried to respond. His mind never gave him a real chance on the matter, which is when he simply shouted.

"You really don't the first thing about Warfare! You're going to march into a city with Soldiers, with Guns and expect to drive them out, with what? Kind words? Have you ever even fired one of those guns you capture so often? They KILL you! Quickly! You are all stuck in the Dark ages here and probably don't even have proper Gun powder!" He fumed as he spoke, his head feeling on fire, as he made verbal the feelings he had kept in for so long, and then in the midst of the growing rage between him and Darnethlil, he felt a tingle in the back of his head.

"That's what got your Father killed after all! A single soldier pulled his gun and shot him in the head! You watched it!"

As soon as he had finished, he clamped his hand over his mouth and winced. He hadn't even tried thinking it, he'd just shouted, and the eyes of every single Trathalan in the great hall was upon him. Not all he been listening, few had bothered trying to catch the meaning of the spoken words, at first. It wasn't hard however to catch emotion, anger, disapproval, and deep, deep contempt for them.

Darnethlil glared down at him now, gripping his shoulders tightly, claws slightly digging into his flesh slightly.

" You continue to think of us as Primitives young Adric, I think it is time you know the Truth of us" Adrics' face burned from embarrassment, he regretted the words as soon as he spoke them but knew he could do nothing to take them back. Darnethlil pulled him out of the room, moving quickly down the corridors back up to rooms above. He made his way to his room, pushing Adric inside and closing the door.

Adric looked up, frightened of the Trathaln for the first time since he had arrived here. He'd seen what he could do to the 'dummies' down bellow; it made his blood ran cold.

Darnethlil sighed himself, he didn't want to face Adric, not just yet, he had let his words cut too deeply into his heart, let his anger flare up far too quickly. He began to chant softly, meditating, clearing himself of anger, as he did not wish to confront Adric till he was in a more civilized state.

Adric watched him for a moment wondering exactly what was going to happen next. He found himself wondering, yes, he had snapped at Darnethlil, and not exactly behaved way. But he felt his point was valid. As far as he could tell Darnethlils people had never entered the industrial era. No machines, no electricity, no signs of manufactured goods, and certainly no weapons...

" You think I can not hear you, you continue to insult my people, now sit, it is time you learned!" he heard the words come to his mind. Adric did his best to glare back at Darnethlil, annoyed that he always seemed to be reading his thoughts weather he liked it or not. Adric did his best to try and counter the large Trathalan,

" I not know of you history, do not anger with me. Additional please keep absent from self Mind!" he said back, once more annoyed at how the translator always made his words sound like baby talk. Darnethlil regarded him he sighed, calmed himself, recited a pray and calmed himself as he retrieved a locked wooden box from the hidden space beneath the floor.

"You are correct Adric of Gaea, I should respect your privacy more, we are so used to being open in our minds and thoughts, and I do not always understand what it is to not be in another's mind. " Adric simply glared at him, trying his best to be intimidating to the tall deadly taloned and fanged Trathalan. Darnethlil 'smiled' with his wings and chuckled once more as he sat before Adric.

" Adric, how old do you think my people are? How long do you think we have been making cities and living together in society?" Adric stopped, he paused, trying to remember his own history, he thought of the first basic civilizations some 4000years BC, then another 2000years beyond that. Adric tried his best to form his response, numbers didn't always translate well, but he managed a:

" 5000, 5500 rotations?" he hesitated, thinking, if he WAS right, and Darnrthlils people had not entered the industrial age, they were at least 300 or 400 years behind him.

" Ah, how simple it is, to judge from what you see, and do not know. My young Adric, new worlder, by your years and method of counting, as I perceive it from your mind, my people have held society for almost 8000 of your years. This 'industry' you think so highly of, we met it expanded it and moved beyond it. Yes, young Adric, our people have learned of electricity, we mastered the forces of the atomic, and we danced among the stars. Thousands of years ago now we did all this. ' Adric blinked dumbfounded, it wasn't that he didn't believe Darnethlil, he had no reason not too. He simply wasn't sure what to think of it.

