THE KANEN EXPEDITION - PART TWO

"A LOST CIVILIZATION"

C H A P T E R   S E V E N

Captain Sans withdrew to the solitude of his command seat aboard the lead recovery ship, Canter. He and his crew were one of the six ships dispatched to retrieve the remains of the Selet III Task Force. The same Task Force originally sent to find Universe and her crew.

Three days had passed since they had begun their cleanup of the area that lay just outside the Deltous sector. The crews of all six ships were exhausted, not only as a result of the long hours of arduous work required, but also due to the emotional strain of the mission. After three days, a total of sixty-five bodies had been found. Under normal conditions, the remains would have been scattered with little hope of retrieval. On this detail, the majority of the bodies were discovered on the ships' escape pods, which were still operating on emergency thrusters when the recovery ships arrived.

Captain Sans fidgeted with an electronic log book as his science officer completed his final scans of the area.

"Captain, I've finished the report. I believe that's all we'll find out here, sir." Commander Edwin Radonson handed Sans the report, then left the bridge.

Placing the long, narrow, rectangular disk in the computer terminal on the side of his command chair, Captain Sans studied the register. Listed were many names familiar to him, including that of his wife, Sara. The captain was relieved to know her body would be laid to rest as she would have wanted - in a communal vault rather than lost in frozen suspense among the stars.

He finished his review of the account, then gave his communications officer an order to signal the other ships to prepare for their return voyage home. A weary Captain Sans arose slowly from his seat, as if to prolong his current position. He left the bridge, each step in painful contemplation of the task before him. Once below in the ship's cargo hold, he formally identified his wife's body.

HAVEN

"It's perfect!" Jantz handed Contanella a remarkably aromatic soil sample from one of Haven's gardens.

"Not bad, Jantz," Contanella agreed, as she surveyed several individuals laboring intensively over the lush plot of ground. "These vegetables are growing amazingly fast. I'd estimate about four to five weeks and we'll have enough for storage."

The site they chose on their new world provided unexpected advantages for the new colonists. Besides the perfect climate nearly year round, Haven's soil offered astonishing biochemical assistance for crops. A common vegetable taking several months to reach maturity on their home planet of Selet III would yield its fruit in only four weeks in Haven's environment.

Natural resources were abundant as well. Building materials were plentiful and of superior quality. The colonists quickly began construction of small homes and community shelters. Within eight months of landing on Haven, the work crews had developed a square kilometer of land.

After testing was completed and the water found safe for consumption, Shaanon, Camon and Katala organized construction of a water and waste disposal system. Katala's father supervised a crew of engineers who built a series of planetary defense outposts surrounding the colony base.

Dava Garson, Nathon Taparr and Chapath spent weeks aboard Universe II, learning the capabilities of the large vessel. Upon locating several additional computer records aboard the Beast, Nathon was better able to understand the complexity of operating the ship. Further modifications were made, and Universe II became not only a much needed defensive vessel, but also a luxury cruise ship.

One of the first enclosures completed within the central colonists' base was the Medical Center. Doctor Dexon Kandell and Hannah Livingston, placed in charge of the center, enlisted the aid of Universe's medical personnel. Together they created a facility which met any needs the colonists might encounter.

These first few months were exhausting, but rewarding, to all the new inhabitants of Haven. Friendships and relationships were established or strengthened as the colony developed into an accommodating republic. Tranquility and the community spirit they each sought fell smoothly into place. Each had a specialty that supported the demands of the young commune. Each fulfilled his task with the utmost care and precision, as a parent might nurture its offspring. The young idealists were motivated by their history to assure its success.

"Canton Boyds, please be seated."

The review board convened in an underground office. Those in attendance were of various positions in the Forneptus government, including several military officials. Canton took the seat to which he was directed and awaited the questioning that was to follow. He sat motionless, avoiding the faces of the surrounding officials, chosing instead to stare at the oblong, wooden table before him; its hand-rubbed surface providing a stark contrast to the shiny flooring and walls of the austere room.

Canton had warily returned to Forneptus IV. This petty weapon's officer and personal aide was unprepared for the excitement that had greeted him upon his arrival. His wife Tana had met him at the spaceport, then guided him to a small, private party. He had found it difficult, however, to enjoy himself while anticipating the review board now confronting him. As the room quieted, the Space Administration President began the agenda.

"For the record, your full name and position please?" "Canton Boyds, formerly yeoman first class aboard the cruise ship, Wing, prior to its destruction." A slight trace of regret laced his voice as he asked himself what damnedable fate had placed him with a psychotic commander.

"Mister Boyds, according to your own account, you mutinied against Captain William Samuel Brannon. Would you explain to this board the rationale behind this insubordinate behavior?"

Canton sat silently for a moment, collecting his thoughts before explaining the events leading to his departure from the Wing. The President listened intently to the story.

"Why didn't you discuss your concerns with other members of the crew, Mister Boyds?" The elder statesman stared intently at the trim young officer, noting his neat, regulation attire. Scribbling notes on a pad, he waited for Canton's reply.

"The crew was loyal to Brannon, Mister President. The captain gave orders to locate and, I presume, to kill me. I overheard him on the ship-wide comm-system just before I boarded the escape pod." He chose his words carefully, never taking his gaze from the President's eyes. "My court martial seemed inconsequential when compared to a possible war with Selet III. So, I left the ship."

"And I assume," the President continued, "that's when you met with Colonel Richardson."

"That's correct, sir. The colonel had left Selet III in order to join his daughter and her crew mates."

"Tell me, Mr. Boyds, where was their final destination?"

Canton maintained his control. "As I've stated, I left Universe while she was in the vicinity of Kanen-5. From there, I have no idea as to where they were headed. Officer Garson and Chapath, the being I mentioned earlier, loaded my shuttle with the items you saw earlier. I left unaccompanied."

The assembly adjourned after a few more questions. Canton left the meeting room and rode the elevator from the basement level to meet his wife on the upper floor. Noticing the worry in his face, Tana took his hands and squeezed them gently.

"That certainly went well." A hint of sarcasm surfaced, then faded as he anxiously appealed to his wife. "Tana, you believe me, don't you?"

"Of course I do, Canton." Tana wrapped her arms around him in a reassuring hug, brushing back his brown hair in a gesture of devotion. "I'm still understandably curious about that last scan you took, but you know I believe your story."

"Then you're probably the only one. That review board is looking for any reason to retire me." Canton looked around the busy lobby where they stood, then directed his wife toward the exit.

"How 'bout lunch, Tana?"

"I've already taken care of that. Follow me." Tana led the way to a quiet restaurant in an adjoining building where several companions were waiting. Canton was surprised to see his closest friend, Edwin Radonson, sitting at a nearby table.

Edwin stood as Canton approached him. "Canton, you galactic nut, you. How're ya doing?" They shook hands vigorously, Edwin grabbing Canton in a solid embrace.

"Edwin, it's great to see you. I'm okay." Canton looked over the table at the others present.

"Carroll, Raton, Aron . . . it's good to see you all!" The group nodded and smiled in agreement. Edwin, Canton and Tana sat opposite their friends.

"So, Edwin, what brings you into these parts?" Canton asked.

"Well, we've all read your final report on Wing's mission, and there are some things you should know, Canton." Edwin removed some papers from his briefcase. "The Beast you went to destroy matches the description of a ship we discovered on Forneptus IV. It seems the military has apparently duplicated the design and produced thirty of these ships."

Dava stood patiently trying to take in every word Contanella was using to explain her cloak screen, but it was obvious he was lost.

"Explain this to me, Contanella. I still don't see how this'll work when they take the ship into orbit?"

Contanella smiled at Dava as she initiated the last of the parameters on the planetary cloak screen.

"Dava, I think you keep forgetting that this device operates independently of the ship's power supply. We've only had it coupled to the ship's engines to save on energy while we were building the generator. I switched it over to self-generating power last night."

