Entry 51 (24.9/5)[Section coded.  Enter code to continue or skip to next readable entry]

“Warning, level nine spatial anomaly, system unstable plot new course to avoid.”

“That’s the warning beacon, pay it no mind.”

A level nine spatial anomaly is reserved for black holes and nova systems.

“Well, it keeps people out.  Gateway security hasn’t had to kill anyone for entering the system, yet.”

“Unidentified transport, you have entered a restricted system identify yourself or be destroyed.”

“This is Meonii of Clan Shadowrunner aboard the transport, Blade Hunter en rout to Shendria.”

“Blade Hunter transmit cargo and passenger list.”

“We are carrying no cargo, there is only myself and the Hunter’s captain Tigris Dacat.”

“There is no authorization for Clan Shadowrunner to enter Shendria System with designate Dacat.  Dock with Gateway Station for questioning.”

Gateway Station, this is Captain Dacat, I demand passage to Shendria system under the authorization of Clan Lightstripe.

“Oh, now that’s going to start a riot over there.  I just hope you have enough proof, because the Destroyer is powering up its weapons.”

“Blade Hunter, transmit verification of Clan Lightstripe authorization or be destroyed.”

Transmitting four images, family crest, a tapestry depicting my lineage, me shifted, and me holding the Knar’Tosh Blade.

“Blade Hunter, cleared for Shendria Gate passage.  The Clan Lords, can handle questioning you Captain Dacat. Gateway out.”

Well we survived that, though I’m sure we’ll have a welcoming comity waiting to question us.

“Actually, we’ll arrive before they can send any message.  All communications have to be sent through the gate by message pod, which will be traveling slower than we are.  We should have enough time to get you planet side and safely in clan territory before anyone else knows you’re there.

End Log

Entry 52

                Whoa!

                “Sorry, I forgot to warn you about the effects of traveling through the gates for first timers.”

                Don’t worry, I’ll get even just as soon as I can move again.

                “Paralysis is the first symptom, followed by an extreme headache and mild nausea ending with a heightened sense of euphoria and an overall sense of well being.”

                Oh mphsf.

                “Now, before we get to Shendria I’ll tell you what to expect.  You’ll be required to petition for entry into a clan.  When we land you’ll be isolated until a Grand Meeting is convened.  Then a member of the Shadowrunner Clan must challenge you to battle.  To prove yourself worthy you have to subdue him without killing him.  However he will be trying to kill you.”

                Ah, so what are the rules? I need more details like armor, weapons, arena or hunt; that sort of thing?

                “After the council has formed, warriors will come by your cell to taunt you.  They’ll be trying to measure your abilities and anger you into shifting.”

                Well I doubt that’ll happen.

                “Once a challenger steps up, you’ll be asked to change into a loincloth, that is the only armor you will have. It may seem strange but since you will be expected to shift during the battle it is the best you can expect.  Then you will be led to the arena.  Once there the ceremony will begin.  You are to walk to the center of the ring and then wait as a member from each of the major clans enters.  They will stand around the perimeter next to a pedestal.  I’ll be the last one to enter as a representative of the Shadowrunner Clan since I’m sponsoring you.  Once I’m in position you are to approach the person to my left.  He or she will place their palm on a genetic lock that opens a case containing their clan’s ceremonial sword and Clan crest.  You are to take the crest and place it in the pedestal; this will open that clan’s partition of the arena cover.  You continue this until you’ve completed the circle.  Next you return to the center of the arena and say ‘Great Lords of Shendria, I have come to take my place among the clans.’  Then you return to me and take the sword from its case and say ‘I hereby join Clan Shadowrunner’.  Then you are to return to the center to begin the combat.  Remember your challenger will be trying to kill you but you must not seriously harm him.  Otherwise the other members in attendance are required to kill you.”

                So how long before we get there?

                “An hour, maybe two depending on the patrols.  If we don’t run into anybody it’ll only be forty-five minutes.”

                All right then, I’ll be in my cabin.  I’m going to lie down for a bit.

                “I understand, I still remember my first jump.  Oh and one last thing, I’m going to be claiming the ship as my own.  That way it won’t be impounded and searched.”

                Sounds good to me.  The ship is yours Captain Shadowrunner.

End Log

Entry 53

                Well, I didn’t really need to lie down.  I just needed some time to make preparations.  I’ve removed Dawna’s heat blade and installed a makeshift log recorder. This is its test.

                It seems to be working.  Now while I’ve got this thing off I’ve got to make a couple adjustments.  First I’m dialing down the pain receptors to their minimum so that I can use my arm as a shield.  Hmm, now there’s an idea.  I’m now running a lead into the arms programming from my headset in order to keep my experiment out of the Hunter’s records.  I doubt Meonii would think to check if I was up to anything but better safe than sorry.  Now lets see if it’s possible to program the polymimetic alloy to form new configurations through special movements.

All right it’ll work!  First I’ll need a shield, there we go, it’s not much but it should work.  Hmm it seems that there is enough memory capacity to store two more forms as long as they aren’t complicated.  Let’s see, first a morph for claws; it’s not like my challenger won’t be shifting and using claws of his own so this won’t be cheating.  Now for one more . . . I know a pair of blades extending from the back of my hand.  I won’t use them in this fight but they may come in handy later.  Now; I just have to jam in the activation link to Hunter, the crystal that Arlen gave me for an extra bit of luck, reattach my arm, and try it out.

                Arrrgh!  Damn even with the pain receptors tuned all the way down that really hurt.  Well at least the claw and blade forms weren’t so bad.  Now all I have to do is put my contacts in and change cloths.  I’m not taking my headset; since it would only be confiscated the same as the rest of my belongings.  All I’m taking with me is a simple jumpsuit.  Now for quick nap . . .

                “Unknown ship this is Mithias Space Station, please identify yourself.”

                Well so much for the nap, time to get back up to the bridge.

                “ . . . Meonii of Clan Shadowrunner, Captain of the Blade Hunter.”

                “Finally got yourself a ship, eh?”

                “I guess you could say that.”

                “So how did you get the return message so quickly?”

                “Return message?”

                “Yeah, your son has started First Shift.”

                “What!  But it’s to soon.”

                “If you didn’t get the return message then why are you here?”

                “I’ve brought my mate here to face the challenge to become a clan member.”

“I guess he’s in luck since the council has already been convened, so he won’t have a long wait.”

                “Blade Hunter, this is Shendria Control you are cleared to land.  A security detail will be waiting for you.”

                “Acknowledged Shendria Control, Blade Hunter out.”

                “Good luck to you both, Mithias Station out.”

                “I see you’ve changed.”

                Yeah I figured if Customs was going to take everything I had, then it would be best not to have anything.

                “Good idea.  Oh, one last thing before we land; don’t tell anyone your name, any of them until the end of the Clan Challenge.  No one has a true name before First Shift or Clan Challenge.”

                So those who don’t experience First Shift have to go through Clan Challenge?

                “Yes, all non-shifters and outsiders have to take the Clan Challenge.”

                Understood.

End Log

Entry 54

                Well it’s been three days and I have yet to meet a single challenger.  My cell, if it can be called that, is composed of two rooms the living area and the toilet.  The entire structure is set about five-foot into the ground.  I can only guess that since most of the indigenous residents are fur bearing it is to keep the structure cooled.  The strangest thing is that they don’t lock the door and the window is open and unbarred.

                “Ha, look the cub is talking to himself.”

                “Well what did you expect?  He’s been caged all of three days and he’s already going insane.”

                “So what’s your name, pup?”

                I’ve had many names and many lives but for now I have no name.

                “I hear he’s the father of Meonii’s runt.”

                “To bad the kid had to get his father’s looks.”

                “Yeah, he’s so ugly he had to shift in order to be accepted by the clan.”

                “Ha, I’ve heard that he still looks like a freak.”

                If you two are using yourselves as a basis upon which to judge one’s looks then I have to agree.  He must look like a freak.  After all, even someone that is only mildly cute must seem freakish compared to a couple as ugly as you are.

                “Sure he shifted early, but it didn’t last long.  To bad really, he’ll be handicapped with a First Shift of only thirteen days."

                That doesn’t sound so bad.  After all he beat you by twelve whole days.  By the way when is your mate there going to experience her . . . oh I’m sorry his First Shift?

                “Why you little!”

                “I’ll kill you!  I’m going to enjoy ripping you apart in the arena.”

“Come on let’s go”

                “Yeah, he isn’t worth our time anyway.”

                If that’s their best example of taunting then they have a lot to learn.  Hell, even Rusty could have done better.

                “You think? So, who was taunting who.”

                Hello little one, what are you doing out there?

                “Oh, you know, just listening to the mad man talking to himself. Can I come in?”

                Is that allowed?

                “No, but I ‘don’t have a trace of respect for rules’ so it doesn’t really matter.”

                It’s fine with me, so long as you don’t get into any trouble.

                “Ha!  When I get my names, one of them will probably be trouble.  So do you have a hidden recorder on you, or are you mad?”

                Oh I’m completely mad, why else would I be here?

                “Why are you here?”

                I’m here to see my son.

                “You’re risking your life just to see a freak?”

                I doubt that he’s a freak.

                “Oh trust me he is, no cub has shifted at his age and for such a short time.  I hear that he can even understand and speak the beast language perfectly.  To be able to do that after such a short shift makes him different.  Even his fur color is all wrong.  Instead of having spots he has stripes.”

                Next you’ll be telling me that his stripes are a lighter color than the rest of his fur.

                “How did you know . . . I mean.”

                How else could one as young as you have understood the beast language?  Or didn’t you realize I’d shifted speech patterns?

                “You’re a shifter!  Everyone thinks you’re just a human.”

                Yeah, I’ve experienced First Shift, unfortunately I can’t shift now.

                “What Clan are we then?”

                Lightstripe.

                “Really?”

                We’ve returned to our home but it has to remain a secret until after the tournament.

                “I guess I’d better bet on you winning.  I’m definitely going to sneak into the public gallery to watch.”

                Public gallery?  I hadn’t heard anything about the fight being a public event.

                “Well, normally it isn’t.  The clan crests open the inner arena covers.  But our crest opens the arena to the public.  No one goes anymore so I won’t have any problem slipping in.  You will be joining Clan Lightstripe right?  I mean if we really are Clan Lightstripe, then you should be able to open the clan case.  You’ll be breaking the rules.  But since there isn’t another Lightstripe clan member to fight you’ll have to fight a Shadowrunner.  You say you can’t shift so it should be a fair match.”

                You really don’t have a trace of respect do you?”

                “None at all.  Oh, I hear someone coming I’d better get out of here.  Good luck, Dad.”

                “Who were you talking to?”

                Myself, haven’t you heard, I’m mad?

                “Mad or not get changed, you’ve been challenged.”

End Log

Entry 55 [Entry has been extensively edited]

                Well, this is it.  I’ll have to edit this later in order to narrate the actions taking place but oh well.  The Clans representatives are filing in now.

They’re all here, and there is an empty spot next to Meonii.  I’m guessing that is the Lightstripe position.  I guess this is the point where I place the crests.

The crests have been placed and I’m headed toward the center of the arena.

                Great Lords of Shendria, I have come to take my place among the clans.

Now to join my clan, everyone is expecting me to join the Shadowrunners. I guess it’s time to spring my little surprise.

[ED] To this point I’d been following the ceremony as expected.  I was walking toward Meonii and then I turned and sprinted to the Lightstripe pedestal. [ED]

                I hereby join Clan Lightstripe.

[ED] I slammed my palm down on the genetic lock.  Pain shot through my hand and arm.  I hadn’t realized that the lock also contained a gene specific poison.  If I hadn’t been a Lightstripe descendant I would have been killed instantly.  Luckily the case opened.  I quickly placed the crest and as the public gallery opened I grabbed the Knar’Tosh before anyone could stop me.  I slowly walked back to the center of the arena stalling for time.  So that the poison’s weakening effects could wear off. [ED]

                “Bet ya think you’re smart, don’t ya cub?  Well the jokes on you, that poison has obviously lost it’s potency after all these years so it’ll kill you slowly.  The Lightstripes are a dead breed and everyone knows it.  Clan Shadowrunner are the Lords of Shendria now and I’m going to prove it.”

                Oh we’re not dead, and I’m just here to see my son.  As for you, the best thing would be to put on a good show and then allow me to subdue you; otherwise this could get messy.

                “You’re going to die, formie.”

[ED] He lunged at me and I easily parried, knocking his blade aside while rolling backwards using his own momentum to throw him.  Unfortunately he had shifted and as he passed over me he was able to rake his claws across my chest.  It was only luck that he didn’t eviscerate me.  As it was his claws carved grooves across my sternum.  I rolled over pressing my chest into the sand, it hurt like hell but it slowed the bleeding.  He was already on his feet and coming at me again.  Swinging his sword in an attempt to separate my head from my body.  I waited until the last possible second acting stunned and then rolled to the side and grabbed his tail.  I was pulled to my feet and he fell flat. [ED]

                “What’s the matter formie, afraid to attack?  You aren’t even worth my time.”

[ED] I stepped closer going for an obvious Len Tar maneuver.  He attempted to block and I knocked his blade away with the back of my real hand as I slapped the flat of my blade down between his ears.  I’d stepped back before he could retaliate and I’d only received a slight scratch from his blade.  It was stupid and reckless but I had succeeded and he must have looked quite the fool to the observers. [ED]

                Nah, I’m just playing with you kitten.  After all it isn’t everyday that I get to fight someone with less intelligence than the average training dummy.

                “You’re playing?  Ha, you’re the one bleeding.  All I have to do is keep this up and you’ll die slowly from blood loss and I’ll still win.”

[ED] He came at me again, with the same attack as before only this time I spun to the side and sliced off the tip of his ear. [ED]

                Now you’re bleeding.  I’ve shown you that I’ve got more skill than you. After all you only know one attack.  Now allow me to defeat you so that we can end this before you really get hurt.

                “I’ve been using the same approach but it isn’t the same attack.  Who’s playing now formie?”

[ED] That’s when I felt the blood running down my back.  I didn’t notice any pain but he’d slit a perfect horizontal line across the back of my shoulders.  It wasn’t deep but it was another wound that I couldn’t afford. [ED]

                “You know, when I’m done here I think that little freak of yours will be having and accident.  Shendria is such a dangerous place and we can’t have freaks and rejects lingering around, can we?”

                That’s it!  Time to end this! I may not be able to kill you now but just remember when I’m finished with you I will not only be a Clan Lord but also Lord of all the Clans.  And as such I can do as I see fit.  Taunting me is one thing but making threats against my family is going to far.

                “You won’t live much longer anyway.”

[ED] This time I attacked.  He easily blocked my blade but he wasn’t prepared for my fist.  As he fell backwards I removed nearly a foot from the end of his tail.  It was a deplorable tactic but I knew it would bring the combat to an end.  He dropped his sword and grabbed his tail.  I hit him again knocking him unconscious.   I’m not proud of my actions but if the fight had continued either one or both of us would have ended up dead. [ED]

                “Combat is over, Shadowrunner has been defeated.”

                “Yes!”

[ED]  My son, vaulted to the roof of the lords ring, swung into one of the boxes, then jumped into the arena doing a double flip while shifting and landed on all four.  Like a flash he was across the arena and jumping into my arms.  I dropped to my knees.  Obviously the fight had taken more out of me than I had thought.  I slowly stood and walked to the Lightstripe pedestal.  I wiped the blood from the blade and replaced it in its case.  I left the crest in the pedestal as I closed the case.  Now that I’m here there is going to be some changes.  I then returned to the center of the arena. [ED]

                “Lord Lightstripe, what is your name?”

                I’ve had many names, most were only identities used to hide but I was born Tigris Dacat, I’ve lived as Jahar Træn the justice seeker, and I’ve been known as Prowler the Homeless One.  Now I am Prowler, Lord of Clan Lightstripe and Shendria!”

                “Hail, Lord Lightstripe!”

                “Rarrgh, you die now!”