"How this happened? Where did civilization go? You had large cities but no more, even star vessels, all gone?" Darnethlil looked down, he opened the wooden box at last, pulling out something that seemed like a television or monitor. It looked decidedly advanced and Darnethlil spoke softly as he seemed to turn it on.

" This, I built with my father, each Clan Leader builds one, to pass on the knowledge of those that came before. Now you know will know what became of us. " Adric watched as the screen came to life. It was an image of Trathala, from space, one of the Tajlan Satellites? No, the world was at night, but covered in lights. Long bands of lights arched to immense blooms, cities, huge cities seemed to encrust the world. If this was Trathala, how long ago could it have been, and what could have happened.

He continued to watch the recording as, as if in answer to his question, he suddenly saw an immense bloom of light on part of the planet. The image flickered for a moment with static as another immense bloom of light erupted. Adric watched as all the lights near by went out. The screen flickered again. More blooms of light, he counted ten now, fifteen, twenty and thirty. They began to happen more and more quickly as Adric began to realize what he was watching. His mouth hung open in horror as the image grew with increasing static. Darnethlil simply watched, no expression on his face as the recording continued. Virtually no part of the world had not been hit by what Adric now knew to be Atomic weapons, no light remained on the surface as the image finally blurred and went over to nothing but empty static.

" How, great time, from, when planet, died " he said, his words 'stuttering' as he tried to speak to Darnethlil, his heart pounding as he tried to fathom just how many people he had watched die. Darnethlil sighed softly he tilted his wings back, showing concern and empathy toward the Human as he spoke gently.

" Almost 6800 journeys around our sun have passed since that day. Our world had grown large and strong, we did dance among the stars, but our planet knew no peace, it consumed itself in bitter anger and petty war. It came a time when all of the nations unleashed their fury, and what you saw came to be. You see us as primitives because that is what we choose to be. Our cities have decayed and gone back to the dirt. Our past and our machines have been left to pass away. We gave ourselves over to Crie, we prayed, we gave up all violence and hostility, and we learned to live more simply. "

Adric listened, still stunned, trying to take in the enormity of what Darnethlil was saying. Questions flew into his mind however, a dozen different thoughts flew form him as he tried to understand.

"How can there be no evidence? How can you people abandon all advancement? How do you know to make this electronic picture?" Darnethlil looked at him as he listened. As always he took his time trying to discern the meaning behind Adrics words, but guessed at them well enough. He actually smirked a little now, relieving some of the tension in the room.

"You think we have fully given up all that we know? We live as we do because we have no wish for the path that first, no one has machines of war, we do not have nations any more, nor cities where people grow crowded and upset, bitter with life. But, young Adric that does not mean we simply abandoned all that we have learned. We live simply, but we did not give up all things. Across this world are houses of knowledge from the old world. The Medicine I use on you and others is more powerful then anything I would imagine your own world has yet created. Machines we can produce if we wish, engines fuelled both by electricity and Atomic we know of. Adric looked up, suddenly thinking,

" If this truth, then what of weapons? Machines? I know you do not fight to kill, but if freedom is wanted, pistol weapon must be better then knife and sword"" Darnethlil stood up, as if suddenly disgusted. Adric could see it in his eyes, the very notion of making pure weapons of war, even to defeat the Empire, disturbed him deeply.

"We will not sully ourselves with such things, when we go to march on Toric, we shall cause the masses to rise up, a wave of our people shall meet with them and win. They have 'guns' yes, we have our minds, you still do not know the full extent of what we can do without weapons as you know them. And for that I forgive you your brash views, but know this we shall go, and we shall triumph."

Adric looked up, that steely determined look in Darnethlils eye telling him everything he needed to know. He watched Darnethlil bow to him and leave to join the others. Inside Adric's heart raced. In an instant his whole perception of them seemed challenged, but his thoughts on what Darnethlil intended to do had not.