"Well, it's your contraption. I guess you should know how it works." Dava scratched the top of his head. "Anyway, we'll find out for sure after liftoff. I just hope they can find the planet again once they leave the system."

"Dava." Contanella studied Dava in mock anger, then smiled mischievously. "Shut up. You worry too much." She flipped one of her tools at him.

Jantz caught the wrench in mid air as he walked up to the two, Lesdy by his side holding his hand. "Everything all set, Conts?" he asked.

"Whenever they are." Contanella turned to address Lesdy.

"Well Lesdy, how do you like your new home so far?"

"My mother helped me redesign my room. It's really nice. Do you want to see it, Miss Napes?"

"I suggest you do, Napes," Jantz coaxed. "Lesdy just gave me the royal tour. You know, I think this kid's got a future in construction work. It's really something."

"How can I refuse such an offer? Lead on, young Miss." Contanella and Lesdy left Jantz and Dava at the control station and walked over to Hannah's shelter, passing Camon and Shaanon as they loaded supplies onto the nearby Universe II.

Shaanon and Camon commanded an exploratory team about to leave Haven aboard the new, improved ship. Included in the team were Chapath and Lorn, a medical technician from the original Universe mission. The consequences of Kanen-5's destruction were to be studied, as well as the effectiveness of Contanella's planetary cloak screen. Shaanon thought it would be beneficial to set up a satellite system just beyond the border of the Deltous sector as well, enabling them to monitor any incoming traffic or communications.

"Katala will monitor communications. Dava and Contanella will monitor the cloak screen during liftoff and reentry," Shaanon directed as he joined Katala at the communications board inside the control center.

"Katie, your father's satellite relay system won't be functioning for three more days, so keep your ears open just in case."

"No problem, Shaanon. Please be careful."

"Don't worry, we'll be back before you even know we've left. Once out of Haven's orbit, I'll give you a call just to make sure everything's working. See you soon, Katie," Shaanon turned and kissed Katala.

She embraced him warmly and whispered, "Goodbye . . . and good luck."

Universe II left the confines of Haven for its first mission. Once out of the planet's atmosphere, Nathon set a course for the area where Kanen-5 once orbited the dying star, Kanen. Since the star was estimated to nova within ten centuries, Chapath thought it wise to study the possible effects the great explosion would produce on Haven. Though Kanen was some distance from Haven, everyone on board agreed that this was a wise precaution.

"Haven, this is Universe II. Katala, are you picking me up?"

After a moment of static, Haven responded. "Loud and clear, Universe II. How's everything going, Shaanon?"

"All's fine so far. We've decided to extend our trip by a few hours and fly by Kanen."

Overhearing the two, Jantz joined Katala at the communications board.

"Shaanon, Jantz here. Finding anything interesting out there?"

"Not yet. Chapath is eager to share his experience in studying the solar effects on orbiting planets. Everything is quiet so far. We just want to make sure Haven is far enough away from Kanen to avoid being affected by the nova. Just a precaution."

"Good idea. Since you're going to be near Kanen, why don't you give us a call. Contanella's pretty proud of her improved communications system. Let's see how it performs with competition from those solar flares."

"You got it, Jantz. We should be in touch within three hours."

Katala recovered the device from Jantz. "We'll be waiting, Shaanon," she hoped he wouldn't notice how anxious she sounded. "By the way, do you have a preliminary report, yet, on the cloaking screen?"

"Camon's still testing, but so far, so good. Haven is completely imperceptible to normal scanning systems, as well as to the comm-screens. We'll give you a full report when we call back in three hours. Universe II out."

Universe II sped on course toward the red sun. Using estimated graphs and charts, Camon roughly determined the position Kanen-5 would now rest in orbit . . . if anything of the shattered planet still existed.

"SHAANON," Chapath thought across the bridge of the ship, "I AM PICKING UP INDICATIONS OF ANOTHER VESSEL ENTERING THE DELTOUS SECTOR."

"Confirmed, Chapath. I see it on my scanner, also," Camon verified. "It looks to be at least the size of this ship."

"Continue monitoring, Chapath," Shaanon requested. "Advise upon reaching five hundred kilometers, if indeed we do."

The aged Chapath persisted in joining this exploration. Although somewhat frail, his mathematical expertise and special abilities did prove invaluable. Keeping occupied also helped to ease the pain within him. The emptiness Chapath felt was unfathomable to his comrads. His cells echoed violently with the loss of his people. He knew he had little time remaining. Without the collective spirit of his race, he was going to be unable to sustain his own life. Chapath would impart as much wisdom and knowledge as he could to these young patriots, for he knew their destiny would be fraught with grief in spite of their present idyllic existence.

"I BELIEVE WE SHALL INDEED ATTAIN THAT RANGE. THE SCANNER SHOWS WE ARE ON AN INADVERTENT INTERCEPT COURSE WITH THE VESSEL."

Shaanon opened a comm-channel to Haven. "Haven, this is Universe II. Come in please."

After waiting a minute, he tried again.

"Haven, do you read . . . this is Universe II. Come in please."

Still no response. Chapath and Camon looked over at Shaanon worriedly.

"Haven. Katala, please respond."

Two hours and many more attempts later, there was still no response from Katala or Haven.

"It's no good Conts, I can't reach them."

"Let me see if I can boost the power just a little bit more." Contanella attempted to enhance the communications board by adding some of the energy from the cloak-screen. Katala was troubled. Something must have gone wrong on Universe II, and there was no way of knowing what that might be. There also wasn't any means of sending help.

C H A P T E R   E I G H T

"This can't be right!" Canton, astonished by what he had read, directed his attention toward Edwin.

"We couldn't believe it either, Canton." Edwin searched his briefcase for other documents which verified Forneptus IV's involvement with the Beast-ship production.

"A few of us just returned from a joint mission with Selet III."

"A joint mission?" Canton was surprised with the news.

"Yes . . . well you see . . . by working with Selet III in this sector, the President is attempting to secure positive relations. It's nothing much, but I think it's a good idea. After all, the relationship between our two governments hasn't been on exactly the best of terms. Anyway, I served with Captain Sans aboard Canter, helping with cleanup details of the Selet III Task Force."

"I'll bet you didn't find much. When I saw the ruins, they were partially intact. You guys went out there almost a week later."

"We found plenty, Canton. The escape pods were nearby and still had a little juice left in them. For the most part, the crews were all trapped in the bellies of the pods. All the pods were in station-keeping position." Edwin looked about curiously, " We're not sure why."

Canton looked at his wife for a moment in silence. The implications of the information wove an insidious pattern of hostile deceit. His breath came in shallow bursts as he sifted through the details set before him.

"It was easy to determine the cause of their destruction as spontaneous neutron misalignment in the engines," Edwin continued. "At first I couldn't understand how all the ships would develop the same problem at the same time."

Aron, another member of the rescue team on Canter, handed Canton a report file showing various diagrams and calculations.

"The only way all the ships could've gone at the same time would be because of the influence of an outside force. Since we couldn't find logs from any of the ships, we don't know if they even acknowledged their attacker. However, we were able to determine the force that triggered the engine implosions. By checking some records in Forneptus IV's Space Administration files, we determined that a Polter-Beam was used, similar to the one you saw aboard the Beast. A little more digging in the archives revealed the whole story."

"This Polter-Beam," Canton asked, "was designed by us and I assume made standard equipment on these Beast ships?" He already knew the answer. Canton pushed down hard with flattened hands and raised himself from the chair.

Edwin recognized his friend's distress and rose to meet him, planting his hand firmly on Canton's shoulder. "Something like that. From these records, it's been replicated from another source. So you see, our government, while it pretends to establish peaceful relations with Selet III, is also trying to destroy them . . . along with the rest of the galaxy it would seem."

"What's the matter, Katie?" Lesdy asked, finding Katala sitting alone in the maintenance room. Startled by the young girl's quiet approach, Katala stood abruptly and turned toward the child.