[ED] Obviously I’d pushed the Shadowrunner beyond the edge of sanity.  He rushed us; I caught his sword in my artificial hand.  It cut down between my thumb and the rest of my hand to the wrist but it stopped the blade.  If I hadn’t he’s have killed both Trace and myself.  I pulled the sword from his hand as he dropped to his knees.  I threw it away as my hand reconstructed or healed; I’m not sure what to call it.  I then extended the twin blades. [ED]

                I could kill you right now and no one would question my right to do so.  But I’m not going to.

                “Kill him!  He could have killed our son!”

                “Please kill me, it would be better than having to live in disgrace.”

                No.  Meonii help me get him to the infirmary.

                “There is no infirmary here.  Either he lives or he dies.  The closest medical facility is back in the city.”

                So that’s where we’re going then.

                “We have to wait for a transport.”

                All right, then it’s time to break some rules.  Hunter, activation sequences online.

                “Hunter online and awaiting orders, sir”

                Requesting immediate pickup and extraction.

                “Location locked, activating antigrav, in route, estimated time to arrival four minutes.”

                Meonii, help me move him to the side of the arena. Trace, get the end of his tail we might be able to save it.

                “Tay, Dad”

“Initiating emergency pick up sequence, extending ramp and returning to standby setting.”

                Thanks Hunter, everybody get aboard.

End Log

Entry 56

                We’ve been in orbit for two days GS. My injuries are completely healed though the scar tissue still itches.  I was unable to fully regenerate the wounds since I’d diverted most of the medical bay resources to healing Spitfire.  On the upside we were able to save his tail, but he has to wear a regenerative pack for another three days.  That means that he’s restricted to his median form.  This restriction has been driving him, and consequently the rest of us, mad.  I guess most shifters have a problem with form restriction, even if they can’t shift they still believe that they could if they really wanted to.  On another note I’m now glad that I didn’t kill him. Everything he said was only to anger me to see if I was truly worthy.  As it turns out he’s Meonii’s twin brother and Trace’s Guardian. 

                I’ve been in contact with the Council of Lords and they’ve agreed to meet with me, but first I have to journey to the Lightstripe Sanctuary in order to be declared the true Lightstripe heir.  This means a three-day ride out to Cclan territory and then a three-day hike to the Sanctuary.  I’ve decided to take Trace with me since he has experienced First Shift. It is only right that he be allowed to go; of course his constant insisting that if I don’t take him he’ll show up anyway proves that I don’t have much choice.

                Well now it’s time to get some sleep since I leave for Shendria at dawn. 

End Log

Entry 57

                “G’morning Lord Lightstripe, I’m Dustrunner and this is Stormfront of Clan Darkmane, we’ll be taking you as far into the Lightstripe domain as the boundary to the Sacred Lands.  From that point on only members of your Clan may travel further.”

                Good Morning Dustrunner and Stormfront, it is an honor to be traveling with members of Clan Darkmane.

                “Hey Dad, are we going to get going or are we going to stand around talking all morning.”

                “Has anyone ever told you that you should respect your elders?”

                “Of course they have Storm.  I’m called Trace because I don’t have a trace of respect in me.  Now can we get going?”

                “I can tell this is going to be a long trip.”

                What are you complaining about Dustrunner?  You only have to take him part of the way.

                “Please call me Dust or Dusty, and I see your point.  Perhaps we had best get started after all.  The sooner we leave the better.”

                “Don’t you mean the sooner we leave the sooner you can be rid of us?”

                “Uh.”

End Log

Entry 58

                Well, we’ve been traveling all morning without a break.  Trace keeps taking off to explore and scout ahead.  Luckily he stays within hearing range. Well, close enough that he can hear us.  He’d probably be extremely ticked off if he knew I tagged him with a tracer while we were aboard Hunter.  But I had little other choice since there is no way I could keep up with him.  Luckily Meonii was the one who suggest I do it.  It’s incredible watching him; one moment he’s sitting on Storm and an instant later he’s off exploring.

I’m having a hard time getting used to is the lack of clothing. I guess being raised in a mostly human culture I have preconceived notions about decency but here on Shendria it isn’t practical.  Especially when not restricted to a single form. 

On another note I’m glad that Kindra forced me to learn how to ride rovers.  The training has helped a bit but they had saddles.  I’ve been uncomfortable all morning and it’s gotten to the point where I’ve injected myself with a mild painkiller.  Though I’m sure when it wears off this evening I’m going to have to shoot up with something stronger. 

                “Hear that Storm?  The Lordling is having problems with the current arrangements.

“Yeah I heard it.  He seems to talk to himself a lot.”

                Well it isn’t like the two of you have been talkative company.

                “That’s impossible! Only members of our own Clan can understand our language.”

                Sorry Dusty but I can understand you just fine, though I’m guessing that I can’t speak it all that well.

                “But how is this possible?”

                I’m not sure of that myself Storm.  It could be because I’m a Lightstripe or perhaps I’m just gifted.

                “Perhaps. But this is the first time I’ve ever heard of such a talent.”

                “Oh our ability to understand all the Clan tongues?  Is that what you’re talking about?”

                So you can understand them as well Trace?

                “Of course, I just thought it was because I was a freak but maybe it’s a Clan talent and it was a secret.”

                Well I guess we’ll find out once we reach the sanctuary.  So are we stopping for lunch?

                “We’ve been grabbing a mouthful here and there as we go so we don’t need to stop.”

                “Don’t worry about me Dad, I’ve been catching this and that all morning so I’m not hungry.”

                Ugh, suddenly I’m not hungry either.  It is definitely going to take some time to get used to life here.

End Log

Entry 59

                We’ve set up camp for the night.  I’m still sore, but I only needed a minor dosage to stave off the pain.  I guess I’m getting used to the traveling.  Anyway, with everyone foraging for himself I find myself extremely over provisioned.  Especially since the group has convinced me to dine with them this evening.  Dusty and Storm are making a salad and baking some root vegetables.  Trace, caught a nelk, a small herbivore with horns, and it’s roasting on a spit.  As for myself I’m cooking dessert, a stew of berries and nuts from Accordia, all replicated, of course, but in the end the flavor is a close match to the real thing. 

                “Not bad, the real thing tastes better but this isn’t bad at all.”

                Hey Dusty, stay out of that until desert.

“A little heavy on the marsh berry and is that a hint of nange?”

                Storm!  I said stay out of my cooking!  If you know anything about errant stew you should realize that the ingredients have to cool and then be reheated before proper taste and consistency is achieved.

                “Of course we know that, after all Clan Darkmane are descendants of the original survey crew that concocted the stuff.”

                Yeah, you and every other Accordan that’s ever cooked it.

                “You have a problem with Accordans?”

                You could say that Storm.  They tend to be overly proud as well as having a blind spot when it concerns the affairs of the rest of the galaxy. 

                “Why you . . .”

                “Storm, don’t.  He’s a Clan Lord so just calm down, besides he’s from Accordia.”

                “If that were true why would he put it down like that?”

                “Please forgive my friend, he was raised on Accordia for a short time.  And you have to realize that we have family still living there.”

                Not to worry, I won’t hold it against you or your Clan.  And Storm, I can say such things because I’ve seen the truth of things for myself.  I may be dead to them, but I still maintain some links to my home.

                “Then you should know that not everyone is sitting around waiting to be attacked.  The elder son of the Dacat family died to save the planet and even now Dusty’s little brother is training a group to protect the planet.”

                Rusty never said anything about having an older brother.  Besides the ADL will never be strong enough, on it’s own, to protect Accordia from major threats like Kindra.  Pirates and raiders maybe but even then Dawna’s Trouble Makers could probably take them out.

                “Wait, you know Rusty?”

                I may be Lord Lightstripe now but I used to be Tigris Dacat, and Rusty is my best friend and foster brother.  Hell, I’m the one that’s been supplying the ADL with military grade star fighters and they still aren’t good enough to go up against the Trouble or, heaven forbid, the Malevolent.

                “Wow.”

                So is the food done yet?  The errant stew is ready to be reheated and I want it ready just in time for dessert.

End Log

Entry 60

                Well, we’ve reached the Lightstripe Clan lands.  The boundary is marked by a low wall, about two feet high, of carefully stacked black stone that seems to run from horizon to horizon.  We’ve been making good time and Dusty assures me that we’ll reach the boundary to the Sacred Lands by nightfall.

End Log

Entry 61

                We’ve reached the boundary to the Lightstripe Sacred Lands.  This wall is approximately four foot tall and made of white stones.  It too seems to run from horizon to horizon.  When I get back into space again I’ve got to get a picture of the territory that is contained within the walls just to have an idea of how large it truly is.  We’ve asked the Darkmane’s to spend the evening with us.  They’ve agreed and we’ll all set off in the morning though they’ll be returning to civilization and Trace and I will be setting out into the unknown.

End Log

Entry 62

                Man I’m exhausted; Trace and I have been marching since dawn.  We’ve been traveling primarily in a straight line and I’m hoping that the temple, or whatever the Sanctuary is, is in head of us.  Damn, I hurt worse from walking than I did from riding.  Technically speaking this is the longest I’ve been planet side since I left Accordia.  I’m not counting Hollow Base due to the fact that it is more of a space station with a really big park than a planet.

Either I’m starting to fit in or I’m just sick of everyone else being cooler than I am.  I’ve changed into a pair of shorts and the ripped up T-shirt that I usually wear when making repairs on Hunter.  And I’m seriously thinking about cutting the shorts shorter and ripping the midriff off the T-shirt so that it’s only there to protect my shoulders from the sun and my pack straps.  I just wish I’d thought to get a pair of sandals before setting out.  Also I’m eating less of my rations and more of the creatures Trace has been catching.  Though I do set up my cooker so that it isn’t raw.

                “Hey Dad, don’t you think it’s time to get moving again?”

                Yeah, yeah I’m coming.

End Log

Entry 63

                Well this part of the trip may be longer than I had planned.  We didn’t travel far today, due to the fact that I slept till noon.  Oh well, I guess there’s no rush but I’ve set my headset to wake me in the morning.  I also left a message for Meonii in Hunter’s computer.  I’m really not supposed to contact anyone except to return but I’m not really communicating with anyone since I’m only leaving messages and not retrieving any. 

End Log

Entry 64

                Well, so much for keeping a schedule.  We came to a stream a bit after noon so we stopped for lunch and ended up spending the rest of the afternoon playing in the water. I figure at this rate we’ll reach the sanctuary sometime late tomorrow or maybe the next day if nothing else comes up.

End Log

Entry 65

                It seems that we’ve arrived.

                “You can say that again.”

                The temple is sitting on a stone platform and is at least two stories high with a third story dome.  The stream that we played in yesterday is flowing down the steps.  Either the temple was designed to be that way or there’s a plumbing problem. 

                “Just our luck, someone left the water running for the last few thousand years.”

                Better that than a backed up toilet.

                “Oh man, that would have to be a major blockage.  No wonder everyone left.”

                Anyway as I was saying, the main building is a round domed structure surrounded by stone steps that lead up to the main level.  Columns of black stone surround the structure.  To each side and slightly to the rear are square or rectangular buildings that also sit on the dais and are surrounded by columns.

                “So what are we standing around for?  Let’s go in.”

                All right I’m coming.

                “Oh wow, I thought the outside was impressive, but this is incredible.”

                The area inside the domed building is completely open.  Twin staircases rise on either side of the door to a balcony that circles the second story.  In the center is a fountain made up of basins rising to the second level.  Water is flowing from the small top basin, when it reaches the bottom basin it flows over the edge into a small pool forming the outlet to the stream.  Here inside it is obvious that the stream is an integral part of the temple’s construction.  At the back of the building is another doorway that is hidden until one moves past the fountain.  The walls are covered in tapestries depicting what I’m guessing to be the history of the Lightstripe Clan.  The back doorway leads to a courtyard with a pool in the center.  The area is heavily overgrown with weeds and the pool is extremely brackish.

                “You’re describing it as though it’s just another building.”

                Well, it is just another building.  I admit it’s impressive and it is supposed to be the most revered temple on Shendria; but I’ve seen a building that is nearly identical in construction. You see, Nightiger’s home on Snarion is constructed much the same way.  There are some differences, the main one being that there isn’t a fountain in the Snarion temple. If he kept the basic design then the building to the right is the dormitory and on the left are the offices and kitchens.  At the back is the main gathering area, a classroom, and the Lord’s private quarters.

                “Whatever, I’m going exploring.”

All right but don’t go far.  It’s been a long time since anyone’s been here and we don’t know who or what may have taken up residence. 

                “Tay, Dad.”

                (Sigh) I wonder if I was this much of a handful for my parents?  Man, I’m really not ready to be a parent, especially the parent of a shifter.  It’s like having three children in one.  What’s worse is he really doesn’t have a trace of respect for any rules; and I’m not sure how I’m going to deal with that.  On Accordia everyone is raised to respect the rules from birth and even though there are a few that chafe at them no one willingly breaks the rules. Except for me, and now my friends as well. 

Great, what an example to be setting.  Look at me, I broke the rules and was exiled from my home.  Now I’m a Planetary Lord of a secret planet, have a son that breaks rules every chance he gets, and a bartender from a backwater world in the middle of nowhere expects me to save the galaxy from the greatest evil it’s faced since the great purges.

Now I’m out here in the wilderness, with my son, in a temple where I’m expected to have some great revelation that will help me deal with it all.  And all I’ve found so far is that the temple is a rather rundown structure that was the original inspiration of the Nightiger residence on Snarion.  The courtyard is overgrown and filled with weeds and the tapestries, now that I’ve had a good look at them, are faded and possibly beyond all hope of repair.

                “I find that when things seem to be at their worst they have a way of working themselves out for the best.”

                Oh great, now I’m hearing things as well.

                “You were looking for a revelation well here I am.”

                All right this isn’t funny who are you?

                “At the very back of the balcony just over the entrance to the courtyard it a concealed panel.  Activate it and all will be revealed.”

                Uh yeah, oh tay.

                “Hey Dad, who was that you were talking to? And don’t tell me you were just making a log entry because I heard two voices.”

                I’m not sure, but we’re going to find out.

                “Sounds like trouble, good thing I’m furry at the moment.”

                Trace, there are times when it is better to keep ones weapons hidden when entering an unknown situation.

                “All right my claws are sheathed, but doesn’t that mean you should hide yours as well?”

                Uh yeah, thanks I hadn’t even realized I’d shifted my hand.  Well here’s the control pad; shall we see what it does?

                “I’m ready.”

                Here goes. Whoa!  I thought I was ready for anything but having the floor extend out over the top of the fountain was a surprise.  Oh I see; the top bowl only has water trickling from a small area around the rim.  In the center is a platform slightly higher than the water level but it is completely hidden from view even from the landing.

                “So what is it?”

I’m betting that it’s an elevator to a larger complex hidden beneath the temple.

                “Then what are we waiting for? Lets go.”

                I don’t see any controls so it must activate automatically when we step on it.

                “Whoa, don’t you think we’re dropping a bit fast?”

                Not really it’s about the same as any modern lift.

                “Yeah but this one should be several thousand years old!”

                In that case you might be right.  Never mind we’ve stopped.

                “Please place you thumb on the door switch.”

                “Dad, what’s that?”

                It’s a genetic lock like the one on the weapon case in the arena.  I guess only those who are genetic descendents of the Lightstripe Clan are allowed beyond this point.  There, that takes care of that.

                “Please place you thumb on the door switch.”

                “It doesn’t seem to have worked.”

                That, or you also have to prove that you’re a Lightstripe.

                “Does it hurt?”

                Yes, but only a little bit.

                “Mmm, all right.”

                “Access granted.”

                “You’re right it didn’t hurt that bad at all.”

                “Welcome, Lord Prowler.  I have been waiting a very long time to meet you.”

                “Who are you and how do you know my Dad?”

                “I am Seer Lightstripe, and just who are you little one?”

                “Don’t call me little one.  I’m Trace now how do you know my Dad?”