"Lesdy! You startled me. I didn't hear you coming."

"What were you thinking about?"

"Oh, I'm just a little worried about Shaanon and the rest of the crew out there." Katala managed a smile, but moist eyes betrayed her.

Lesdy moved next to her friend's side and put an arm around the taller woman in a reassuring embrace. "Don't worry. My mother says that Shaanon's the best, and everything will be all right."

"Your mother's right, Lesdy. Shaanon is the best. But I'd feel a lot better if I could hear the crew tell me that over the transmitter right now." She was pleased to have the company and a diversion from her troubled thoughts.

"Sometimes, in the tunnel on Kanen-5, it would be awfully hard waiting and never hearing from anybody. I'm so glad you found us."

"I'm glad we found you, too. You especially, Lesdy, help to brighten our otherwise pretty dull lives. You bring out the good in all of us. Still having those nightmares?"

"Nope. They're all gone, now. Contanella says it's because of the good luck charm she gave me. See?"

Katala scrunched her eyes and twisted her nose in mock seriousness as she scrutinized the tiny silver medallion hanging on a delicate chain about the child's neck. The distraction succeeded in easing the anxiety she felt - until Lesdy changed the subject once again.

"You love him, don't you?"

"How did such a young child become so wise?"

"Mom says it's because I've been around so many grown ups. Dexon used to tell me so many stories when we were on Kanen. All the stories he learned in instruction and from his grandfather. And he used to make me write my own stories."

Katala looked fondly at the young girl as she smoothed out the collar of her tan jumpsuit. "Well, I guess I do love Shaanon."

As her mind drifted again, Katala was oblivious to the sounds of broken static mixed with voices emanating from the nearby communications board. Lesdy tapped Katala on the arm a couple of times but the young woman remained lost in thought. Finally, Lesdy chose a more reliable means of breaking the trance into which Katala had fallen. She screamed.

"KATALA!"

"I'm sorry Lesdy, what were you saying?"

Lesdy pointed at the communications board.

". . . Haven . . . is Universe . . . if you . . . please respond"

Lesdy followed Katala as she seized the head set at the comm-board.

"It's Shaanon!" Lesdy proclaimed through a broad smile. Katala stabbed the comm-button excitedly and established the channel. The static began to ease and Shaanon's voice became clearer.

"What's going on out there, Shaanon?"

"Our transmissions were being jammed by another vessel that just entered the Deltous sector a few hours ago. Camon was finally able to block the jamming, but that's the least of our problems right now."

Katala sat at the communications table. "What's wrong, Shaanon?"

"We're under attack by a vessel. It's the same configuration as this Beast ship. Our shields are holding up and Camon has ascertained that we have more fire power than the attacker. If we want to, we can destroy them."

"What do you mean, 'if you want to?' Why haven't you?" Katala asked.

"We want to know who's attacking us, and their origin. It can't be a derelict from Kanen-5. It's heading parallel to a course similar to the one on which we entered the Deltous sector. Camon's been trying to establish communications, but they won't respond. We're going to attempt to disable their main thrusters and weapon banks, then board their ship."

"Are you sure that's such a good idea? Can't you try establishing communications for a while longer before you do something like that?"

"Katie, don't worry. Chapath is going to board them alone. They'll never even know he's there. Chapath informs us that if we're close enough to their ship, he doesn't need a shuttle to get over there. He can travel in a vacuum for short distances."

"I should have guessed as much." Katala said, somewhat unconvinced, and frustrated by the discouraging turn of events. "Will you please keep me informed every step of the way?"

"You know it. As soon as Camon makes a few more attempts at contacting them, we'll be moving in. When we do, I'll give you a shout."

Further attempts at contacting Universe II's attacker failed, and Shaanon gave orders to return fire on the other Beast-like ship. The volley ceased within minutes. Their opponent was disabled, but intact. Universe II moved to within five kilometers of the vessel and came to a full stop.

The small crew gathered for a quick briefing before Chapath was to make his way to the paralyzed enemy ship. No one was able to dissuade the alien, and the strategy had merit. Despite his age, Chapath was determined to help his friends. Given a few instructions, he vanished from the safe confines of Universe II and entered the black vacuum of space.

There would be no communication with the being until after he had returned to the ship. His thoughts would be totally engulfed with surviving the vacuum of space. Though remaining apprehensive about the idea of his going, the crew yielded to the argument that this was the only way they could learn their adversary's identity without first engaging them in full battle. A battle which might lead to the destruction of Universe II.

As Chapath approached the enemy vessel's stern, he felt as though he was no longer alone in the emptiness just outside the ship. The feeling intensified as meter upon meter he neared the foreign vessel's outer hull. With only twenty meters remaining before he'd reach the ship, he suddenly realized what was happening around him . . . though he would have never thought it possible.

Before he could consider his next move, a sharp pain rippled suddenly through his mind. He wouldn't be able to fight the distress and continue in this invisible form for much longer. Chapath fought persistently to maintain his concentration, but his age made the task impossible. The pain was just too intense. Turning away from the enemy vessel, he attempted to return to Universe II.

If not for the distracting photon torpedo fired from Universe II at that moment, his light form would have materialized into open space within seconds, immediately killing him as he did. But Shaanon had thought a distraction, even for an invisible being, might be useful. The torment ceased instantly, and Chapath moved quickly away from the ship, returning as fast as he could to his own vessel.

He appeared from a streak of light on the main bridge. Looking around just long enough to confirm his surroundings, the Latician fell limply to the floor, exhausted from his endeavor.

Canton sat next to his wife on the sofa of their small living unit. Cradling a hot beverage in his hands, he offered the drink to her, which she eagerly accepted.

"It's been quite a week, Tana," Canton said as his wife sipped the soothing liquid. "I just get back from a mission sponsored by our government, only to find out that they're the cause for this whole mess in the first place."

"I'm just grateful you made it back home safely, Canton. I still think there's more we don't know about all this super warship construction our government's been covering up. Somehow you were to play a part in it while aboard Wing. Do you think Forneptus IV is working with Selet III on these warships?"

Canton considered the question briefly before responding. "It certainly seems possible, but I wouldn't expect that Shaanon would be unaware of it, if that were the case. Nor do I believe he would hide it, if he knew that to be true. He's got a lot of the rebel in him." Canton smiled to himself, thinking of his own youth and similar accusations.

"As I recall, he had high-level clearance within Selet III's government. As a matter of fact, I believe the main purpose for their mission into the Deltous sector was prompted by what he had learned through government channels."

"Governments can deceive even high ranking officials, Canton. You know that. But the way you've spoken of Shaanon, I believe you're probably right. He probably doesn't know anything either. Maybe we should try to find out if indeed our two governments are collaborating in secret."

"You think that perhaps this new, open awareness that Forneptus IV's council has been displaying is a facade, Tana? While the council portends its intention to establish peaceful relations with Selet III, behind our backs they've been peacefully relating for years?"

"Certainly a possibility," Tana nodded, "and a strong one at that."

An orange blanket of sand covered the plateau, producing a brilliant glow without the aid of sunlight. Tanett was a spectacular planet in many respects. The atmosphere was friendly, and there were plenty of natural resources available. Its location was far from other populated planets; and, Tanett provided the ideal seclusion for Selet III and Forneptus IV's military Committee to meet.

Without question, the greatest advantage the two governments had while on Tanett was the ability to keep an eye on Tanett-Prime, Tanett's sister planet. It was there that a small population of beings dwelt unknown to the rest of the galaxy. They were all that remained of a civilization which once populated the planet Laticia before its destruction. Now living in slavery, the three hundred remaining Laticians were fast becoming an extinct race. Only one Latician was able to escape the destruction of their planet and the soon to follow confinement on Tanett-Prime. Chapath.

It required seven days of travel to reach Tanett from either Forneptus IV or Selet III, after which members from each respective government rested in synchronous orbit above the planet's only continent. Before landing the larger vessels, each ship sent a shuttle carrying a small security force to the planet's surface.

Having received the "All Secure" message from Selet III's team, General Profis gave the order to land at the designated coordinates. Forneptus IV's ship followed soon afterward.

Major Levandi stepped out of the Forneptus military space vessel and onto the bright sands of Tanett. In the distance he watched as General Profis, surrounded by several security officers, walked toward him.

"Good day, Major." The General's voice was just audible against a gusty wind. Rarely felt on Tanett, he waved his hand to shield his face from the dust flying about.

"Greetings General Profis. I trust your travel was free of incident?"

"Yes. Everything was quiet aboard ship."

"That's good to hear. Have you looked in on our friends next door since entering the quadrant?"

General Profis shifted uneasily for a moment, then looked in the direction of Tanett's sister planet, barely visible in the evening sky.

"Our Security Team scanned Tanett-Prime before landing here. According to their report, everything is quiet. I assume you've checked it out as well, Major."

"Out of habit, more than anything else. There has never been any unusual activity on the planet since the Laticians have been there. Only when we need to visit them do we even remember how many there actually are."

Major Levandi paused and stared at the General. "Is there something bothering you about Tanett-Prime, General?"

The General let out a sigh. "I believe it's time we learn more about these creatures . . . these Laticians. I'm convinced that this alien that one of your military yeoman . . . er, Boyds I believe is his name . . . I'm sure that the alien he met is also one of these Laticians."

The Major immediately fended the query. "I can assure you, General, there's absolutely no possibility of that. There were no survivors other than those we brought to Tanett-Prime."

"Hell, you don't know that, Major. You had over three hundred of them in your ship. Without the mental screen, you and your crew were vulnerable to any mental suggestions they may have given you. You didn't even have such a screening device until four days after you had already been in contact with them."

"That's true, except that they're benevolent creatures by nature. They don't use their mind control for force unless there's a good reason. When we took the Laticians aboard our ship, they thought that we were coming to their aid. They trusted us and welcomed our help. They never knew that it was our ships that destroyed their planet."

General Profis reached in his coat and removed a small notepad.

"According to the log records, your ships returned to the area three days after the planet was destroyed."

"Yes, that's correct. And our scans of the planet's remains showed no life signs."

"Major, you're assuming that none of these creatures can stay in their transparent state for prolonged periods. I don't think that's a wise assumption. We don't know very much about them or what their capabilities might be . . . benevolent or not."

General Profis shook his head and walked over to join the rest of his crewmen - now gathered with the Major's crew near the Forneptus vessel. As he watched the General leave, Major Levandi considered the words he had just heard. The Laticians had only been on Tanett-Prime slightly more than a year. During that time, little had been learned of the race . . . other than their ability to serve the purposes of the rebel alliance between Selet III and Forneptus IV.

C H A P T E R   N I N E

Like its neighboring planet, Tanett-Prime claimed vast expanses of orange incandescent sand. The atmosphere was favorable, but the planet's ability to produce sufficient food resources was minimal. Without the regular delivery of supplies from the Committee patrol ships, the Laticians could not survive. Routine deliveries were abating, for the captors wearied of this nonproductive task, seeking instead to handle more pressing problems. The resulting disinterest left many of the beings in poor health; and not a few were near death.

No one had studied the Laticians to any great degree, providing a scant record of the race. Their ability to disappear made observation difficult and somewhat unnerving. They lacked any substantial degree of muscular strength, but made up for it with powerful mental proficiency.

The Forneptus IV battle ships learned of these abilities shortly after they destroyed their home planet of Laticia. The planet's defenses couldn't withstand the attack which ended just minutes after it began. Only a few hundred, seeking shelter in a vault far beneath the planet's surface, were spared from the total destruction.

As the Forneptus battle ships orbited the devastated planet, they scanned for survivors. It was then they discovered the Latician's ability to become invisible. While scans could not detect the beings in their metaphysical state, the Laticians only maintained it for a few hours, sometimes as long as a day. It was presumed, after careful monitoring, that this was the maximum time before they must rematerialize in human form. The Committee Fleet Commander thought these beings might prove useful in future missions and decided to apprehend the remaining few.

A small scout ship was sent to the planet's surface with a "rescue team" aboard. The soldiers managed to convince the Laticians that they had fought off the ships responsible for the attack and had come to offer aid. Since nothing was left of their once rich culture, the surface in blackened ruins, the Laticians graciously accepted the offer to leave and return with the soldiers to the Forneptus battle ships.

Once aboard the bigger vessels, the beings were brought to a large holding area where they were promised food and medical attention. The facade continued until one of the Laticians appeared out of nowhere on the main bridge. Security personnel killed him without hesitation. Officers subsequently ordered the storage area sealed.

Unaware of the beings' mental abilities, several security guards were found trying to set the Laticians free. It wasn't until the commander of the lead Committee ship was discovered attempting to liberate the beings that anyone realized they were being subconsciously persuaded. The science team quickly designed a small screening device, worn concealed behind the ear, that effectively protected the crew from any further neuropathic invasions.

Defenseless, the Laticians were taken to the remote planet Tanett-Prime. There they struggle to survive with the limited amount of supplies given to them by the dissident Selet III and Forneptus IV coterie. On occasion, several of the Laticians are forced to accompany the military on an unknown mission to another world. Slavery has become the only life the beings now know.

Chapath awoke surrounded by a group of concerned onlookers. Lorn had been able to do little to help him as he laid unconscious on the sickbay bed. Although a finely trained medical doctor, Lorn's education had never included any background with an alien such as this. As Chapath attempted to sit up, Lorn assisted him.

"How do you feel, Chapath?" the doctor asked.

Chapath's head hurt, residual evidence from the encounter he had experienced a few hours earlier outside the enemy vessel. Suddenly, the being's eyes widened as he began to communicate.

"WE MUST CONTACT THE ENEMY VESSEL IMMEDIATELY."

Shaanon glanced at Lorn in a curious expression, knowing that Chapath knew the enemy was not responding to communications. "Why?" Shaanon asked. "What happened out there?"

Chapath turned to address the young captain.

"I WAS PREVENTED ACCESS TO THE ENEMY VESSEL BY OTHER LATICIANS. I DID NOT KNOW OTHERS HAD SURVIVED THE ATTACK ON MY PLANET. I HAD THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY SURVIVOR FROM LATICIA, BUT I AM INCORRECT."

"I don't understand," Shaanon reacted with confusion. "Someone from your own race is responsible for practically killing you? I would think they'd be happy to see another survivor from their home world."

"IT IS UNLIKE OUR KIND TO USE LETHAL FORCE AGAINST ANOTHER BEING, WHETHER NATIVE OR ALIEN. WE ARE A WEAK PEOPLE. OUR STRENGTH IS IN THE MIND, WHICH SOMETIMES PROVES DEADLY. HOWEVER, OUR RACE WOULD NOT PERMIT FATAL HARM TO ANOTHER. YET I HAVE FALLEN VICTIM TO SUCH AN ATTACK. PLEASE ALLOW ME TO FURTHER ATTEMPT COMMUNICATION WITH THE OTHER VESSEL. I MUST KNOW WHICH OF MY PEOPLE HAS DONE THIS."

"That's what we've been trying to do, Chapath," Camon insisted. "If you think they'll respond now, then let's give it another try. I'll speak for you, but are you strong enough to make it to the bridge?"

"I AM UNHARMED. IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR THE PRECISE TIMING OF YOUR PHOTON TORPEDO UPON THE ENEMY VESSEL, I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE THAT SAME CLAIM."

On the bridge, Chapath made several attempts to contact the enemy vessel, Camon providing the necessary vocal tones. Twenty minutes later Shaanon advised them to abandon the effort. But as Chapath attempted one final time, he was rewarded with a reply. He immediately switched on the viewscreen enabling visual contact. The screen focused in on a tall woman wearing what they all immediately recognized as the uniform worn by Forneptus IV military personnel.