                “Trace Dacat!  But you shouldn’t be here yet.  This isn’t your time, how is this possible?”

                And just what is that supposed to mean?  He is my son and therefore a Lightstripe that gives him every right to be here.

                “No, no it’s not that.  He is not due to arrive for at least a thousand years.  This possibility was unforeseen.  Perhaps there will be another Trace Dacat.  As for how I know your father I have been waiting a long time to meet him.”

                You said that before but it still doesn’t answer the question.

                “I can see the future and so make preparations for it.  My duty is to train him to be Lord Lightstripe and prepare him for his destiny.”

                I’m sorry to disappoint you but I don’t believe in destiny.  The future is not set.   All living things have the ability to change the future through every action they take.  You say you can see the future yet you did not expect to see Trace with me.

                “I believed that The Homeless One did not have any children and that the Dacat line would continue through his brother Davit.  But that does not mean that I was wrong it only means that this possibility was not important enough to be seen.  It does not change the fact that in a thousand years one known as Trace Dacat will arrive to assist the Chosen of the Kah-Har’s return.”

                And who is this person you call the Chosen of the Kah-Har?

                “The Chosen of the Kah-Har is the one believed to be the destroyer and creator.  The Kah-Har believe that whenever there is great change in the galaxy the Chosen One is there.  You are the current manifestation of the Chosen One.  However you will die before your work is completed.”

                Well isn’t that nice.  If you’re so smart who will be the chosen after me?

                “That information remains hidden to me.”

                How many times have I died?

                “What?”

                How many times have I died?  It seems like a simple enough question.

                “You are standing before me, therefore you have not died.”

                Wrong, I’ve died three times now.  The first time I died was when I left my home.  I betrayed my family, religion, and planet.  It was then that Tigris Dacat died.  The second time was when I escaped from Kindra that was when Commander Dacat died.  The third time I died was in the Arena when I faced Spitfire Shadowrunner.  If I hadn’t broken the rules and called for my ship I would be dead.  That was when Jahar Træn died. Did you foresee any of that?

                “As I said you are standing here before me, therefore you are not dead.  Though by your way of thinking you will suffer one more death before your true death.  Still, whether you believe that I can see the future or not is irrelevant.  I am here to teach you how to be Lord Lightstripe, as well as other important skills.  All that I ask is that you turn off your log and leave your arm behind during your training.  You must rely on your own abilities rather than the trappings of the technological world.”

                I’ll turn off my log, however I am not so stupid as to train in one area at the expense of loosing skill in another. So I’ll be keeping my artificial arm, for now.

End Log

Entry 66 (25)

                Meonii, I know it’s been a month since my last message.   Technically I’m not supposed to be communicating with the outside world at all.  However, I just want to reassure you that Trace and I are safe and doing well.  It seems that we will be here for some time to come so please, try not to worry.  Prowler out.

End Log

Entry 67 (26/6.1)

                Trace and I have been here a year now and during that time I’ve supposedly learned many things.  Though in truth, I haven’t learned much that I didn’t already know from my time aboard the Malevolent.  Seer may claim to be able to see the future but he really doesn’t seem to know anything about my past.  I’m allowing him to believe that I’m just a fast learner.  The most important skill I’ve learned in my time here is meditation.  No, check that, the most important skill I’ve learned over the past year has been parenting.  Trace is finally starting to follow some rules and I’ve found that dealing with a shifter isn’t as difficult as I had first imagined.

                On another note, I’ve discovered that the crystal that Arlen gave me is more than just a shard of decorative stone.  It gets warm and begins to glow whenever I’m in danger.  The first time I really noticed was when I was sparring with an opponent in the training chamber.  I had fumbled a complicated maneuver and my robotic opponent went for a kill.  Suddenly I fell backward for no reason.  I turned this to my advantage but if I hadn’t fallen, I would have been killed since Seer doesn’t believe in using any form of safety protocols during training.

The incident that confirmed my suspicion took place while I was out in the grassland meditating.  Actually, I had fallen asleep.  When I woke up I discovered that a grass viper had decided to take advantage of my warmth.  I disturbed it when I moved.  It struck me sinking its fangs into my synthetic arm. The crystal began to glow just before the snake struck.   The snake was on my right side yet it crossed over me to strike my artificial left arm.  The shard also reacts when around the clear gem that Seer wears.  I’ve asked him about his gem and Arlen’s shard and all he’ll say is that they are gifts from the Kah-Har and I should feel blessed to have a friend that would share that gift with me.

                “Hey Dad, we’re supposed to clean the pond again.  Oh and Seer wants you to do the weeding in the garden as well.  And I was wondering if, when we were finished, we could go out to the stream and do a bit of fishing before dinner?”

                That sounds good to me. If we get everything done we might even be able to get in a bit of time in the training chamber after dinner.

                “Cool, what game should we play this time?”

                It’s your turn to pick.

                “All right, let’s hurry up and get the work done then.”

End Log

Entry 68 (26.7)

                It’s been seven months since my last entry.  Training is over and we’re making our way back to the edge of the Sacred Lands.  Seer had some disturbing things to tell me as I left but no matter what he says I’m sticking to my belief that the future is not completely set.  By tomorrow we’ll reach the boundary.  Once there I’ll send a message to the Darkmanes to let them know that we need a ride back to the Clan City.

End Log

Entry 69

                We’ve reached the border and I’ve sent off a message to Hunter to have Meonii contact the Darkmanes for our journey home.  We’re following the same path that we journeyed out on so they should be able to find us even though we're continuing on foot. 

                I’m still not ready to record what Seer had to say before we left.  However, I do believe it is important that I mention that he told Trace that he would see him when he returned.  He also gave each of us a crystal shard much like the one I got from Arlen except that these are clear.  He made it a point that I was to give mine to my mate since I already had a shard of my own.  I believe that Seer can actually see some events that take place in one of many possible futures where those events directly affect him.   Then he enters suspended animation until the time of his vision.  That or he is from the same race as Arlen; which is possible since he did seem to know Arlen and they both have the same type of gems.

                Another thing I want to add to my log is that Seer insisted Trace and I learn to shield our minds from mental attack as part of our meditation training.  I’m still not sure if I know what I’m doing but he seemed to think that I have an inborn genetic talent to resist mental manipulation and that I’ve passed this trait to Trace.

“Hey, Dad, isn’t that the Blade Hunter?”

                Yeah, but I thought this was a no fly zone.

                “TECHNICALY IT STILL IS.  NOW IF YOU TWO WILL GET ABOARD WE CAN GET OUT OF HERE BEFORE WE’RE CAUGHT!”

                There the hatch is sealed.  Now, why are you out here? Not that I’m complaining as this is much easier than walking back to the Clan City.

                “I’m here because Clan Darkmane is currently in a state of turmoil.  It seems a member of their clan on Accordia has unexpectedly experienced First Shift.  To make matters worse I’m the messenger in charge of the Tre’Est sector and Gateway so the Clan didn’t know about it in time to get a proper guide to Accordia.  So the resident Accordan shifter had to be his guide.  It seems that she was one of his friends so the match worked even though she is a member of Clan Destiny.  As you might imagine ordinarily a lioness wouldn’t be a good choice of guide for a horse.”

                Clans Darkmane and Destiny, oh great, as if my life isn’t complicated enough.

                “What do you mean?”

                Do you know their names?

                “I only know which clans they are affiliated with as the Darkmane doesn’t have a name until he is accepted into his Clan here on Shendria.  Now as I was saying, both Clans Destiny and Darkmane have been arguing over which clan the new member is to join due to the unique guide situation.  To settle the argument they took the matter before Lord Shadowrunner.  His ruling was that because the situation has become so complicated the new shifter has to pass the right of combat in the arena.  Neither Darkmane nor Destiny is satisfied with this ruling since the new member is Accordan and may not survive the right of combat.  Not liking Lord Shadowrunner’s decision they put their disagreement aside and sent a messenger to me hoping that I could get in contact with you.  After all you’re the only one that can overrule Lord Shadowrunner.  It was a dangerous move on their part but Dusty, the messenger, said that you had a personal stake in this and that you wouldn’t let his brother die in the arena.”

                From bad to worse, the situation has just become even more complicated if the Darkmane is Rusty.

                “How can things get worse?”

                If it is Rusty then there are three clans involved rather than two.  Family structures on Accordia are a delicate matter especially when they deal with the four most prominent families.

                “Let me guess. Three of those families are Dacat, Darkmane, and Destiny.”

That’s right. It is the custom for the eldest offspring from each family to be joined either by marriage or through mutual adoption.

                “So what your saying is that through this system you and Dusty are brothers. How does that make things any different?”

                My family didn’t know about Dusty. Hell, as far as I know even Rusty doesn’t know he has an older biological brother.  As far as he knows I’m his only older brother.

                “But he isn’t your biological brother and you’re dead on Accordia anyway?”

                Biology, fostering, adoption it doesn’t matter.  Well, actually, it does but not in a good way because Rusty is older than my biological brother, he is now considered the Dacat heir. Which I guess proves that mutual adoption is actually considered more important than biology.

                “When we get back to Clan City I just want you to know I’m not leaving this ship until this is all over with. I also want to know just how many brothers you have. That way I’ll know who to avoid insulting at family reunions.”

                Hah, like I’ll be able to attend any family reunions, remember I’m not allowed to go home.  And for the record I have four brothers.  Davit Dacat is my biological brother.  Rusty Darkmane is my brother through mutual adoption. And then there’s the twins Ryune and Stayve Starseeker who are my foster brothers through the Stripe Clan on Snarion.

End Log

Entry 70

                We’re currently in orbit over Shendria.  I’m waiting for the Darkmane shuttle to land and Rusty to be taken into custody.  I figure it’s best that he doesn’t know what I have planned for him.

                “What is it with you and that log?”

Call it a form of meditation. It allows me to think out loud and have a record of my thoughts for review later.

                “It seems more like an addiction.”

                Ha hah! Well, that is another possibility and I’ve heard that suggestion from more than a few sources.  So has the Grand Council convened yet?

                “They’re still convened for our son’s naming ceremony.  Which was put on hold for your right of combat and then for your little trip out to the Lightstripe sanctuary.”

                Oops, we uh, already had the ceremony at the sanctuary.

                “Oh really, and just what names did you come up with?”

                You know, when you look at me like that I can’t help but feel like a cornered nelk.

                “Good; that’s just the way you should feel.  Now what is OUR son’s name?”

                “I’m Trace Rook Dacat Wild Lightstripe. Trace for my actions, Rook for my grandfather, Dacat for my ancestor, Wild for myself, and Lightstripe for my Clan.”

                “Rook, as in Lord Rook Shadowrunner?  But how did you know that was the name I had chosen?”

                “Seer told me that would be your choice.  He thinks he knows everything.”

                Speaking of Seer, he had a gift for you.

                “A crystal shard?  He had a crystal like Arlen's gem?”

                Yeah, except his was clear.

                “Well then, I guess it is possible that he knows everything.”

                I take it you’re not going to toss me out the nearest airlock then?

                “You get a reprieve this time”

                “Sir, the Darkmane shuttle has landed and Lords Destiny, Darkmane, and Shadowrunner are trying to contact you on separate channels.”

                Thank you, Hunter, well it looks like we’re about to set off a firestorm.

                “Just remember what I said, I’m not leaving this ship until the flames have died down.”

                As you wish, but you’re going to miss some absolutely fantastic fire works.

                “Obviously you’ve never had the displeasure of dealing with burned fur.”

                Hunter, inform the Lords that I’ll be meeting with them tomorrow morning GS.  I want to spend some time with my family before I have to deal with them.  Besides it’ll give the really flammable material time to evaporate.

                “Or to reach its flash point.  I take it you feel like a bit of rest will help you deal with them?”

                No, I thought you could rough me up a bit.

                “Mmmmmrrrrr.   That can be arranged as well.”

End Log

Entry 71

                “This council has decided that you have proven yourself to be the true heir to the title of Lord Lightstripe.  Therefore we now declare you, Lord of Clan Lightstripe.”

                “Lord Lightstripe, we the Clan Lords of Shendria hereby swear loyalty to you and give you full power over this council and all of Shendria.”

                Great Lords, you honor me much more than I deserve.  I have come before you as a nameless, exile and you have made me your Lord.  I thank you, and I intend to rule with an open mind and a warm heart.

                “Lord Lightstripe, while this Grand Council is assembled are there any changes you wish to make regarding laws or traditions?”

                Yes Lord Darkmane, there are some changes I wish to make.  The first change is that every person in every Clan is to have a name that is given to them at birth.  An individual's name provides a direction in life.  A being without a name is like a person without a home, lost and alone even surrounded by those that love him.  I have experienced this loss of identity and it is not a punishment I would wish on anyone.  However the tradition of giving a shifter his expanded name after the right of First Shift will continue.

                The next changes I wish to address deal with the right of trial by combat.  From this day forward as long as a shifter can prove that he is a member of the clans through shifting or through genetic tests then that individual does not have to pass the right of combat.  A record is to be made of each Clans genetic markers and a copy is to be sent to Gateway Station.  There a preliminary test will be administered to determine whether or not the individual will be allowed entry to the gates.  Once the individual has arrived here on Shendria he will again be tested by his chosen Clans Lord.  Each of you may devise whatever test you deem appropriate for your Clan with one restriction the tests cannot cause permanent injury or death.

                Any clan member that passes the genetic test but not the test of shifting may only visit Shendria.  To remain as residents non-shifters must pass the traditional right of combat.  However neither party is allowed to kill the other.  The Right of Trial by Combat is to be a ritual combat from now on.  If the one who is applying to become a resident fails the test they can reapply after spending at least one year away from Shendria.

                “Lord Lightstripe, what about the individual know, as Arlen Sundowner.  He is not a shifter yet Shendria Lightstripe gave him the freedom to travel unobstructed through any gate as well as inviting him to live here on Shendria.”

                Arlen Sundowner retains all rights and privileges that have been reserved for him.  It seems he has been a longtime friend of Shendria as well as being a positive force for many downtrodden beings in the galaxy at large.  I will not be the first to place restrictions on him.

                “Lord Lightstripe, with your permission, I would like to go and free the newest member of Clan Darkmane from confinement if you have finished.”

                Permission denied on both counts.  As this meeting has taken place after his application to become a citizen of Shendria he is to be the last confirmed shifter that must pass the right of combat.

                “Lord Lightstripe, I must protest.  This Darkmane is Accordan and so is not trained to fight.  His guide and teacher from Clan Destiny has done her best but still he will not survive the right of combat.”

                Lord Summerrevel, I know this Darkmane, and he is well able to take care of himself.  As to his challenger being able to kill him well, that won’t be a problem since I plan on being his challenger.

                “This is unheard of, no Clan Lord has ever entered the Arena as a challenger.”

                I understand your concerns, Lord Shadowrunner, however the situation is not as simple as it seems.  Rusty Darkmane is my foster brother.  As such he has the right to face a member of Clan Lightstripe.  As my son Trace is too young to be a challenger that only leaves me. To calm your fears I will not be fighting to kill Rusty.  This will be a battle to base the new right of combat on.  We will both be trying to incapacitate the other without causing permanent damage.  No matter what the final out come is Rusty will be joining Clan Darkmane.  If he wins the competition then he will also be considered an honor member of Clan Lightstripe.  This will give him all the Lightstripe privileges but none of the ruling power.  That power will remain with Clan Shadowrunner while I am not here on Shendria.

                “Lord Lightstripe, I don’t know what you’ve been told but once you become a Lord you can never leave Shendria.”

                This council sent me out to the Lightstripe Sanctuary to experience a revelation.  I did this and I discovered that I am to forever be Prowler, the Homeless One.   I will never be allowed to stay in one place for more than three years.  I will suffer this exile for the rest of my natural life.  Now if you will excuse me I have a battle to prepare for.

End Log

Entry 72

                “So let me get this straight.  You’re going to fight Rusty, but he won’t recognize you because you’ve grown a beard and you have a few scars?  Sorry, but I just don’t buy it.  There is no way that you will be able to fool him, even if you play mute.”