HAVEN

The ex-Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Gantor Richardson pulled himself to the top of the large satellite dish which sat five kilometers west of the colonists' encampment. The dish was one of the six that surrounded their small city on Haven. The Colonel took the responsibility upon himself for securing the base. He was almost prepared to activate the new security system; just a few final adjustments before it would be operational.

As he knelt within the boundaries of the large dish, the Colonel glanced up as a reflection interrupted his field of vision. About two kilometers further west from his position, he could see the faint outline of a peculiarly shaped structure. Curious, he climbed down from the satellite dish and tried to locate where he had seen the structure, but it was no longer visible.

The Colonel walked over to the shuttle craft he had been piloting during the construction of the security system and turned on the communications board.

"Colony Base, this is Richardson."

Almost immediately, Katala's voice came through the speaker. "Yes father, this is Katie. How's everything coming along with the security system?"

The Colonel sat in the pilot's chair, content with the days progress, yet eager to validate his efforts.

"Hello Katie. I'm cleaning up. Everything's ready to go. Inform Contanella that I'll need her assistance with power-up."

"She heard. She's standing not a meter away from me, and she's ready whenever you are. Is there anything else?"

"As a matter of fact, yes." The Colonel looked through the craft's port in the direction where he had seen the structure. "I'm going to check out an area about two kilometers west of here. It may be nothing; but I thought I saw some sort of building over there. I'm going to take a closer look. I'll pick up Jantz first. He's at the next dish sight. And before you say it, don't worry, we'll be careful."

Katala smiled. "You'd just better be. Let us know what you find, okay?"

"I will. By the way, any more news from Shaanon?"

"Yes. Chapath is fine, just a little weak. Shaanon said that Chapath is trying to contact their attacker - something about other survivors from his home world being aboard the other vessel. I'll know more soon. I'm going to check up on them at the top of the hour."

"All right then. We'll see you back at base soon. Out."

The Colonel gathered up his equipment from the dish sight then flew the shuttle craft to where Jantz was working. As he approached, Jantz was nowhere to be seen. He climbed out of the vehicle and walked around the area looking for the young engineer.

"Jantz! Where are you?"

"'That you, Colonel?" Jantz called in a tired voice.

"Who'd you expect? Is there a girlfriend you're not telling us about?"

Jantz's head poked over the edge of the satellite dish. "None that I'm aware of. I must have fallen asleep up here. Just a minute, I'll be right down."

The two walked to the Colonel's shuttle craft. It wasn't until they were ready to board the craft that Jantz noticed his own shuttle was nowhere to be found. He looked over at the Colonel, believing it was probably a joke. "All right, what gives?"

"What do you mean?"

Jantz didn't answer, instead turning in all directions in search of his vessel.

The Colonel directed the question again. "What do you mean, 'what gives'?"

"Where's my shuttle?" Jantz asked the Colonel.

"Where'd you park it?" The Colonel asked seriously.

"Very funny. C'mon, where'd you put it?"

Colonel Richardson looked at Jantz, bewildered. "Are you telling me it's been stolen?"

Jantz returned the same incredulous expression.

"Jantz, how long were you asleep?"

Glancing at his watch, Jantz looked up at the Colonel. "I'm not sure . . . but not any longer than twenty minutes or so. Do you think one of the colonists came out here and took it? That maybe they didn't know I was here and thought it was left by mistake?"

A call to the colony base quickly ruled out the possibility of anyone there taking the shuttle from the dish site. Jantz followed the Colonel into his shuttle. Before returning to base, they headed to the area where the Colonel had earlier noticed the odd structure.

"There it is," the Colonel pointed excitedly. As they approached the building, evidence of other beings living on the planet became apparent. The most obvious was a narrow trail of smoke which rose from a small fire, enclosed in an object resembling a crude furnace. The outer walls were rife with discarded containers measuring about two meters in diameter and three meters tall. Jantz used the shuttle's scanners to look for any life signs, but only trees and the familiar fowl, insect and small animal life registered. They agreed that a closer look was needed and landed the shuttle about one hundred meters from the sight, preferring to walk the remaining distance.

"It looks like a giant quinfruit," Jantz said as they neared what looked to be the only enclosure in the area.

"A quinfruit?" The Colonel questioned.

"Yeah. It's a small, seedless delight native to Forneptus IV. I used to bring back tons of them when I was doing my graduate work there. They're not very popular. Most people say they're like eating mushy rocks. Not me though. Once you get past the skins, they become addicting really fast. Makes my mouth water just thinking about them."

Colonel Richardson shook his head. "Great. I'll order out as soon as we get back to base."

"Would you? Fantastic! What a pal."

A glimmer caught the Colonel's eye. He put his hand to his forehead to shade the sun. From the farthest side of the structure he thought he could see something that resembled a shuttle craft. Richardson directed Jantz's attention to the object. As they approached the site, they could clearly see the shuttle craft hidden partially behind some tall grass.

The Colonel looked at Jantz with a grin. "You know, when I put up that security system, I didn't think we'd require its use against our own planet's inhabitants. Looks like I was wrong."

"What inhabitants?" Jantz asked. "According to the orbital scans we took before landing here, this planet was supposedly uninhabited."

Canton Boyds walked a few steps behind his wife as they neared the spaceport. Beside him, Edwin Radonson discussed flight plans with Aron, who would fill the role of navigator on the flight they were about to take. Canton's wife Tana was helping her friend Raton carry a lightweight but bulky instrument that would be most valuable on the trip.

Once inside the spaceport, the group headed for Edwin's private shuttle bay, not stopping to talk with anyone along the way. Since it was late, the spaceport was quiet; they were greeted by very little activity. Arriving at his shuttle bay entrance, Edwin entered the private code into the wall lock.

"This is it. Everybody sure they still want to come along?" Edwin glanced at each member of the group. "There's no turning back once we leave, so if you have any second thoughts, now is the time."

"No second thoughts, Edwin." Aron said. "Let's go."

"We'd better hurry, too," Tana cautioned. "It's going to take at least an hour for you to install this cloak screen. That doesn't leave us much of a safety margin if you run into any problems. In two hours, the regular morning backlog will start, and we'll be lucky to get out of here before noon."

Canton smiled assuredly. "Don't worry Tana, there won't be any problems. But, let's get a move on anyway."

Fifty minutes later the small group left the spaceport in Edwin's shuttle craft, completely unnoticed by the spaceport's ground crew. Although it was perfectly legitimate for Edwin and Raton to come and go as they wished, since they were visitors on Forneptus IV, they preferred nobody knew they were leaving. Within two weeks they would arrive at the planet Tanett and begin their investigation.

Thanks to Aron, they now had strong evidence of a subversive movement meeting on that planet. If their suspicions were correct, they would soon discover the truth about the Beast warships. With solid evidence, they would return to their respective governments: Canton, Tana and Aron to Forneptus IV, Edwin and Raton to Selet III. There they would expose the operation and put an end to the long-lived legends of "The Beast."

C H A P T E R   T E N

The bridge crew aboard Universe II, stunned at their discovery, stared motionless at the viewscreen. Not only had they learned that there were other survivors from Chapath's home planet, but a very familiar space ship lay only a few short kilometers before them. A ship which held a striking resemblance to their own, including a Forneptus IV military officer at the other end of the communications screen.

Chapath continued the communications connection process, then turned to address Shaanon.

"HER UNIFORM SEEMS SOMEWHAT SIMILAR TO THAT WHICH THE YEOMAN, CANTON BOYDS, WAS WEARING. IS THIS A MILITARY VESSEL?"

Shaanon turned toward the being, his expression betraying this moment of frustration. "Chapath, this officer is from Forneptus IV. The same planet as Brannon's crew . . . you know, the one's you destroyed. It looks like they've come to finish the job Brannon failed to accomplish."

Camon approached the two. "Shaanon, they have no power to operate their weapons any longer. Even if they did, we've outgunned them ten-to-one from the start. I'm reading no ESE weaponry, just what we've already seen."