                Well, I’ve got that covered. I’ve had a vocal distorter implanted so that I can change the sound of my voice.

                “If you’ve gone to all that trouble then the least you can do is allow me add makeup to your face so that you really do look different.”

                How will a bit of makeup change my looks all that much?

                “Never discount the effects of makeup.  Here, if you’ll just give me a couple minutes . . . there. Here’s a mirror, what do you think?”

                I’m convinced.  The scars look so real that I barely recognize myself, though I can go one step further.  By modifying the contact it will appear that the false scars include that eye being ruined.

                “That’s pretty good, and it’s only a quick job.  Before you go into the arena I’ll work a bit longer on it and you’ll be perfect.  Of course you won’t be able to fool any shifters by modifying your looks.”

                Why is that?

                “We’re not as limited in our perceptions as base line humans.  Our vision and hearing you can confuse but our sense of smell is something that no one has yet been able to defeat.  True you could mask your scent, but by doing so it becomes obvious that you have something to hide.”

                Well Rusty wasn’t a shifter when last we saw each other so it is doubtful he’ll recognize my scent, and since he’s the only one I have to fool, it should be all right.  Now I’m off to do a bit of taunting and to actually register my challenge.  Then I’ll be back to prepare for the match.

                “That’s fine, I’ll be right here until this is all over.”

End Log

Entry 73

                Hey Dusty, I take it you’re going to register as Rusty’s challenger?

                “Who . . . Oh, Lord Lightstripe, I didn’t recognize you at first.  It seems your trip out to the sanctuary must have been quite eventful.  Anyway, yeah that’s where I’m headed.  I’m just hoping Errant can convince him that joining Clan Darkmane is the best choice.  I have to admit I’m not excited about having to fight my brother but I figure it’s his best chance for surviving.”

                About that, how much older are you?

                “I’m three years his elder, why?”

                Oh, I was just wondering how you avoided the Darkmane responsibility for family alliance.

                “When I was born I tested positive as having a dominant shifting gene.  Of course that didn’t mean I’d experience First Shift.  However it was a good possibility, so the records were altered and I was sent here to be raised by my Clan.”

                To bad, it would have been interesting having you as an older brother.

                “Oh Gods you mean . . .”

                Yeah.

                “Well this complicates things.  If you try to convince the council not to put Rusty through the trial by combat they may see it as favoritism.  I guess I really will have to fight him.”

                I’ve already spoken to the Council.

                “So the challenge is off?”

                Actually, not only does he have to endure the challenge but he also has to fight me.

                “You!  But you’re a Clan Lord! This is unheard of.  No Clan Lord can fight in the arena except when there is a challenge to Clan Leadership.”

                So everyone keeps telling me.

                “Then you’re going to go and taunt him now?”

                That’s what I was planning on but perhaps I’d better not.  There is too much risk of him figuring out who I am if we play that game again.  Besides he was always better at taunting than I was.  Instead I’d like you and Errant to meet me on the Hunter in half an hour, if you can convince her to come.

                “Oh we’ll be there, Lord Lightstripe.  Even if I have to drag her there by her tail.”

                I doubt that’ll be necessary, just tell her the Ghost Source wants to see her.  Oh, and make certain she doesn’t see Rusty after you tell her that.  And another thing, just call me Prowler.

End Log

Entry 74

                Errant Destiny, Dustrunner Darkmane, Meonii Shadowrunner, and Trace Lightstripe; I’ve asked you to meet with me in order to make preparations for the possibility that something might go wrong in the arena.

                “The only way anything could go wrong is if you’re killed.”

                “I find it wrong that Rusty’ll be fighting a Lord to begin with.  Especially you Tigris, you’ve had more training that any of us in the ADL.  You’ve shown us time and again that you’re better than all of us put together.  What’s worse if Rusty figures out that he’s fighting you he might quit.  Do you realize how much it hurt him when he discovered it was you that we were fighting after your little ‘training exercise’?  And then to add insult to injury you refused his offer to lead us.  The best you could do was provide a few weapons and a little training.”

                Errant, you’ve lived on Accordia so you know that I can never return.  And I’m sure you know Rusty pretty well but . . .

                “Know him?  Damn I figured you’d have realized that I’m his mate.  After my sister died it was obvious to House Destiny that I’d have to be the one to consummate the alliance to House Dacat.  Even though I’d experienced First Shift, I was required to return to Accordia.  Then you went and got yourself exiled, your brother was already married so the only way for me to fulfill my responsibility was to enter into an alliance with House Darkmane.  Of course I didn’t have a problem with that since Rusty and I had always been fond of each other. Hell, we’d be married now if he hadn’t experienced First Shift.  If Dawna hadn’t died, and you two had been married as arranged, I’m sure she would have been able to talk you out of joining Kindra in the first place.”

                Uh, you do realize that if I hadn’t joined Kindra, Rusty would have?

                “Did you say that your sister’s name was Dawna?”

                Meonii, now is not the time or place.

                “Yeah what of it.”

                Damn it, this isn’t the time or place for that conversation.  Errant, you’re sister isn’t dead, but with everything that has happened to her she may as well be.  Perhaps if I live through this fight I’ll tell you the story.  That’s the reason I called you all here.  If I’m killed I want you four to defend Rusty until you can escape.  My death is a real possibility; since I’m planning on loosing and making it look convincing.

                “You gotta be kidding.”

                No Trace I’m not kidding.  Since I’m going to be the challenger you’ll be the Guardian for Clan Lightstripe.

                “I think he’s wondering is why we have to defend Rusty.  Now I can understand Errant and Dusty’s reasons but why is it that Trace and I have to break the traditions and become outcasts?”

                If I’m killed then Rusty is the only one that can take Kindra down.  He is the only other person in the galaxy that has complete access to everything I’ve been working on at Hollow Base.  He can also take over Shadow Tech Industries and all of its accounts.

                “All right, all right we’ll defend him; but then what?  It’s not like we’ll make it out of the arena alive.”

                In the event that I’m critically injured or killed Hunter will automatically activate.  It will only take him four minutes to reach the arena.  So all you have to do is stay alive until then.  I’ve already plotted a freem jump to the Gateway.  Once trough any of you should be able to bluff your way past Gateway Station.  After that, where you go is up to you. 

                “Great we’ll all be exiles then.”

                “Don’t worry about it Dusty.  I’ve been to Hollow Base with Rusty and it isn’t that bad a place to be exiled to.”

“Thanks that's reassuring, but I’d rather they both live through this.”

                Well that’s the plan.  I don’t expect anything to go wrong but my experience has been that it’s always best to have a backup plan.  After all I’ve died before and I’m still here to tell the tale.

End Log

Entry 75

                Well, here I am once again.  It’s obvious I’m going to have to re-edit this entry, if I’m alive to do so, of course.  Rusty is currently placing the crests.  He did a double take when he saw Trace.  Heh, I bet he was surprised to see a kid was a Guardian.  Why that little sneak, he’s got my headset.  It seems I’m going to have to change the lock my safe, again.  I hadn’t even considered that he would be able to get into it with the new security codes in place.

                Oh crap!  I hadn’t even thought of the fact that Rusty’s been reading and viewing my logs.  If he recognizes Meonii I’m busted.  Well it seems that he didn’t notice so I might be able to pull this off.

                “Great Lords of Shendria I have come to take my place among the Clans.  I hereby join Clan Darkmane.”

                Great, I hadn’t realized that the Darkmane weapon was a staff.  That gives him a major advantage in reach.  One last adjustment and I’m headed into the ring.  Log recorder convert to audio transponder and download to headset.

End Log

Entry 76 [Trace’s Log]

                Man, I hope Dad isn’t to mad about me taking his headset.  I can see him staring at me.

                “Voice log downloading to headset, audio transponder converted.”

                I guess that means I’m not in too much trouble.

                “Who are you?”

                “I’m your challenger.”

                Whoa, that was quite an introduction.  Dad pushed Rusty’s staff aside and left a cut on his cheek.  There’s a lot of blood.

                “You’re not a member of Clan Darkmane.”

                Ow, that had to hurt, Rusty just nailed Dad’s side with a solid blow.

                “If you were expecting to fight a weak pacifistic Accordan then I suggest you give up now.”

                Hah, he blocked that one! Oh damn, Rusty followed through and tripped him.  Good, he rolled out of it before Rusty could hit him again.

                “You know, you could at least keep from making me look like a complete idiot.”

                “There’s no such thing as honor in battle, only a winner and a looser. Besides, you never needed any help looking like an idiot.”

                “So be it, just remember you’re not allowed to kill me.

                That’ll show him. Dad just raked his “claws” across Rusty’s chest.  NO!  Oh no, the Knar’tosh lodged in Rusty’s staff and Dad’s unarmed.”

                “Well that sucks.”

Well, that’s the end of that, Dad’s been knocked unconscious so the battle’s over.

                “Combat is over, Lord Lightstripe has been defeated.”

                “Lord Lightstripe, is it?  Well that’s interesting, I always said he was a royal pain.”

                You know him? 

                “Yeah kid I know him.  Hell, we grew up together and he thinks that a bit of makeup and a voice masker is going to fool me?  Not likely.”

“Initiate Darkmane what are your names?”

                “I am Rusty Darkmane of the Accordia Darkmanes, Thunderfoot of Shendria, and I am the Ghost’s Shadow.”

                Uh oh, we’ve got a problem!  This headset is telling me that Dad’s in trouble.  Comlink on, Hunter we need you here now!

                “Hunter is already in route, arrival in two minutes.”

                We may not have two minutes. 

                “No this can’t be happening, I didn’t think I hit him that hard.  We’ve got to get him to a medical facility.”

                Help is on its way. Right now we have to concentrate on protecting you.  If Dad dies before he leaves the ring the Clan Guardians are still required too kill you.  Help me get the Knar’tosh unstuck from your staff.

                “Trace, forget that Hunter’s here let’s get Prowler on board and in the med. tank.”

End Log

Entry 77

                “Dad’s in the med. tank and we’re in orbit over the planet again.  Rusty was able to override Hunter’s programming so that we could stay here.  Dad wasn’t kidding when he said that Rusty has access to everything he’s created.  Speaking of Uncle Rusty, since Hunter only has the one tank he’s going to have scars from Dad’s claws but the minor cut on his face is completely healed.  Later I’m going to get him to show me how to access Dad’s logs so that I can . . .”

                I guess it’s a good thing I’m out of the tank then.  There are things in my log that you shouldn’t be seeing until you’re older.  Though I can give you a copy of the edited version if you like.

                “Ah, Dad, that ain’t fair.”

                “Nothing in this life is fair, Trace.  If it was fair then you wouldn’t be here since your Dad would still be on Accordia.  Now go on up to the cockpit and help your Mom and Errant land this thing.  I’ve got to talk to your Dad about a few things.”

                “You just don’t want me listening in.  All right I’m gone.”

                “And you said you’d never . . .”

                Just a minute Rusty, Hunter shut down all communication feeds out of this room.

                “Ah man.”

                And activate the communications cloak on my personal quarters, full spectrum, now.

                “Was that really necessary?  I mean it’s not like he’d have the place bugged.”

                Catch.

                “What are these?”

                The bugs he planted the last time he was left alone in here.  It took me a week to find all of those and I’m sure it’ll take longer to find the new ones.  He’s got a real gift for working with high tech gadgetry.  I wouldn’t be surprised if he was able to crack the security programs I’ve used in my log.  Given enough time of course.  Now what did you want to talk to me about?

                “What, no hi Rusty what have you been up to?”

                You’re right where are my manners.  Hi Rusty how have you been?  Attempted to kill any friends lately?  Oh and while we’re at it why aren’t you on the floor groveling before me as befits your station as one of my subjects?

                “My, my they give you a title and it goes straight to your furry little brain.  No wonder I did so much damage to you in the arena.  I popped that planet size ego of yours.”
                Damn Rusty, you know I’ve missed you.

                “I’ve missed you as well Bro.  And now that I’ve caught up with you, I find out you have a son who is as annoying as you are, and you’ve become the Lord of an entire planet.”

                Oh and you haven’t changed?  The latest news I’ve heard is that you’re getting married, you’re experiencing major changes, and you have an older brother.

                “Older brother?  What are you talking about?”

                Oh great. First there’s Errant and Dawna and now you and your brother.  Why is it that everyone feels compelled to hide his or her familial connections?

                “Oh no, you didn’t tell Errant about Dawna did you?”

                Not yet, all she knows is that Dawna is alive.

                “Oh this is just great.”

                I think it’s about time we all had a group meeting.  Hunter, shut down the communications cloak and open all onboard com links.  Everyone currently onboard this ship is expected to meet in my quarters as soon as we’re on the ground.  That is an order. We’re going to air a bit of laundry, Prowler out.

End Log

Entry 78

                Errant Destiny, Rusty Darkmane, Dustrunner Darkmane, Trace Lightstripe, and Meonii Shadowrunner I’ve called this little group meeting in order to clear the air.  It seems that we all have some dirty little secrets that need to be cleaned up. 

First off Errant, we’ll begin with you.  Dawna Destiny, your sister, is alive though the way she is now you may have been happier believing that she was dead.  I’m not sure what happened on Oith and frankly neither is she.  I met her on the Malevolent.  She was training to be a gunner and that alone makes her dead on Accordia.  We had a close relationship until Kindra found out.  She tortured Dawna, ejected her in an escape pod, and left her to die slowly drifting in space.  The only reason behind this action was to set a trap for me.

I can guess what you’re thinking why didn’t Kindra just kill me?  I believe her reason was that it just wouldn’t be enough fun to simply kill me she wanted to make me suffer and either attempt to escape or beg for death.  Needless to say I escaped and rescued Dawna.  I got her to a medical facility in time to save her life. Unfortunately I couldn’t save her mind.  When she revived she attacked me and took off.

                “So where is she now?”

                She’s creating havoc in the Temporan Sector with her new pirate group, The Troublemakers.  She isn’t as dangerous as Kindra, yet.  Eventually I’ll have to stop her, after I’ve stopped Kindra. I’m praying that she’ll come to her senses before then.  However for now her main targets are Kindra’s followers so there isn’t a problem.  Though, even if she does remember who she really is, she’ll never be allowed to return to Accordia.

                “Are you sure that she has killed people?”

                I have no doubt about that.

                “What is this about you going after Kindra?”

                I’ll get to that in a moment Meonii.  However, the next secret concerns Rusty.  Dusty, either you have something to say or I do, so which will it be?

                “Well, it isn’t much of a secret, except back on Accordia, so I guess I’ll tell him.  Rusty I’m you’re older brother.”

                “What?  That isn’t possible.”

“When I was born I was tested as having a dominant gene for shifting.  I was sent to Shendria to be raised among the Clan, since it would have been difficult for the family.   Imagine if the Dacat family learned that our family wasn’t as noble as everyone has been led to believe?  Of course we had no idea that the Dacats were in fact the descendants of Clan Lightstripe.  If we had you’d better believe I’d have been raised on Accordia.”

                “So, have you ever been home?”

                “No, on Accordia I don’t exist.  Though in a few years I was supposed to take Errant’s place as the Shendrian representative.”

                “That doesn’t mean you can’t come home for a visit now.  As a matter of fact when Errant and I go back you can join us.  I’m sure I can pull a few strings with the Shendrian Lord to make that happen.  After all, I’ve got a lifetimes worth of blackmail material that I haven’t been able to use until now.”

                Oh, I know that look.  Just remember I have just as much information I could use on you. 

                “Yeah, but I’m not in a position of power and respect like you are.”

                “That’s great, now if you’re all finished swapping secrets my obviously mentally disturbed mate is talking about committing suicide.”

                “What’s so new about that?  If I had to count the number of occasions he’s done something stupid I’d be here for a very long time.  I remember a camping trip . . .”