Suddenly, the Forneptus officer spoke. "Where did you people get that ship? I demand to know."

Shaanon turned towards the comm-screen to answer. "Who wants to know? Who are you, and why did you attack us?"

The officer hesitated before answering, looking behind her at someone not visible on the viewscreen. When she finally spoke again, it wasn't to answer Shaanon's question.

"I have my orders. That ship is stolen property, and I'm under orders to confiscate it." As the Forneptus IV officer spoke, her eyes never left Chapath. Her face was covered with a look of familiarity. Chapath noticed it immediately.

"What's with you people, anyway?" Shaanon questioned the woman. "First your Captain Brannon hunts us down and tries to kill us. Now the gauntlet falls to you, I suppose. Well, let me put it to you this way: either identify yourself and the reason for your attack, or in one minute you'll be as one with the universe."

The officer smiled. "I don't think you want to do that."

"Now what would ever make you think I wouldn't? I've had enough of you Forneptus military types. I realize that your 'shoot-first' policy saves a lot of time. It eliminates getting acquainted with whomever it is you're about to destroy. But I think your adversaries would appreciate this small act of kindness, don't you?"

"I don't think you'll want to exert any further firepower on this ship once you learn of its cargo." Again the officer looked at someone not visible on the viewscreen. "I'd like you to meet my cargo."

Three beings resembling Chapath appeared on Universe II's viewscreen. Shaanon and Camon looked in astonishment at the screen, then at Chapath.

"Chapath," Camon asked, "do you know them?"

"NO. BUT IF YOU COULD SEVER COMMUNICATIONS FOR A MOMENT, I CAN EXPLAIN THEIR PRESENCE ON THAT VESSEL."

Shaanon motioned for Camon to cut communications.

"Okay, they can't see or hear us." Camon said.

"I HAVE LEARNED THAT THOSE WE NOW SEE ARE ONLY A SMALL PORTION OF LATICIAN SURVIVORS WHO ARE BEING HELD AGAINST THEIR WILL ON THE PLANET, TANETT-PRIME. A FACTION COMPRISED OF BOTH SELET III AND FORNEPTUS IV MILITARY PERSONNEL HAVE TAKEN THE SURVIVORS AND HAVE CONFINED THEM TO THIS PLANET."

"How did you learn all this?" Camon questioned the being. "He's a telepath, remember?" Shaanon answered.

"I HAVE BEEN IN COMMUNICATION WITH THE THREE LATICIANS ON THAT VESSEL SINCE THE COMM-SCREEN FIRST RESPONDED. HOWEVER, THE COMMUNICATION IS VERY WEAK, AS THOUGH BEING SUPPRESSED."

"Are you sure about all this, Chapath?" Shaanon asked.

"I AM QUITE SURE, SHAANON. THE ATTACK ON MYSELF WAS NOT INTENTIONAL. IT WAS FOCUSED AT THE OFFICERS AND CREW ABOARD THAT VESSEL. BUT THEY SEEM TO HAVE FOUND A WAY TO PROTECT THEMSELVES AGAINST OUR MINDS. THE MENTAL ENERGY FROM ALL THREE LATICIANS WAS WHAT I FELT AS I APPROACHED THEIR SHIP."

"So they didn't even know you were out there?"

Before Chapath could answer Shaanon, a loud signal blared from the comm-panel, and an angry face peered from the forward viewscreen. Shaanon nodded for Camon to restore communication again.

"You haven't answered my question, gentlemen." The officer continued smiling, but now with a bit more certainty. "That vessel belongs to the Forneptus IV government."

The smile rapidly straightened as the woman continued. "I demand you surrender immediately and prepare to be boarded. If you do not comply within five minutes, there'll be three bodies waiting here for you." Again, the smile returned. "I guess the rumors are true . . . there is another Latician who survived the attack." The woman's image on the viewscreen was unexpectedly replaced with that of the stars.

"Now what do we do?" Camon asked.

"We give them the ship of course." Shaanon answered. "Lorn's scan indicates that there's only ten passengers aboard that vessel, and three of them are Laticians. Come on, Camon . . . let's go prepare the docking bay for our guests."

Camon smiled perceptively and followed Shaanon off the bridge.

Below in the docking bay, Camon rushed to connect the appropriate hoses and tanks together. The tanks were filled with nitrous oxide, which would normally be used for the ship's sickbay and medical labs. Once everything was connected, Shaanon returned to the bridge of Universe II. From there, he secured all but one of the doorways leading to the docking bay, then waited for the shuttle that would bring the half dozen or so Forneptus soldiers aboard.

Lorn left the bridge to take his position hidden inside the docking bay with Camon. Once in position, they slipped on protective masks. When the soldiers arrived, they would be overcome by the heavy concentration of gas within seconds after exiting their shuttle. Lorn and Camon had to work fast. One of the soldiers had to be protected from becoming too overcome by the vapors. They needed to disarm him, and remove him from the docking bay. Then it was just a matter of using a simple injection, one that would make the soldier extremely vulnerable to suggestion.

From the bridge, Shaanon would try to keep the Forneptus IV officer and his three Latician prisoners on the viewscreen so that Chapath could further communicate with the Laticians aboard the Forneptus vessel. Within a few minutes, the viewscreen displayed the small image of a shuttle craft emerging from their adversary's ship.

HAVEN

Jantz followed closely behind the Colonel as they explored the borders of the structure they had discovered. Signs of life were abundantly evident. Discarded clothing, foodstuffs and books were only a few of the items Jantz collected and placed in a carry pouch for later examination.

They approached the stolen shuttle craft cautiously. Jantz repeated his scan of the area, still finding no intelligent signs of life other than the Colonel and himself. As far as they could tell, the shuttle craft's exterior was undamaged. Jantz opened the craft's hatch slowly, looking within as he did. He climbed through the opening and quickly searched the interior of the shuttle - or what was left of it.

Most of the instruments were missing. Not ripped out carelessly, but neatly removed from their housings. The pilot's seat remained intact but all other seating was gone. Also not found were the food dispenser and related provisions.

The Colonel remained outside the craft standing watch against whoever might be responsible for its theft. As he continued to investigate the area, a peculiar odor grabbed his attention.

"Hey Jantz, do you smell something odd?"

When Jantz didn't answer, the Colonel walked closer to the shuttle. He reached the craft's bow and peered through the ship's front window, rapping loudly on it.

"Jantz, you in there?"

"Yeah, I'm here," Jantz replied. "Do you wanna step inside for a moment, Colonel? You gotta see this for yourself."

Colonel Richardson climbed aboard and observed the modifications to the craft's interior.

"Jantz, you really should take better care of your things. It'd probably be easier to ask, what's not missing?"

"Uh, Colonel . . . I think we'd better get back to your shuttle before it winds up looking like this one. Whoever did this might already be there, or have already been and left."

"'Whoever' is the part that's got me puzzled. You're right. We'd better go. I'll call the base and get some people out here to take care of your shuttle. By the way, did you smell anything peculiar a few minutes ago?"

Jantz sniffed the air. "Not that I recall. Why do you ask?"

"Just before I came in here, I smelled something really strange. Just for a moment, though. Wondered if you got a whiff of it, too."

"Nope. Gee, I hope this planet's not trying to get rid of us already. After you, Colonel."

The two men exited through the hatch and returned to the Colonel's shuttle. Upon entering, they both breathed a sigh of relief as they examined the ship and found it completely intact. Colonel Richardson contacted Haven's base to explain what had happened and to arrange a pickup of Jantz's scavenged craft.

Katala and Nathon were both running to the communication's board as they arrived at the base.

"Haven, this is Universe II. Come in please."

Colonel Richardson and Jantz reached the comm-board just as Nathon opened the channel and set up visual transmission.

"Go ahead Universe II, this is Haven. We read you loud and clear." The screen lit up seconds later as the visual was established. Shaanon's image came to life.

"Good morning, Nathon . . . it is morning there, isn't it?" Shaanon asked.

"Well actually, it's evening. But I was taught never to argue with the Captain, so if you say it's morning, it's morning."

"Right, Nathon, whatever . . . Hi Katala, Colonel, Jantz. You guys all bored or something? Just hangin' 'round the radio tonight, eh?"

"Shaanon, what's the story up there? Are you guys okay?" Katala asked.

"Couldn't be better. We're on our way home right now. Should make planetfall by tonight. Oh, right, I forgot. Nathon says it's already evening on Haven, so make that tomorrow morning."

Colonel Richardson moved closer to the comm-screen.

"What's the situation with the Latician survivors aboard the Forneptus ship, Shaanon?"

"Colonel, they're coming home with us. Thanks to Chapath's resourcefulness, they're on board right now. I have a lot to tell you, and so do our new friends. We'll debrief right after we land."

"Looking forward to it, Shaanon. We have a lot to tell you as well, right Jantz?"

Jantz blushed. "What are you looking at me for, Colonel? Could I help it if this planet's not as user-friendly as we all thought it was?"

Camon appeared on the screen next to Shaanon. "Trouble little brother?" he asked.

"I don't know, but it sure is strange. We'll fill you in at the debriefing."

"How are your new friends making out, Shaanon?" Katala asked. "Chapath must be euphoric!"

"He is," Shaanon answered, "and I don't blame him. For the last year, he thought he was the only living Latician. Now he's discovered a few hundred others survived. You can well imagine how he must feel."

"I'm happy for him too," Katala continued, "but where are all the survivors living now?"

Shaanon's face took on a more serious look. "I need to talk to you all regarding just that subject. I'll give you more details tomorrow, but for now, let me just say that we've got a civilization to liberate. Colonel, are you familiar with a certain government alliance between Selet III and Forneptus IV? A covert alliance?"

Colonel Richardson nodded assent. His former position in Selet III's United Provinces kept him aware of all such associations.

"I know of three Shaanon, but I believe you're referring to the Military Committee, or 'The Committee' as they call themselves. We had been trying to abolish the group from its inception without success."

"The Latician survivors are being held and used against their will by this 'Committee.' They're living in slavery on the planet Tanett-Prime. I don't know about you, but I plan to rectify that situation as soon as possible. The crew is behind me as well, but that isn't enough manpower. We'll need your insight regarding this Committee's makeup. Tomorrow at the debriefing, I'd appreciate whatever information you can give me about them."

"You'll have it, Shaanon. I'm sure we can strengthen your crew by several more hands as well."

"Good. We'll need all the support we can get. Until tomorrow morning then, Colonel."

Katala remained at the viewscreen as the others departed. She saw Camon pat Shaanon on the arm then exit the bridge.

"I've missed you, Shaanon."

"I've missed you too, Katie. I didn't realize just how much I would until I left."

Katala smiled. "You're not leaving Haven again without me, do you hear me?"

"Don't worry, I have no desire to do that. I want you to come along to Tanett-Prime, too. Your skills as a navigator almost equal those of your character."

"Flatterer. Shaanon, I don't want to wait until tomorrow's debriefing. How did Chapath rescue the Laticians?"

Shaanon laughed. "I wish I could tell you it was some ingenious plan I came up with that led to their rescue, but alas - the Laticians deserve all the credit. They rescued themselves.

"We were all set up and waiting for the Forneptus crew to board us. I was to distract their commander by keeping a comm-channel open to her. Chapath was then able to communicate telepathically with the three Laticians aboard her vessel. Camon and Aron stayed below in the docking bay ready to douse the boarding party with nitrous oxide and an injection of themtathine. You know, that stuff Aron - shall we say 'acquired' - from some friends back on Rinoltt. It causes extreme mental susceptibility in the victim.

"Everything was going as planned. Then Chapath convinced the Commander to remove a device she was wearing behind her ear. It protected her crew against mental suggestions from the Laticians. What she and the rest of these Committee people didn't take into consideration is that when they first came into contact with the Laticians, the beings were in a pretty unhealthy state, far beyond how Chapath was when we first met him. Their planet had just been destroyed. Since then, their health has only gotten worse. Although Chapath isn't as spry as he used to be, he's presently much stronger at sending thought than the rest of them . . . mentally speaking.

"He 'suggested' that the Commander order her crew to remove the protective devices. The three Laticians were then able to subdue their minds. They even brought the crew and their Commander with them over here. They're all in the brig right now ."

Katala started laughing. "Don't worry Shaanon. You'll get another chance to be a hero." She continued laughing until she heard the sound of voices singing the most beautiful song she had ever heard.

"Shaanon, what's that? Who's singing?"

Shaanon looked around the bridge. "I don't know. It sounds fantastic though, doesn't it?"

Aron entered the bridge.

"I hope you don't mind, Captain. The Latician's said it'd be alright to broadcast their singing over the ship's intercom. I thought everyone would like to hear this. They're singing a song for their lost planet . . . a song for Laticia."

"But how can they sing if . . ." Shaanon stopped abruptly as the music overcame him.

The ship filled with the sounds of sorrow and hope, heard through Haven's communications board as well. Shaanon sat down before the screen and closed his eyes. Katala did the same as they both became lost in the aura of the music. Though they were thousands of kilometers apart, the feeling of closeness overwhelmed them. As the song faded, Shaanon opened his eyes.

"I'll be home soon, Katala." It was all Shaanon found the ability to say before closing the comm-channel.

C H A P T E R   E L E V E N

The wind had lightened considerably since the Committee first landed. Tanett's binary suns were beginning to descend below the horizon, producing a breathtaking glow on the planet's crystaline orange sands.

In a secluded enclosure hidden at the bottom of a mineral-rich mesa, General Profis stood at the head of a long table directly facing thirty-five seated Committee members. A mixture of individuals representing both Forneptus IV and Selet III. Without ceremony, the General called the meeting to order.

"Before I brief you on Selet III's latest contentions regarding this Committee," the room filled with suppressed spurts of laughter as the group watched Profis fein innocence with a broad gesture before he continued, ". . .Colonel Satch will update us on Tanett-Prime and our friends who inhabit that world. Colonel?" The General took his seat as Colonel Mark Satch made his way to the head of the table. Laying the note pad he carried on the table before him, he began to address the Committee.

"I have some concerns regarding Tanett-Prime that I'd like to bring to your attention. First and foremost is a situation that cannot continue. Both yours and our patrols have been neglecting to deliver shipments of normal supplies to the planet. Our last visit found quite a few of the Laticians ill and unable to serve us. Please advise your patrols to correct this irregularity immediately.

"We have also learned that the Laticians are resistant to most of our medications. We can do little for those who are sick. Since they refuse to cooperate with us, we're going to have to do our own investigations into their physiology."

"You mean dissect one of them, don't you?" The General asked.

"I know of no other way, General. If we want to keep them healthy and able to serve, we'll have to learn how that's accomplished. At twenty-three-thirty hours tonight, dusk on Tanett-Prime, I'll be leading a small party to that planet to evaluate the situation first hand. I'll have more to report then."

Colonel Satch brought up a few other items before turning the meeting back over to General Profis. After discussing the Committee's perspective regarding the disposition of the Laticians, the meeting ended. The General followed Colonel Satch outside the enclosure and caught up to him.

"Mark, wait up a minute," The General called. "I need to talk to you. Can I tempt you to join me for a drink?"

"Sure, General. What do you want to talk about?" Satch eyed Profis carefully, his expression not revealing the contempt he felt toward this virtuous antagonist.

General Profis looked around at the dispersing group. "Not here. Can you join me aboard my ship in about ten minutes?" "Yes General, I'll be there."

"Fine. I'll have one of my crew meet you and show you to my quarters." General Profis saluted the Colonel then walked away towards his vessel.

A young soldier startled Colonel Satch with her quiet approach.