                Rusty, you’re not helping the situation.  Meonii once we return to the Tra’est sector I’m going to start hitting Kindra in an effort to destroy her.  While I was at the Clan Temple I learned that I have, and will gain, some powerful allies in the coming months and years.  We’ll become powerful enough to stop Kindra. 

                “But why do you have to be the one to go after her?”

                There are two reasons.  The first is because I’m one of the few people that has escaped from her and survived with my mental facilities in tact.  Rusty, don’t say it.

                “Did you have any mental facilities before escaping?”

                “Trace, how did you know what I was going to say?”

                I’m glad to see that you two are getting along.  Now the second reason that I have to be The One is because I may be the only person that doesn’t want to take her place once peace is restored.  All I really want to do is go home.  But we all know that isn’t going to happen.

                “You have a home, it’s here on Shendria as Lord Lightstripe.”

                I do have that choice but if I stay here Kindra will only grow more powerful.  She’ll take over our galaxy and when she rules everything she will eventually find out about Gateway.  Its location cannot be kept secret for long if she has everyone under her thumb.  Either she’ll find the Gateway System itself or she will find one of the gates and end up here.  One way or another she will find us.  Our only hope is to take her down before she becomes that powerful.

                “Speaking of allies, Arlen has been getting messages from the CEO of Fyretech industries.  It seems he is trying to locate Prowler.  From what I hear he believes he owes you for providing information leading to his return to Arrebo.  Since Arlen hasn’t been in contact with you he’s been sending the messages to the ADL.”

                Thanks for relaying the message, Errant.  I was considering getting in touch with Dare eventually.

                “So Dad, when are you planning on starting our crusade?”

                Sorry Trace, but I’m doing this so that you won’t have to.  Now does anyone else have any questions or secrets to get out in the open?

                “Yeah, I’ve got a question.”

                What is it Rusty?
                “When’s lunch, I’m starving.”

                Does anyone have a serious question?

                “Now that you mention it I’m feeling a bit hungry myself.  So anyone know of a good place to eat around here?”

                Trace! Don’t encourage him.

                “Yeah there’s a great little place just off the main boulevard that serves both vegetarians and carnivores.”

                Dusty, come on people stay on topic here.

                “Oh, I know that place.  It isn’t exactly a place to take kids but it isn’t as bad as the Sundowner can be especially in the middle of the day.”

                All right, all right meeting adjourned well discuss anything that comes up during lunch.

                “Way to go Meonii, he obviously knows who’s in charge.”

                I shall have my revenge! Truly I shall.  Now about lunch, do they serve onionic loops with cream garlib sauce?

                “I think so. Why, do you have a craving for some?”

                No, I just know that they’re Rusty’s favorite.

                “Really?”

                “So, just what is it about onionic loops and cream garlib sauce has but both Rusty and Errant so embarrassed?”

                Sorry Dusty but I really don’t know. I just know it used to be one of his favorite foods back on Accordia. Let’s get going. 

                “I am going to make your life hell. You do know that don’t you?”

                I didn’t expect to get that much of a reaction, and yeah I realize that.  Of course you can be assured I’ll never mention this again.  Just one last thing was it as enjoyable as the fantasy?

                “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

End Log

Entry 79

                This will be my last entry for a while.  Meonii and I have discussed how long it will be before I begin my crusade against Kindra.  We agreed to stay another year here on Shendria and after that we’ll spend some time making preparations at Hollow Base while Trace goes to live with Rusty.  We decided it was best for him to get to know both his heritages.  He’ll also be spending some time at the university on Snarion as is required for all members of the Dacat family. I’m sure my brothers are going to spoil him rotten.

I wish . . . If things were different . . . Trace is right, life is unfair but he’ll be safer living on Accordia with Rusty then he would be running around the galaxy fighting Kindra.

End Log

Entry 80 (28.1)

                I’m back online.  It’s been a year and four months, though it only seems like a matter of days.  I just have to keep telling myself that as soon as I’ve taken Kindra down I can return to a normal life.  We’re currently in Hollow Base; Rusty and Trace left a few hours ago.  It’s been those few hours that feel like an eternity.  Rusty promised that we would be able to see Trace anytime we wanted by way of the ADL as well as being able to come and go freely once he was at the University on Snarion.  It helped alleviate some of the pain but only a small bit.

                Currently we’re making preparations to go to the Sundowner and then contact Dare.  Who would have guessed that the ruling family of Arrebo was also the owners of Fyretech industries?  Though it does explain how an Arrebo outcast was able to afford the latest technology for a space racer.

                “Hey Prowler, you ready?”

                Yeah, I just wanted to check on my cruiser's construction progress.

                “The internal skeleton is completed, the engine mountings have been installed and tested, just the same as when we got here. You know it wouldn’t have changed that much in such a short time.”

                You’re right, it’s just that I’ve got a bad feeling about this trip.

                “You’re just feeling anxious since Trace has left.”

                Yeah, you’re probably right about that too.

End Log

Entry 81

                Hey Arlen, what’s up?

                “Oh so you two are back into the thick of things again, I take it?”

                “Yeah, we’ve had our vacation and now we’re out to kick some galactic terrorist ass.”

                Meonii, stop that, remember we’ve still got some planning to do.

                “Well, my advice would be to meet with Mr. Fireshadow.  It seems that his company has invented a new form of communications device but he needs the go ahead from the top to deploy it.”

                That’s nice but what’s it supposed to mean?

                “Oh, well ShadowTech staged a corporate takeover and now owns Space Tech, Fyretech, Freecom, and Sundowner Holdings.”

                And when did this happen?

                “It was a decision made by the Shadow Tech Vice President.”

                Let me guess, that would be one Arlen Sundowner.

                “It’s good that the Corporate President knows his employees.”

                Thanks Arlen, I thought that I’d gotten my life straightened out and on track and now you throw in another complication.

                “Well, if you’re going to save the universe then you’re going to need some working capital.”

                I get the feeling that a certain irritation has been here running his mouth.

                “Ryune was rather silent about the subject but Stayve couldn’t say enough.”

                Damn, and here I figured it was Rusty rather than those two.

                “Rusty did contact me so that I’d get a hold of Dare.  He should be here in an hour or two if he left Arrebo as soon as my message arrived.”

                Well, if he does have a way to speed up communications that’ll definitely help.  The more planets are able to keep in touch with each other the better prepared they’ll be when Kindra . . .

                “PROWLER! Look out!”

                NO! Meonii!

                “So, Dacat, you’re still alive.  Kindra will be pleased when I bring her your head.”

[ED] I didn’t think I reacted. The Knar’tosh slid through his arm and then through his neck as though it was nothing more than air. [ED]

                “Holy shit! What the hell did I walk in on.”

                Not now Dare.  Meonii, hold on. I’ll get you to the Hunter and into the med. tank.

                “It . . . it’s too late for that.  Here take this . . . shard back, it warned me . . . of the attack.  Pro . . . promise me you’ll stop . . . stop her so that our son . . . can live in peace.  I looove yooooou . . .”

                I promise love, I promise.

                “Um Prowler, who was that?”

                That Arlen, was Aarik; Kindra’s private assassin.  He’s the one who murdered Dare’s family.

                “You took him down as though he was an amateur.  Damn, that’s amazing.”

                No Dare, that is years of training and pure hatred.  It is also my first kill.  Funny, I always thought I’d feel more remorse if I ever had to kill but all I feel is pain and emptiness.  Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to take Meonii home.

End Log

Entry 82

                Seer! Get your worthless precognitive ass out here now!  I’ve got some questions that you had better answer!

                “If this holo-message has been activated then Meonii Shadowrunner has died.  I do not know how or where this has happened. All I know is that it was probably at the hands of Kindra or one of her lackeys.  Since you are seeing this then I can only assume that you are Lord Lightstripe and that you have survived.  This means that the future in which you remained on Shendria against my warning has not happened.”

“With my gem I can travel along the time lines. I can see some things but not everything. The only thing I know for certain, is when it is time for me to leave the present and step into the multitude of futures.  Of all the futures I have seen, yours is the most clouded.  When you told me that you make your own destiny you may have been correct.  The best information I can give you is that the most probable futures have you defeating Kindra but after that everything is a blank in all the timelines. I find this very disturbing because, there has never been another time in history where there has been a complete obliteration of reality.”

“My time to move forward has come and since I cannot move backward through time this is likely my final goodbye.  May the Gods be with you, Lord Prowler Lightstripe.  Remember no matter what evil your destiny holds it will be balanced with a greater amount of good.  As they say on Celtis Aranaki brind allahk drannu treay pa’ratha.  Oh wait, you haven’t been there yet it means may your soul remain pure now and forever.”

                You knew, yet you said nothing.  I won’t forget this Seer, and I guarantee I’ll see you again.   I swear that I will end Kindra’s evil once and for all.  Do you HEAR me I swear to my ancestors that I will stop Kindra.

End Log

Entry 83 [Message sent to Accordia]

                Rusty, I need to see you and Trace.  I’ll meet you in two days at the star port on Snarion. I need to talk to my son.  It’s very important that you don’t let anyone know where you’re going or where I am.  It has become extremely dangerous for anyone to be near me.  Also I want you to come on a transport since I have a ship you’ll be returning on.

                                                                                Ghost Source

End Log

Entry 84 28.3

                Oh great, an aerial display from the entire Accordan Defense League.  I was hoping to keep this meeting secret.

                “I know that but we’re all family; and here on Snarion you’re not considered dead.  Here, you are considered a living hero.”

                “Stayve’s right Tig . . . Uh, Prowler.  Besides, even Kindra couldn’t get to you right now. Every single Guardian has been mobilized and we’re on alert.  If Kindra even appears within this sector we’ll know about it.  Fireshadow’s new hyper net communications system is a wonder.  We can communicate with over a hundred planets in the sector already.”

                “That’s not bad when you consider he only started full production a week ago.”

                He still hasn’t cleared it with me yet.

                “I gave him the go ahead.  We didn’t know when you’d be back.”

                Thanks, Rusty.

                “DAD!  Is it true? Is mom . . .”

                Yes Trace, it’s true.

                “Ryune, Rusty, let’s go. They need some time alone.”

End Log

Entry 85 [One day later Snarion time]

                Rusty, I’m leaving Blade Hunter with you.  I want you to give it to Trace when he’s old enough.  I don’t know what will happen from here on out.  I’ve already set things up so that you and Erin are now his legal guardians.

                “You’re talking like we won’t be seeing you again.  We’ll still see you when we come to Hollow Base.”

                I’m not going back to Hollow Base.  I’ve placed almost all of my things in stasis storage.  I have my space racer here as well as my starfighter, which is being stored on the Guardian’s station.

                “But you’ll still . . .”

                I have to leave this sector.  If I operate from here then there is too much of a chance that Kindra will come here.  I’m going to stop at Gateway Station and update my star charts and then I’m going through a gateway.  Don’t ask which one because even I don’t know that yet.  I . . . I’ve all ready told Trace.  I’m doing this in order to draw Kindra away from this sector.

                “In that case I suggest you take Darrin Fireshadow with you.”

                First off I can’t take him through Gateway; and even if I could why would I want to?

                “Because Kindra has placed a bounty on my head that is, at the moment, ten times greater than your bounty.”

                “Hey Dare, I see you made it.”

                “It wasn’t easy.  The Guardians really take security seriously don’t they?”

                Why is it that Kindra has placed such a large bounty on you?

                “Well ah, after you left I sort of returned some trash she had left on Vesuvia.  You see I tracked her down, jumped to her location, and hailed her.  Since I wasn’t armed she was curious as to what I had to say so she didn’t shoot me.  I ran the gauntlet again but this time when I buzzed the bridge I released a pod with her assassin’s remains in it.  I have a recording of the entire thing.  The pod was like a missile since I was within the deflector field. It went right through the main bridge view port.  Unfortunately Kindra was lucky enough to dive into the crew pit as the emergency plates slid into place to protect them.  Now I wish I’d loaded the thing with explosives and then cloaked it but oh well.”

                So how does Kindra know who you are?

                “I signed the pod.  Hell I didn’t even expect to live through the gauntlet up to her bridge so what could it hurt if I signed the pod.  I mean that way she’d at least know my name when they checked the wreckage.”

                Only you survived and now you need a place to hide.

                “Hell no, Kindra survived and now I need allies and a base where I can fight her from.”

                Well, Dare, it seems we have a common goal.  The problem will be getting you to the new base.

                “You know that won’t be a problem since you’re Lord . . .”

                Rusty, not another word I’m Prowler the Homeless One.  I can’t go back there anymore than I can go back to Accordia.

                “Yeah, but it’ll be enough to get you though the station.”

                True, and if I slave Dare’s and my speeder’s controls to my starfighter; I won’t have to come back for them later. Also our friends won’t have to worry about Dare learning about them since he’ll be unconscious.

                “What!”

                G’night, Dare, don’t worry all you’ll be missing is a bit of gate sickness.

                “That wasn’t playing fair.”

                Playing fair will only get me killed from here on out.  Rusty, I’ll continue sending you my logs.  I expect you to edit out any thing that Trace shouldn’t see. However I do want him to have access to them.

                “Don’t worry about it.  I’ll see that he is kept informed.  Now you’d better get going before that sedative wears off.”

                It doesn’t wear off it is self-replicating.  He’ll remain unconscious until I inject the antidote.

                “Oh that really isn’t playing fair.  Where can I get some of that?”

                Sorry, it can only be created on Shendria and thankfully it is reserved to Clan Lords only.  Well you know I hate to say goodbye.

                “I know, just remember if you ever need some back up the ADL will always be at your command, Lord Prowler.”

End Log

Entry 86 (28.4)

                Well, it’s been roughly a month here on Shadow Base.  I believe this will be the perfect place from which to make raids on Kindra’s forces.  It isn’t very large as bases go.  It only has thirteen levels and most of the central four make up the landing area. For the most part I’ve gutted the entire base leaving only the floors and main support struts. There isn’t much I can do about the hanger; but then, there is always the possibility that we’ll need the room at some point.  I guess if we lock down our vehicles in the repair and storage bays we can use the open area to practice zero gravity combat. The floors above and below the hanger I’ve left as storage areas.  Beyond that point it becomes difficult to describe the floors since the gravity is reversed.  So no matter which way you go it is always up.  To this end I’ve simply labeled the floors above the hanger bay, above being relative to the landing surface, as floors one through four starting from the top down to the hanger and those below as floors nine through thirteen.

                Most of the first and second floors are dedicated to a virtual reality chamber.  I know the technology is still in the experimental stages but I’ve studied all the known literature on the subject and I’m confident that the chamber will be invaluable in training.  It still isn’t up to the refinement I want, but it can project realistic environments using force fields and three-dimensional holographic images.  Of course that type of technology has been around for a while.  So, for now, I don’t think we’ll be using it for much more than interactive games and holo-dramas.

I’ve taken the rest of the first floor as my personal quarters.  I have a living room, dining room, small kitchen, pantry, office, escape pod launch bay, and a garden.  I’ve set up a hammock in the garden so that it can double as a bedroom.

The remainder of the second floor is dedicated to the gym and cafeteria area on one side of the VR chamber and the main computer core on the other.  That’s one of the reasons that I decided to have a kitchen on my floor.  There is just something about the combination of exercise equipment, sweat, and synthetic food that just ruins my appetite.  Dare seems to like it and has even provided the robotic staff with several of his favorite recipes.

Oh, I forgot to mention that Dare and I have installed the VR system’s force field and holographic emitters on every floor.  That way we can set up much more complex living quarters.  I’m also planning on routing the matter generator though the system. That way, items such as clothing, weapons, and food that are created can be taken off the asteroid. At the moment we’re having problems with the system since it has a habit of cutting out at bad times.  There is nothing quite like going to bed, having the system glitch, and then waking up in the morning sleeping under the bed or in my case on the ground.  One of the worst outages yet was when it cut out after a workout.  Dare was taking a shower when the entire system crashed.  It would have been funny watching him run for the stair well to his floor; but I didn’t get to see it in person.  I’d been free climbing the artificial rock wall when it happened.  I fell rather hard and was knocked out.  I did see the whole thing on the security video; which I promptly erased to spare Dare any embarrassment. 

                Now where was I?  Oh yes, floor three is Dare’s private floor.  I don’t know how he has it set up since I haven’t been there since we installed the emitters.  Even though there’s only the two of us I’ve already made it a policy that no one will invade anyone else’s private quarters without being invited.  I may be in charge but I don’t feel I have the right to invade Dare’s space.  And if any one else joins the team they’ll have the same rights.

                Now as I said before, floor four and nine are storage areas with floors five through eight being the hanger and the repair bays.  Currently there is nothing on floors ten through twelve. Floor thirteen is a machine shop where the base’s many robots are built, repaired, and reconfigured.  There is an area, which could be classified as floors fourteen and fifteen, but I’m not counting them since they are completely filled with the bases power generators.  I’ve installed my cloaking device to the generator system so that the entire asteroid can be cloaked.  This saves on energy while we are on the asteroid by absorbing the ambient star light and cosmic radiation and converting it to energy.  While we are away the computer shuts down the holographic systems and only runs the life support and light systems in order to keep my garden and Dare’s tree alive.

                “Hey Prowler, I think I’ve worked out the problem in the emitter system. You want to come down to the computer core and see if I’m right?”

                I’m on my way.

End Log

Entry 87

                Well, Dare has indeed discovered what the problem is.  We’ve been overloading the generators even with the absorption field.  I’ve shut down all unnecessary systems and I’ve brought the matter generators online in order to create the furnishings on our floors so that there will be less of a drain on the power systems.  But we’re still experiencing the power outages.  As far as I can tell even if we shut down the power to all floors except those we are currently living on we’d still have this problem. 

                “We wouldn’t have a problem if you’d let me bring in some additional generators.”

                As I’ve told you before we can’t allow anyone else to know the location of this base.  To place an order we’d have to send out a communication signal, that can be tracked right back to the base, and second someone would have to bring the generators in. For now I’m not letting anyone that close.

                “Listen, oh great and powerful leader I’ve already set up a hypernet satellite on the outskirts of the asteroid field; and I’ve been in touch with Fyretech for the last few days.  How else do you think I worked out what the problem was?”

                You what!  I told you . . .

“Listen, my communications net is completely untraceable.”

                No communications device is untraceable.

“Mine is!  The only signal that can be traced is the one from the asteroid to the satellite and even that would be nonexistent if I had another unit here on the base.”

                All right, just why do you think your system is so trustworthy other than the fact that your company designed it?

“It’s secure because the information is transferred at the speed of light and the distance that the signal travels is so small that, so far, we’ve been unable to measure it.”

                That’s impossible.

                “So is inverting a deflector field and turning it into a cloaking field. Which is the main power source for the hyper net.  The unit can receive messages without de-cloaking.  The information is then sent through an artificial wormhole, which is stabilized at each end for approximately two and a quarter seconds before the connection destabilizes.  Though it is more than enough time to send a full message.  Once the receiving unit has shut down the link it de-cloaks and transmits the message on a specialized frequency which can be tapped but the information is encrypted and can only be decrypted using a Fyretech comm. unit.”

                Fine, order the generators.  It’ll be a long trip back to Arrebo to pick them up but as it is we’re going to need them.

                “I place the order yesterday.  Erin and Rusty will be meeting me tomorrow at the edge of the system.  It seems that they know about whatever shortcut you used to get here.  I’m guessing that you have found a stable . . .”

                “Dare, don’t say anymore.  I am sworn to kill anyone that finds out about “my” little shortcut.  So it is in your best interest not to think about what it is or where it’s located.  Oh, and Erin and Rusty have taken the same oath so don’t even consider questioning them as to how they traveled across the galaxy in one day.  Is that clear?

                “Totally.”

                Good, now let’s get to work hollowing out bays for the new generators.  How many did you order?

                “Four per floor. I figure we’ll install them and then activate only one per level.  Then we’ll bring the additional units online until the outages end.”

                Right then let’s get to work.  We’ll leave the lower levels off line and concentrate on the upper floors until we’ve beaten the outages. That way we’ll have extra generators incase more than four are needed.

                “Sounds good to me where shall we start?”

                We’ll start on my floor.

                “Of course we will, since you are oh so important.”

                Actually, I was thinking that we’d install the first unit next to the emergency pod launch bay incase we blow the system and have to make a quick get away.   Then we’ll set up the second unit on the second floor so that the water in the pool will stay warm.

“You mean you want to give up the joy of jumping into a heated pool only to discover that the temp is all of two degrees above freezing?”

                You’re right, we can skip that level and go right to yours then.

                “Wait! I’m sick of the food synthesizer loosing power and erasing all of my recipes.  I hate mush and that’s all that it’ll make after each outage.  The only variation it has is hot or cold and yellow or orange.  And no matter what combination I choose it all tastes like cardboard.”

                After that, we’ll install a unit on your floor and pray that that will be enough to stop the outages.

                “Right, I’ll get the robots and the drilling equipment.”

                Don’t forget the space suits, since we’ll be drilling from the outside.

                “Ah man, why is that?”

                Several reasons actually.  We have to be sure that the units are properly sealed within the crust and that the asteroid doesn’t depressurize.  If we’re working form the outside in then we’ll be protected if something does go wrong.  Once the units are in place and sealed off we can drill a passage to them from the inside.

                “All right then, let’s go.”

End Log

Entry 88 (28.5)

                We’ve solved the power problem and it took a total of three generators per floor.  I’ve got to find where all the excess power is going but for now everything is at least stable.  I’m currently working on adding two additional generators to my floor in order to have extra power for the V.R. chamber and my garden.  I’ve found the right spot and I’ve set the robots to drilling.

                In the months that I’ve been here I do believe this is the first time I’ve actually stopped to just stare at the stars.  Oh Meonii, if only you were here with me.

                “I am my love.”

                Meonii!

                “I suppose you’re wondering why I made a recording and left it on your headset?  If you’re hearing this, then I’m gone.  I don’t want you to give up your fight because of my death.  You have to carry on the fight so that Trace can live in a galaxy that is free of evil.  I’ve seen several possible futures with this crystal shard that you gave me.  In all of them I’m dead.  I don’t know how it will happen but I do know that I’ll die saving your life and I’ve accepted this. 

It’s about time for you to come out of the med. tank and I know the first thing you’re going to do is find Trace to get this headset back.  Hmm, what should I set the recording opening phrase as?  What do you have to say my little precognitive gem?  Yes, that’ll be perfect.  Remember my love, no matter what, I’ll always be with you in your log, your memories, and in your heart.  I love you always, end log.”

                “Sir, are you all right?”

                What?

                “Your vital signs are behaving erratically. Perhaps you should go back inside and see the medical robot.”

                Thank you for your concern um . . .

                “I am designated THNDR 22.”

                Thank you Thunder but I was just viewing a recording of someone that I lost.

                “That is very good sir, but your vital signs are still erratic. Please follow me and I will lead you to the nearest entrance so that you can seek medical attention.”

                There isn’t an entrance up there.

                “According to my files there is an airlock concealed right here in this outcropping.”

                But that isn’t possible.

                “I assure you, it is completely possible otherwise how is it that I have opened it?  I suggest you enter with all possible haste. Your vital signs are becoming even more unstable.”

So Thunder, what is on the other side of this airlock?

                “I do not know. That information is not in my memory banks.”

                Oh great, so this could just open on a rock face, or it could open on a very dark tunnel. 

                “Allow me sir, I have built in illuminators.”

                Yow! Thunder, I can see very well in the dark so you can dial the light down several levels.

                “Is that better, sir?”

                A bit, but if you lower it some more we can see if there’s any light that might point to a way out of here.

                “The airlock is behind you, sir.”

                I meant out of the cave system and into the base.

                “You just follow the tunnel of course.  Humans, you can be so strange at times.”

                All right mister perfection, which way do we go now?

                “I would suggest right since most of you humans tend to go in that direction when faced with such a choice.”

                Well then, we’ll go left.

                “If you had planned on going left then why did you ask me which way to go?”

                I didn’t know which way I was going to go I just knew I’d go the opposite direction of whatever you said.

                “Sir, if I had been programmed with emotion I do believe I would be very irritated with you right now.”

                Well, I was right about the direction, see there’s a light up ahead.  Oh crap, well I guess you were right and we should have gone right.  Though I’m going to remember the way back here, that pool looks really relaxing.

                “Glowing plants, hot water, and an unsanitary sandy beach makes this place relaxing to humans?”

                You’ve got that right, now let’s head the other way.  Well, at least now I know where a portion of the missing power has been going.

                “What do you mean?”

                That pool wasn’t natural; it’s being heated by an artificial source.

                “It seems, sir, that we have come to another fork in the tunnel.  Which way would you suggest we take?”

                The left hand tunnel; and before you ask, my reasoning this time is because the right hand tunnel can only lead to the surface.

                “I have no record of a second airlock.”

                Well then since the tunnel is pressurized it is obviously safe to find out just what’s down this corridor before we move on.

                “As you wish, sir.”

                Would you please, stop calling me sir.

                “Yes, of course, Master.”

                That isn’t any better.

                “I am sorry sir, but my programming prevents me from answering any other way.”

                Well then, I guess I’ll just have to work on your programming.  Now what do we have here?

                “It appears to be a couch facing a blank wall.”

                That was a rhetorical question.  I know what it is I was pondering why it was here.

                “Well then, why did you not ask why it was here?”

                Ah, here we go, a control panel.

                “So the reason the couch is here is so that humans can sit and view the stars in comfort?”

                It would seem that way.  The technology that the system is using to generate the optical camouflage over the view port isn’t top of the line.  If there are more of these hidden passages it’s no wonder we were creating power outages.  Most of the main power must be directed to this cave system.  So, Thunder, do you have a sensor package that can pinpoint any more hidden controls?

                “Oh yes, I have an enhanced sensor unit that can . . .”

                A simple yes will do. Turn them on and tell me if you see anything.  I’ve got to know what can be turned off and what I need to replace with more energy efficient technology.

                “Sir, I have found a secret panel.”

                I’ll check it later; I’ve found the exit and the source of most of the power drain.

                “Oh my.”

                You can say that again.

                “Why would I say it again?”

                It’s just an expression.  This orchard is quite a sight, especially after being in the caves, to come out here into an area with real trees, a stream, and another lake is wonderful.

                “Very good sir, I believe the stairs down to the first level are on the other side of the orchard in the left hand corner.  I will just return to the excavation site now.”

                What, you won’t be following me to the medical station?

                “No sir, you see you will have to cross the stream and there are no bridges.”

I take it your body isn’t waterproof?

“That is correct, sir. I was designed to do manual labor on the asteroid. With the exception of this floor there are no open bodies of water here.”

  Well, when you get back in from the excavation and generator installation I’ll upgrade you so that you’ll be waterproof.

End Log               

Entry 89

                With everything that’s been happening lately I haven’t had much time to study the Orchard on floor zero.  What I’ve seen so far is that it is a complete ecosystem like the Park in Hollow Base but on a much smaller scale.  I’ve had a couple of generators installed for that level and I’ve upgraded the systems so that we are no longer experiencing the power outages.  I’ve also relocated my bedroom from the garden to the orchard.  After spending so much time on Shendria I’ve found that it is difficult to readjust to living in the standard box. 

The reason I haven’t had the time to explore it is because Dare and I have been out on missions.  It’s amazing how rapidly we run low on supplies.  Most of the raids have been on smaller bases and there have been no casualties and very few major injuries to the base’s populations.  For the most part we hit the base download all of Kindra’s accounts, take a few medical and food supplies, trash a few non essential systems, and destroy all of their weapons.  Oh, and I leave a message for Kindra at each one letting her know that she has some new enemies to deal with. 

                Dare and I argued over whether or not to leave the messages.  He insisted that it would be better if Kindra didn’t know who was attacking her.  I insisted that if Kindra didn’t know about us she’d take out her anger on innocent civilians.  Of course after the first message Kindra started broadcasting threats over every communications channel she has access to, which only served to boost Dare’s ego.  I just wish I had a vid of Kindra’s reaction to discovering that I’m still alive.

                It seems that whenever there is any type of decision to be made Dare and I have to fight over it.  Our latest argument was over what to call the team.  I don’t want to know how many names he suggested before he settled on calling us The Rogues.  I tried to tell him from the beginning that I’d already decided on a name but he insisted on providing me with options.  It took some persuading but he finally agreed to go along with me.  So now we have a team name, we are the Shadow Runners.  I decided on the name not long after I heard Meonii’s final message.  The team and our missions are a tribute to her sacrifice.  She truly believed that I’d bring peace to the galaxy once more and I’ll die before I let her down again.

                “Hey Prowl, we’ve got an incoming message.”

                Dare, how many times must I tell you my name is Prowler.  Now if it’s another death threat from Kindra you can just file it with the rest.  She doesn’t have much imagination and having to listen to her screaming obscenities only reminds me of the past.

                “Oh yes, Mighty Lord and Master, Prowler.  Anyway the message isn’t from Kindra this time.  It’s from a group calling themselves the Federation for Galactic Peace.”

                Well, I guess we should watch it then.  Though it’s probably just an advertisement for a new subversive magazine complaining about how life sucks with Kindra around.

End Log

Entry 90

                “Mr. Dacat and Mr. Fireshadow, I’m contacting you in order to enlist your services for the Federation of Galactic Peace.  My name is Crystal Image, and I am the elected spokesperson of the F.G.P.  Allow me to tell you a little bit about our organization and it’s goals.  We formed a little less than a year after Kindra began her galactic conquest.  I apologize that we haven’t yet approached the Tra’est sector but we have to be very careful who we allow to know of our existence.  Our goal is to bring peace to the galaxy once more.

  Now I’m sure you’re wondering how we know about you and your mission.  The F.G.P. has spies within Kindra’s forces as well on sixty percent of the populated planets in the galaxy.  This helps us keep track of Kindra’s activities, allies, enemies, and victims.  Though we lost track of you, Mr. Dacat, once you were supposedly dead.  After you’re amazing recovery we have been able to uncover the fact that you lived as the bounty hunter, Jahar Træn, for a time before disappearing again.  As for Mr. Fireshadow we didn’t have to do a lot of research into his origins. In his case the information wasn’t hard to find but separating out fact from fiction hasn’t been easy.

Since you have now formed a unit to fight Kindra we wish to have you join our group.  Though we have many spies we have been unable to find anyone willing to actually fight against Kindra.  If you wish to join us you can meet with one of our agents at the Sundowner Cantina on Vesuvia in one month.  This should be acceptable, as you both seem to frequent that location.”

 “I don’t like this, she knows too much about us and we know nothing about her.”

For once I agree with you. That’s why when I go to her little meeting you’ll be staying here.

“Now hold on, you’re going to need backup.”

So you're saying that the Snarion Guardians, ADL, and most of the Sundowner’s employees and patrons won’t be enough backup?

“All right, you may have a point, but I don’t want to sit around with nothing to do while you’re gone.”

Nothing?  I expect you and those geniuses at Fyretech to get the VR chamber up and running.

“Oh, why don’t you come up with something impossible for me to accomplish?”

All right then, while you’re at it you can . . .

“Is sarcasm is a totally foreign concept to you?”

Of course it isn’t but if you’re going to use it to complain about my orders then I’m sure I can come up with plenty of other tasks for you to do.

“You’ve made your point. Now if you’ll excuse me, oh Mighty Lord, I shall be going to work a miracle.

Getting the VR chamber to function isn’t going to take a miracle, just some hard work.  Getting the food synthesizers to create food that doesn’t taste like chalk, now that would be a miracle.

“Yeah, yeah whatever.”

End Log

Entry 91

                Damn, I went looking for THNDR-22 today only to discover that he was destroyed in a meteor shower a couple of days after I met him.  I guess most people wouldn’t think anything of it since he was only a robot. I’m not one of them.  I’m going to rebuild him, though it is unfortunate that his personality and memory programs are gone.                On another note, I’ve now had time to explore both the orchard and the caves thoroughly but I’ve been unable to find the hidden mechanism that THNDR-22 claimed he’d discovered.  That is another reason I need to rebuild the unit. 

End Log 

Entry 92 (28.7)

                Well, I’ll be leaving for the meeting on Vesuvia sometime today and I’m hoping all the time I’ve put into building this thing has been worth it.  I’m now turning on the main power for the first time.

                “Who are you and where am I?”

                I’m Prowler and we’re in the asteroid base of the Shadow Runners.  But more important is the fact that all your systems seem to be operating flawlessly.

                “Tigris, is that you?  Man, what happened? The last thing I remember is having a mem crystal made so that I could send it to you while Kindra was visiting Vesuvia.”

                Damn, I hadn’t figured on the interface working that well.  I thought most of your memory would run off the chips and the mem crystal would provide a small amount of uniqueness to your personality programs.

                “What are you talking about?”

                You are a robot, designation THNDR-23.  I used the memory crystal in order to give you a personality. Only it seems that the interface worked too well and now you believe yourself to be Rusty Darkmane.

                “Well, you’re right about me being Rusty but the rest must be some sort of joke.”

                No really, just give me a moment to run an external diagnostic.  Ah ha! There’s the problem.  It seems I blew out your memory chips when I powered you up.  I’ll have that fixed in just a second.

                “What are you doing?”

                I’m removing your cranial shield so that I can access your memory centers.  Now here hold this.

                “My God, I am a robot!”

                I told you so now calm down or you’ll blow out your logic chips as well.

                “But I’m a freaking robot!”

                Yes, I know; we’ve already covered that topic. There the unit is in place.  Now while we’ve got you opened up why don’t you run a full self-diagnostic program in case there’s something I’ve missed.

                “Running the program now . . . There is a misconnection between the memory chip and the personality subroutine assembly which caused the short.”

                Ah, I see it. Just a moment, there that should do it, anything else?

                “Yes, I seem to be missing the onboard power pack that extends and powers the wheels in my feet as, well at the circular saw in my arm.  Also I can’t seem to access the combat and science programming packages.  Finally my optic units seem to be out of alignment making me near sighted.”

                I haven’t installed the power pack yet and the combat and science program packages still have to be downloaded. As for your eyes they’re set at near focus you just have to adjust for the proper setting yourself.  Now hand me your cranial shielding so that I can lock it down.  There, now you should be fully operational.

                “Yes I am, except for the missing programming and power pack.”

                Well, I have to pick up the programming units from another base.  As for your secondary power pack I wasn’t going to take a chance of getting killed when I powered you up.  This is the first time I’ve built a robot as complex as you are and I wasn’t sure everything would work.  Now open your power unit receptacle.

                There, your secondary power unit is fully charged.

“Die you miserable sack of putrid flesh!”

                TAO!

                “It . . . waaasss . . . a joooke . . .”

                It may have been a joke to you but it wasn’t funny, computer restore power authorization Trace Alpha One.

                “You’re the one that gave me Rusty’s personality, I can’t help it.”

                Just remember you’re still a robot and as such you can be shut down with only a word.

                “Yeah, I’ll remember that Master Tigris.”

                And another thing Tigris is dead I’m Prowler now.  Do try to remember that.

                “Oh yes, Master Prowler, it has been filed away in my memory banks so I won’t forget.”

                You know I’m starting to think putting that crystal in you was a very bad idea.  Well, enough time to dwell on mistakes later.  It’s time I gave you the full tour of the base.

End Log

Entry 93

                I’ve designated this level as the orchard for obvious reasons.  It doesn’t have a floor designation since according to all the base files it doesn’t exist.

                “It seems nice, but don’t you think having an orchard in a military base is rather odd?”

                Well, most people think that fighting against Kindra or creating a defense force on Accordia is odd, but it hasn’t stopped us has it?

                “So you know about my . . . I mean Rusty’s little project, huh.”

                Yeah, they had the audacity to attack me when I was testing my starfighter.

                “Oh, I bet that was a one sided fight.”

                It was, I didn’t have any weapons so the battle was only slightly in my favor.

                So what are you waiting for?  Wade across the stream.

                “I can’t.”

                And why can’t you?

                “I’m not built for amphibious travel.”

                Oh damn, I forgot that program is part of the combat routine.  Your body is fully capable of aquatic travel.  Hell, you can even swim since you have micro ballast tanks imbedded in your body.  Unfortunately you won’t be able to use them until I get the programming.  Just rest assured you can wade across this small stream without damaging your systems.

                “All right I’ll trust you, but only because I know that you’re the one that’ll have to repair me if you’re lying.”

See that wasn’t so hard, now was it?

                “So, you were right this time. Where are we heading anyway?”

                Well, your predecessor THNDR-22 found something. Unfortunately he was destroyed before he could show me what it was. So we’re looking for what he found.

                “Oh, I should have known, you didn’t build be out of the kindness of your heart but because you wanted something.”

                Actually, it was a little of both. Here we are, just inside this cave.

                “I hate caves.”

                Technically this entire base is just one large cave and that didn’t seem to bother you.

                “That’s because I hadn’t thought about it.  Thank you so much for telling me.”

                Now all you have to do . . .

                “All right, if what you’re looking for is a hidden switch, then I’ve found it. So what does it do?”

                I don’t know activate it.

                “Um, how exactly was THNDR-22 destroyed?”

                In a meteor storm on the surface of the asteroid while he was installing a generator, why?

                “Oh no reason.  There it’s activated.”

                Another stairway. I’m beginning to wonder just how many floors this base actually has.

                “Standing around here isn’t going to tell us, I suggest we go up and find out.”

                Oh my God! Do you know what this is?

                “It appears to be a library of genetic samples from thousands . . . hundreds of thousands . . . millions . . . billions . . . perhaps hundreds of billions of different species.”

                It’s an evolver unit.  Kindra keeps them on her bases so that she can create a disposable army, an endless supply of rovers, as well as fresh food supplies whenever she needs them.  All you have to do is select a sample, place it in the unit, make whatever modifications you want, and then wait until the unit is finished.  Though this library is far more extensive that what I saw aboard the Malevolent.  There seems to be a genetic sample from most of the species in the galaxy including sentient ones.  This would have taken many lifetimes to compile.

                “I’ve scanned the room. The materials don’t match the rest of the base I believe that this room was in fact grafted onto the asteroid rather than assembled here.”

                There are only five tubes and the controls are of a much more primitive technology.  I’m not sure, but this could be the prototype for all evolver units.

                “According to this screen one of the tubes is occupied.  The subject is in stasis and has been for quite some time. “

                What species is it?

“It’s a Rukbarian Raptor.”

Just a moment, I’m accessing both the evolver's video logs as well as the asteroid’s main computer through my headset.

                “Here’s a picture of it.  They’re cute little things; they look like miniature dragons. They rely on their claws and teeth for protection and hunt in small groups.  They are known to swoop down on their prey but more often they teleport in close from a distance giving the small game and fish that they hunt little time to escape.  They are not considered dangerous to humans and are sometimes kept as pets or companions.  They have human level intelligence and life spans of 150 to 200 years.”

There’s nothing in the computer system about Rukbaria, so I’m using the hyper net to access the main archives on Libreen.  Found it. It was listed in the Kindra section.  Uh oh, it seems that Rukbaria is one of the first planets that Kindra destroyed. Though there is no proof that Rukbaria was destroyed by the Great Kindra it’s destruction is attributed to her. 

                “That means our friend here is in fact the last of an extinct race.”

                It would seem that way, though we have the means right here in this evolver unit of recreating his race.

                “So shall we wake him up?”

                Um, does the file say anything about a way to prevent his ability to teleport for a short time?

                “Hmm, ah yes, they are often captured by spraying them with cryon gas.”

                Well, that solves that problem.

                “What problem and how is that a solution?”

                Well, we wouldn’t want him to teleport out of here into space, now would we?  As for how it is solved cryon is one of the main gasses used in the evolver tubes as well as for suspended animation.  It’s time to wake our guest up.

                “All right, I’m activating the unit. It’ll be an hour before it finishes its cycle. What shall we do while we wait?”

                I don’t know about you but I’m going to begin looking over the samples we have here just to get an idea of the variety.

End Log

Entry 94

                “Log on, I order myself to wake up now.  Do you hear me?  No?  WAKE UP!  This is your official Log wake up call, if I’m not awake in thirty seconds I’ll do the unthinkable . . . Not awake yet?  All right don’t say I didn’t warn me.  It’s time for a happy song . . .”  

                I’m awake, I’m awake! Why did I set my autolog alarm again?

                “You set your alarm just in case you drifted off; which of course you did. Your snoring was so bad I had to shut off my audio sensors.”

                I don’t snore.

                “Yes you do, quite loudly actually.  Have you ever thought of having a medtech check on that?  Any way our little friend is ready to wake up. I decided to wait for you to wake up so that he wouldn’t have to suffer as I have.”

                Oh shut up and open the chamber.  One thing is for sure; you’re just as annoying as Rusty.

                “Good day kind sirs, mayhap you might enlighten me as to our present location?”

                 “You are currently inside the asteroid LP-1, current designation Shadow Base.  Home of the Shadow Runners.”

                “LP-1, I remain on this cursed asteroid?  It wasn’t enough that I was taken from my home and forced to watch Kindra destroy my planet.  That vile villain brought me here to take samples so that she could create an unstoppable dragon army.”

                “Kindra knows about this base?  Prowler we’ve got to get out of here!”

                Don’t worry about it. I had the asteroid moved to a much more suitable location when Dare and I first arrived.  Even if she did remember were this base is I doubt she’d give it a second thought. After all, it isn’t listed in her computer system and it is much too small for her to use any more.  So, what’s your name?

                “I am called Stealth, and what art thee called?”

                I’m Prowler, leader of the Shadow Runners, and this is Thunder.

                “I am pleased to meet you both, now mightest thou grant me a small boon?”

                “We’d be happy to, what is it that you want from us?”

                “Wouldest thou slay me?  I no longer wish to live.  My family and friends are gone and I no longer have a reason to exist, yet I am unable to take mine own life."

                I’m sorry but the answer is no.  I am pledged to protect life.

                “What sayest thou, Sir Thunder?”

                “I too, am unable to grant your request since someone has seen fit to leave out my combat programming package.  However, even if I had it, I would be unable to do as you ask since MY core personality is from one who has also pledged to protect life.”

                “Then I must find some way to do’est myself in.”

                Sir Stealth. Rather than trying to find a way to die what if I provided a purpose for you to continue living?

                “What purpose couldest interest me now?  I’m the last of my kind. There is nothing left for me in this universe.”

                How about joining us?  After all our primary purpose is to defeat Kindra.

                “Thou art fighting against Kindra?  I guess, if I must endest mine own life, then that is the most honorable way to do so.  I will join your crusade, Lord Prowler.  When do we strike?”

                Well, we’ve attacked her bases a couple of times but we’re still in the early stages of forming a strike team.  After all, the team has already doubled since this morning.

                “You mean it’s doubled since you formed it.  Otherwise . . . you’re telling me that there’s only four of us!  That’s insane! Do me a favor and shut me off. Hell, even the ADL is larger than your Runners and most likely better equipped.  I’m almost afraid to ask but what is our armory like?”

                We have our personal weapons, two space racers and a starfighter.

                “We’re dead. We are oh so dead. Please excuse me I need to find an airlock to throw myself out of.”

“Far be it for me to criticize your work Lord Prowler, but shouldest Sir Thunder be acting that way?

                Thunder, if you don’t calm down you’re going to destabilize your programming.

                “So what we’re all dead anyway.”

                Yeah, so what?  I’ve died several times and guess what? I’m still here and accomplishing the impossible.  Dare should have been killed several time over, I’ve even thought about doing it myself a couple of time since forming the team.  Stealth here just came back from the dead and well, not to get overly technical, but you’re not really alive to begin with.

                “If you’re trying to cheer me up it’s not working.”

                I was going to take the two of you to meet Dare now. However since you both seem to be suicidal perhaps that wouldn’t be such a good idea.

                “Let’s go, I might as well see what sort of mess I’m in the middle of.”

                Communications link open.  Hey, Dare, where are you?

                “I’m in the hanger, maintenance bay one, making some modifications to my racer.  Why?”

                Thanks, we’ll meet you there then.

                “We?”

                Close comlink; well let’s get going.

End Log

Entry 95

                Hey Dare, I’d like you to meet the newest members of our team.

                “Prowler! Look out, it’s going to get you!  Damn, where’d I put my blaster!”

                Dare, clam down. They aren’t going to get me they’re the newest members of the Shadow Runners.

                “You’re telling me that you’ve made that manual labor robot and that flying vermin members of our team?  Oh, that’s a good one. You almost had me going there for a moment.  It was almost as good as the time I . . .”

                “How uncouth, is this commoner always, this crass?”

                “Manual labor robot? If I had my combat programming installed I’m sure I’d knock some sense into him.”

                “Oh this just gets better and better. The flying lizard can even talk with a funny accent and the robot is programmed for delusions of grandeur. I was wrong, this is a great joke.”

                “That is it! I will not be referred to as a flying lizard.  I am a dragon! Take that you imbecile.”

                Stealth don’t . . .

                “He . .  . he . . . he . . .”

                “Oh look, I think, commoner Dare has lost his pants.”

                “Well at least he still has his sense of humor, just listen to him laugh.”

                “He can teleport.”

                Stealth, please give Dare back his pants, for all our sakes.

                “Not until he hath apologized for calling me a flying lizard.”

                “If he doesn’t apologize to both of us right now I’m going to use my manual labor skills to disassemble his racer.”

                “I’m sorry, really I am. Just please, don’t hurt my baby!”

                “So, you hath an unnatural attachment to your ship.  Here art thine pants, now thou wilt either apologize properly or I will leave claw marks in your pai-, uh oh.”

                “NOOOOOOOOOOO!”

                “Uh, I must depart forthwith.”

“I’m going to follow Stealth's lead and disappear.  If you need me I’ll be down on the robotic maintenance level blending in with all the other robots.  Bye.”

                Now Dare, stay calm and look at the bright side. No one else in the galaxy can boast of having dragon footprints on their hood.

                “But I’d just finished her, she was perfect.”

                I know this is going to be a rough time for the two of you. But I’m sure that with a bit of emergency cosmetic painting you’ll both come through this just fine.

                “But, she’ll never be the same again.”

                You’re right she won’t, after all the two of you have to figure out what type of weapon system will best accessorize the new paint job.

“Weapons, accessories?  You mean I’ll be able to arm her?”

                Well, if we’re going to fight Kindra we’ll have to have both armor and weapons added to the racers. You know, a facelift and full upgrade might be a good thing. After all, I’ve heard there are some newer and faster racers out there.

                “Impossible! There isn’t a racer around that could beat her.”

                Well, it’s just something for you to think about while I’m gone.

                “Prowler, can you do me a favor?”

                Maybe, what is it?

                “Would you take those two monsters with you, I don’t want them anywhere near us while we’re recovering.”

                Well, I’d planned on taking the Tyger Fang but I guess I’ll be able to make do with my racer.

                “Thanks.”

End Log

Entry 96

                Would THNDR-23 and Stealth please report to the hanger bay’s main deck.

                “Lord Prowler, if that simpleton is here, I will be departing once more.”

                No Stealth, Dare isn’t here at the moment. He’s still in the repair bay with his racer.  I called you here because I’m leaving on a mission and I was wondering if you’d be willing to join me.

                “Let us depart, forthwith!”

                “Is that raging idiot going with us?”

                Thunder; how nice of you to show up, did you get lost in the lift?

                “Hey I’m only a robot, its not like I can just pop into existence like Stealth.”

                So noted, anyway as I was saying we have a mission.  A group known as the Federation for Galactic Peace has invited us to join their organization.  They’ll have a representative waiting for us on Vesuvia in a couple days.  However, it would be impossible for us to reach Vesuvia in the allotted time using the freem engines. Because of this I can’t allow Dare to join us.

                “Not that I’m complaining but why can’t the ego maniac join us?”

                Because I heard enough complaining after I knocked him out and towed him here the first time.  This time all I have to do is shut you off.  That way you’ll have no memory of the journey.

                “Shall you be knocking me out as well?”

                Actually, for the first part of the mission Stealth, you’re going to be playing the part of a non-sentient pet.

                “Lord Prowler, that is completely unacceptable.”

                Listen, what you’re going to see can never be revealed to anyone.  If anyone outside of a chosen few were to learn of it, its possible that Kindra would be able to take control of the universe in a matter of days.  She’ll be able to destroy other races just as she did yours.  All the beings that know this secret would gladly give their lives to protect it as well kill anyone who might reveal it.

                “Yeah right, then how did you learn this secret?  After all you’d never be able to kill anyone.”

I’m not the person you knew so long ago on Accordia.  I’ve killed before and to protect this secret I’d do it again, as would Rusty.

                “I simply cannot believe that.”

                Fine, then you can ask him yourself when we get to Hollow Base now get in the racer.

                “I shant act like a pet.”

                Would it really be all that hard?  All you have to do is keep from talking to anyone.  Besides if you don’t come along you’ll be here all alone with only Dare as company.

                “Remaining here by myself would not be a problem. Yet, the thought of being on this asteroid alone with him is more painful than playing the part of a pet.  Now that we have established that my character has no lines, what is my motivation?”

                Sir Stealth?

                “Yes, Lord Prowler?”

                Just get in the damn racer and shut up.

End Log

Entry 97

                “Urg.  What a truly wretched experience.”

                Actually trying to clean up the racer, now that you’ve seen fit to redecorate the interior, is going to be worse.

                “I don’t care where we’re going, but once we get there I’m staying.  I refuse to subject myself to that experience once more.”

                You won’t have to.  Now that you’ve had the experience it you won’t be affected by gate travel any more.

“Well that is a relief . . .”

                “Space racer designation ST-138 please transmit identification or be destroyed.”

                Stealth, this is where you’ve got to act like a pet.

                Gateway Station, this is Lord Lightstripe en-route to Vesuvia from the Shadow Asteroid gate.

                “Lord, our scans indicate that you are traveling with a robot and another life form.  Please confirm that the former is non-functional and the latter is a non-threat to this bases’ security.”

                Not to worry Gateway, the robot is completely shut down with its power core removed and the other is a pet I picked up in my travels.  I’d have left him back at the base but he doesn’t seem to care for my partner.

                “It doesn’t like Dare?  How could anyone not like Dare?”

                I take it you’re a fan of his?

                “Uh, well, that is, my son is a big fan.  He has his action figures and everything.”

                Yeah Dares cool, he just doesn’t have the patience to deal with a pet.  You know those racer types they’re rather high strung.  It comes from spending so much time training for the races.

                “I can understand that. Hey do you think you could get an autograph from him, for my son, on your next trip through?”

Sure, I’ll stop by the station on my way back to Shadow Base and get both your names. That way you can each have a personalized holo-recording.

                “Thank you, Lord Lightstripe.  We’ve just gotten confirmation that the area around the warning beacon is clear for a jump to Vesuvia, may your journey be free of trouble, my Lord.”

                Acknowledged, and may your souls remain pure now and forever sentinels of the gates.

End Log

Entry 98

                Stealth, I’ve inserted the power core. Would you please switch Thunder on?

                “Of course, my Lord.”

                Oh, and one more thing, you can continue to refer to me a Lord Prowler but don’t tell anyone else that I’m an actual Lord.  There are too many lives at risk if anyone found out about my true lineage or that the Gateway to Hell isn’t a cluster of black holes.

                “I can imagine the destruction that the Kindra could accomplish if she were to make such a discovery; my Lord.”

                “So, just where are we and how long have you left me off line?”

                It seems someone powered up on the wrong side of the racer.

                “I could shut him off and we could move him.”

                “Oh shut up, you little flying monster.”

                Thunder, that was uncalled for; either you adjust your sensitivity programming to a better mood or I’ll shut you down and remove all the programming that allows you any range of emotion other than happiness and subservience.

                “I apologize, sir Stealth.”

                Better. Now we’re in orbit above Vesuvia and we’re rapidly approaching Hollow Base.

                “The base is on the moon?”

                Not exactly, the base is in the moon.  Huh. It seems that Rusty has made some improvements since I was here last.

                “What do you mean, my Lord.”

                My instruments are reading that the door is open with a holo-projection camouflaging it. 

                “So you’re going to land blind?  That’s crazy.”

                I’m not landing.  I know the coordinates for the opening so there’s no danger flying straight in.

                “My Lord?”

                “We’re going to hit!”

                There, see we’re through the projection and the door is indeed open.

                “I hate you.  I’ve always hated you. I don’t think I’ve ever told you that before.”

                No you haven’t, but Rusty’s said it a few times.

                “Yeah, well I hate him as well.  If he hadn’t made the crystal you stuck in my head I wouldn’t be here suffering like this.”

                “Amazing, no wonder you call this Hollow Base.”

                “Oh, what are you babbling about . . . Wow”

                Stealth, Thunder, welcome to Hollow Base.  You can see the glow point there in the center and down on the inner surface is the park.  Just coming into view is the shipyard.  Ah, I see that the Blade Hunter is here.  I guess that means Rusty is probably around here somewhere.

                “Great.  I’ve got a few things to say to him.”

                There, we’ve docked.  Stealth you’re free to explore the park if you wish just stay away from the shipyards I’ve set up the security systems for extreme overkill.

                “Like any of my team would really interfere with your little project.”

                Hey, Rusty. It’s good to see you again.

                “It’s good to see you as well.  Especially since you seem to be doing a bit better than when you were last here.”

                Well it wasn’t exactly a good time for me you know.

                “Yeah I know, so who are your friends?”

                Oh yeah, where are my manners? Stealth and Thunder, this is Rusty Darkmane, leader of the Accordia Defense League and my best friend.  Rusty this is Stealth, actor, spy, and dragon supreme.

                “Good day Lord Darkmane, ‘tis a pleasure to meet you.”

                “I see Prowler’s choice in teammates is improving.  It’s about time he recruited someone with a bit of class.”

                “I thank thee.  Now if you will be so kind as to excuse me I really must explore this park of yours.”

                “Please be my guest.  I felt the same way the first time I visited Hollow Base.”

                “Then good day, my lords.”

                Actually, I do believe he had other things on his mind. Things like, escaping before I could make him clean out my racer, but no matter.  Anyway this is THNDR-23, or Thunder.

                “So what did you program him for?  Combat, science, or servant?”

                “I’m not programmed for any specialty.  Though for hobbies I enjoy counting grains of sand and cleaning septic systems.  As for my intelligence rating, well I’d tell you but I’m sure you couldn’t comprehend a negative number that large.”

                “He seems to have a problem with his attitude programming.  Don’t tell me you were the one that wrote the code for his higher functions.”

                Actually, I’d say he’s using sarcasm and irony in order to insult you.

                “Why is that?”

                “Because rather than having a standard personality program your friend got creative.  I’m running off from the mem-crystal that you made.  So in effect I’m a robotic version of you.”

                “Of all the stupid . . .”

                I knew it; you’re at a loss for words. Remember all those times that I told you I’d get even?  Well there it is. We’re even.

                “Just remember who’s raising . . .”

                Enough, there are things that my teammates don’t need to know and that is one of them. 

                “What are you two talking about?”

                Never mind. Thunder, we’ve got to get you down to the robotics plant.  Hollow Base has the expanded facilities to complete your combat programming as well as make some major upgrades to your basic design.  When we’re done the only way anyone will know that you’re not human, is if you tell them.

                “Really?  Is that legal?”

                No, does it matter?  Out here there isn’t any real laws anyway.  Here’s a map of the facility.  We’ll meet you there in a bit.  Right now I want to catch up with Rusty on some personal business.

                “Oh right, you just want to talk about me behind my back.”

                “You should be thankful that he’s telling you to get lost.”

                “And why is that?”

                “He obviously isn’t thinking straight.  Otherwise he’d realize that he could just wipe your memory circuits.”

                Rusty, I’d never do that.  Thunder isn’t just a robot.  Running off the mem-crystal makes him more than that. Besides he’s a member of my team and as such I expect you to treat him, as I would treat members of the ADL.

                “All right, I’ll leave the two of you alone, but if you take too long getting to the robotics facility I may just start downloading programs on my own.”

                Actually, that isn’t such a bad idea, you can develop your personality and skills in ways that Rusty hasn’t making you much more unique.

                “And you wouldn’t have a problem if I added a few programs that have nothing to do with combat?”

                Of course not, after all I'm not going to spend the rest of my life doing nothing but fighting; and neither should you.

                “Hah, that’s a good one since I’m going to function much longer than any of you organic life forms.”

                So, Rusty, shall we head up to Hunter to catch up on the improvements you’ve made to the base?

                “Sounds good to me.”

End Log

Entry 99

                “Now that we’re safely aboard, are you going to tell me why you’re keeping secrets from your teammates?”

                It’s just that I’d rather they didn’t know everything about me.  It seems that someone has been keeping very close tabs on our activities.

                “By that, I suppose you mean the Shadow Runners?”

                Not just the Runners; the ADL, Kindra’s Marauders, Dawna’s Troublemakers, and just about everyone else is included in this group’s spy network.  I mean they knew pretty much everything except when I first left Kindra and became a hermit on this base and again when I dropped out of sight to get in touch with my ancestors.

                “Thank God they haven’t discovered everything then.”

                My thinking exactly, but now I’m worried about Trace.  If anyone finds out he’s my son he could be in more danger than any of us realize.

                “Not to worry, the only ones who know that are family.  The Guardians believe that he was an orphan that you adopted and left in my care while you’re out saving the galaxy.  I know letting that much information out is risky but then spying on the Guardians is next to impossible.”

                So while on Snarion he assumes his median form?

                “Of course, and while on Accordia he remains human.  Of course on Accordia he is considered an orphan whom I adopted.  Your parents and grandparents know that he’s your son but not about his special abilities.”

                Good.  Anyway, the reason that I’m here is because this group, which calls itself the Federation for Galactic Peace, is sending a representative to meet with me.  They want the Shadow Runners to join them in their fight against Kindra.

                “You’re not going to join them, are you?”

                Yes and no, I’ve worked out a contract, which will make the Runners essentially a mercenary group in their employ.  I’m expecting them to reject it of course but it will serve as a starting point for negotiations.  The bottom line is that I need a few things taken care of before the meeting.

                “Oh, let me guess. You’ve decided that I’m the one who’ll do these things for you.”

                Sort of, I wanted to be sure that you were aware of their presence. That way your group doesn’t get involved with them.  Once Kindra is defeated I’m afraid that these people may decide to take over where she left off.  If that happens then I’d rather have your group as back up.

                “No problem there. I’ll also inform Ryune and Stayve so that they can warn the Guardians.”

                I’m glad you’re around to think of the things I forget.  I hadn’t even considered the FGP approaching the guardians. 

                “So what are the other tasks?”

                Well, I figure that when the negotiations are completed one way or another the Runners will end up with a FGP representative.  Which means Shadow Base will no longer be completely secure.

                “That stands to reason, but then you never figured on that base being completely secure to begin with.”

                Yeah, but then I also didn’t figure on the base coming with forbidden technology.

                “I’m not sure I even want to hear this.”

                Probably not but you’re the only one I can trust.  I’ve discovered the location of the prototype for the evolver chambers.

                “Impossible, the prototype would be several millennia old.”

                I know; and the prototype doesn’t use bio samples to operate like modern units.

                “So what does it use?”

                It only needs the basic genetic codes. In other words it has close to a trillion times the samples of any other unit and the files don’t degrade like bio samples.

                “Wait; that would cover nearly every organism in the galaxy.”

                Something like that, most of the samples seem to have been taken from rare or endangered species. 

                “So?”

                Well the last entry that was made, other than a few entered by the base designer and a couple by Kindra, was over two thousand years ago.  Before that the entries were cataloged on a monthly basis.  From what I’ve found in the machine’s records that last entry was made just prior the Second Pangalactic War. 

                “Does it include sapient species?”

                Yes.

                “Then it has the ability to resurrect the Kah Har?  By all that you hold dear destroy that thing!”

                It did contain those codes but the last entry was the deletion of them.  Anyway, what I want you to do is transport the entire archive here to Hollow Base for safekeeping.

                “I think you’re making a big mistake.”

                Rusty, most of the samples are from other galaxies including the Tabor Galaxy. 

                “That’s impossible.”

                It may be improbable but not impossible.  It means that whoever originally created the evolver also knew about Gateway.  Anyway, until I have time to really study more of the different entries I’d rather keep the machine around.  Besides there is another function that most modern evolvers don’t have.

                “What’s that?”

                It can re-load a pre-existing personality.

                “It can what?”

                Thunder and I discovered Stealth in the unit.  He has memories of being captured and kept as Kindra’s pet before she destroyed his world.

                “Yeah, so she used the evolver as a make shift hyper sleep tube.  That isn’t an uncommon occurrence.”

                No, she didn’t.  I checked the logs; Stealth died and Kindra was in the process of recreating him, only she didn’t get the chance to finish the job since the identity upload takes a long time.  Two years to be precise. Obviously something came up and she forgot about her little pet project.

                “It’s wrong to play God and you know it.”

                I have no intention of playing God, it’s just that some of the entries in the archive are rather interesting and I’d rather they not be lost.

“Fine, I’ll do it.”

                The thing is I don’t want the FGP to get it’s hands on it and . . .

                “I said I’d move the unit here for you.”

                Really?

                “Yes really, it’s obviously important to you so I’ll do it.  Besides it’ll give me a chance to get a look at this new base of yours.”

                Thanks.  So how is Trace doing?

                “Oh he’s a real handful.  I get a report from Ryune almost every day on his progress through the Guardian Academy.  Seems he’s doing even better than the last Dacat that attended.”

                I’m not surprised.  He has the proper form; I was just a human in a feline world when I was there.  I’ve got some letters here that I’d like you or Ryune to deliver to him.  Dare assures me that the hyper net is secure but I’m not taking any chances.

                “Well it seems the two of you have that paranoia thing in common.  Here’s a disc with his letters to you on it.  Now we’d best get down to the robotics facility before Thunder modifies himself too much.”

                Oh like that could happen.

                “Trust me, if he really does have my mind then it could happen.  Besides he might find a way to make it so that you can’t erase his memory files.”

                I told you I’m not going to.  After all he doesn’t know enough to threaten anything and by letting him keep that tidbit of information it will help him feel more like a valued member of my team.

                “You have manipulative skills after all.”

                I never said that I didn’t have them.

End Log

Entry 100

                 So Thunder, what do you think?

                “I’m not sure.  Are you absolutely certain this is legal?”

                Of course it isn’t legal, I told you that earlier. Though technically everything about you is illegal so I don’t see why my fitting you for a layer of synth skin would matter.”

                “Well when you put it that way, I guess the only problem I have is that I don’t look like me.”

                No, you don’t look like Rusty.  I decided it would be best if you had your own look.

                “Fine but I just want you to know that I do not approve of the, um, physical modifications you’ve made.”

                The physical changes were required so that you could process organic materials.  I may need you to appear completely human in certain operations.  This way if you’re ever captured, as long as someone doesn’t think to scan you all they’ll find is a human.

                “That’s another thing, are you going to allow me to make changes in my uniform?”

                Yeah, though some missions may require specific clothing.

                “Good because I don’t like the choices you made.”

                Whatever, just get changed and meet me at the racer, we’ll be leaving as soon as I find out where Stealth has gone.

                “Where’s Rusty?”

                He left right after we finished your program installation.  I’m sure you must realize that he has more responsibilities now then when he made your crystal.  Now hurry up and get changed.

End Log