"What was that all about, Mark?"

"I'd appreciate it if you'd address me by rank when we're in public, soldier. And what are you doing here? This meeting was for officers only."

HAVEN

With the cataloging of the new supply of donor blood completed, Hannah readied to leave Haven's new medical facility just as Dexon knocked at her office door.

"Anybody home?" he asked.

"Come in, Dexon."

When Dexon opened the door, Lesdy ran through it into the office, followed by Contanella.

"I brought you a present. These two were hanging around outside, peeking through the windows," the doctor explained.

"We were not!" Contanella protested. "I just haven't gotten around to donating any of my blood, yet, and I was checking to see if anyone was here so that I could. That's all."

Dexon mischievously kept at her. "Then why didn't you come inside and check? Afraid someone might see you?"

"Hannah, tell him to clam up or I'll do it for him."

Hannah sighed. "Behave yourselves, children. Excuse me Lesdy, I was talking to them." She encircled her daughter with her arm and held her close as Lesdy watched the exchange between her friends. "Conts, I'll be more than happy to drain you right now," she continued with a wry expression. "Follow me. Dexon, why don't you get back to work on those cultures. Lesdy, you can stay here and play one of those video games Shaanon gave us, if you like."

Contanella looked at Lesdy. "You need any help Lesdy? I can donate another time."

Lesdy was already familiar with the cowardice routine. She had watched her mother while many of the other colonists had donated. The child was prepared.

"Thank you anyway, Miss Napes, but I'd rather play by myself. You have important things to do. Let me know when you're done, okay?"

Contanella mumbled under her breath, "The little traitor. After the great day we shared together, she abandons me like so much refuse."

"What was that, Conts?" Dexon asked.

"Nothing. Let's go, Hannah."

Contanella petulantly followed Hannah to a nearby couch where she was directed to lay. Looking around at the various medical furnishings that laced the table tops, she swallowed hard before speaking.

"You're not going to hurt me, are you Hannah?"

Hannah smiled, her face reassuring. Contanella relaxed only slightly as she watched Hannah assemble bags and needles in preparation for the draw. She then sought conversation to help conquer her fear.

"Lesdy and I found the most gorgeous lake today while we were walking. The water is transparent blue. Lake Haven, as Lesdy dubbed it, is over two kilometers across and there's a small island smack dab in the middle of it."

"It sounds beautiful," Hannah said as she continued prepping her volunteer. "Did you go to the island?"

"Not today. We were on foot. We had planned to take a shuttle over to it tomorrow. Care to join us? That is, if the doctor will let you out of here for a few hours."

"Don't worry about Dexon. I'd love to come. I heard Jantz and Nathon talking about nearby lakes, and I just love the water. You've made sure it's safe I presume?"

"Yes, the scanner read as clear as the water looks. Well, you might as well get this over with. Go ahead and let me have it." Contanella closed her eyes in preparation for the initial invasion of the needle into her vein.

"All done, Contanella. Thank you very much. Just stay there for a few moments while I go rustle up the latest batch of my flatcakes."

Contanella slowly opened her eyes. "What do ya' mean, 'all done?' I didn't feel anything."

"What did you want to feel?"

"Pain! No, I mean I didn't want to feel it, I expected to feel it."

Hannah chuckled softly. "Maybe you'd like me to try it again, Hhmm? I think I can produce some pain."

A short time later, Contanella escorted Lesdy and her mother to Haven's community shelter where they ate dinner together. Dava Garson sat alone at one of the shelter's corner tables, writing in a notebook while taking intermittent sips from a steaming beverage. He was so absorbed in thought that he didn't notice the small child walk up to his table. He gradually looked up from his notes and was greeted by Lesdy's grinning face.

"Come and sit with us, Dava. Okay?"

Dava playfully stared sternly at the girl, watching the child's grin resolve to one of concern. The teasing accomplished, he returned the smile as he gently tickled her chin.

"I'd love to, Lesdy." Dava followed the girl to where Contanella and Hannah sat, leaving his notebook behind at the table.

"Good evening, ladies," Dava said as he approached Hannah and Contanella. "I was just going over the print out from the scanner report on Lake Haven. It's fascinating. Hope you don't mind my coming along when you return tomorrow."

"Not at all," Contanella replied earnestly. "Hannah's coming, too."

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the sounds of numerous voices shouting from outside the shelter. Without hesitation, they hurried outside to find numerous colonists encircling the area where the comm-board was set up. As the four made their way through the crowd, Contanella noticed the comm-screen was no longer attached to the top of the board. Instead, it lay on the ground, with Jantz and the Colonel standing directly beside the disassembled panel.

Katala's voice penetrated the chaotic roar. "SHUT UP!" The group turned in her direction.

"For twenty-some-odd people, you sure can crank up the decibels. Jantz, Father, what's going on?" she asked.

The crowd shifted slightly, allowing Katala to approach. As she neared, she saw the cause of the disorder. A small humanoid sat on the ground behind Jantz. Slowing her pace, Katala looked at her father in disbelief.

"Katie," the Colonel announced, "meet Caet. A native to Haven. He was attempting to steal our comm-board when Jantz surprised him."

Katala's attention shifted downward towards the little, perfectly proportioned being. Their eyes met and the creature smiled broadly.

"I Caet. You Caet, too?" The words were said matter-of-factly, without pretense, in sharply defined syllables.

Katala, dumbfounded, stuttered a return greeting. "I'm Katie, er, Katala."

"Sound like Caet. 'Ca-et-ie' good name. Ca-et-ie."

Katala returned her father's bewildered expression.

Universe II adjusted its course as she approached Haven. In tow was the Forneptus military vessel that had earlier tried to destroy her. The Beast-like military warship Ventar was deserted. In Universe II's brig, Ventar's crew were being securely held until a decision could be made as to their future disposition.

Shaanon and Camon circled the corridor leading to Chapath's quarters.

"How are our new friends making out, Shaanon?" Camon asked.

"The Laticians?" Shaanon brushed back his hair with his fingers, his stride quick and confident. He was feeling very satisfied with this recent coup. But there was no arrogance in his heart, and his conversation was warm and sincere.

"Yeah. Are they alright? They weren't in the best of shape when they boarded."

"Lorn's report indicates they're doing fine," Shaanon assured him. "I'm pretty sure they're all in Chapath's quarters now, so we can see for ourselves."

Upon reaching Chapath's access, Camon pressed the call button. The door opened instantly.

"PLEASE COME IN." Chapath stood at the entrance, the folds of his white robe rustling softly with every gesture, creating a rhythmic background to the greeting. "I UNDERSTAND WE ARE ON FINAL APPROACH TO HAVEN."

"We'll be home within the hour," Camon submitted.

"I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK WITH YOU REGARDING THAT VERY ISSUE. HOME. DO YOU HAVE A MOMENT?"

"Sure. We just came down to see how everyone's doing; and to find out if there's anything you're companions needed." Shaanon informally surveyed the three new Laticians. "Let's talk."

The Laticians, Shaanon and Camon sat at a table in front of a large viewing port. The red sun Kanen glowed dimly outside, providing a colorful, serene setting against the darkness it surrounded. It's radiance shimmered against the blue, red and gold cotumes of the strangers before them, reflecting against their pale gray bodies with surreal opalescence. Shaanon was moved by the scene, and slipped silently onto one of Chapath's recliners, unable to move his gaze from the three newcomers.

"YOU HAVE NOT BEEN FORMALLY INTRODUCED TO MY BRETHREN. ALLOW ME TO DO SO NOW." Chapath motioned to the being seated next to him. "THIS IS CAPRICIA, AN EDUCATOR ON LATICIA. I AM TOLD THAT SHE IS THE YOUNGEST SURVIVOR OF OUR RACE.

"SEATED BESIDE YOU, SHAANON, IS GANTHUS, AND TO HIS LEFT IS GANTHUS' PARENT, SHONDATH." The two Laticians gave a slight nod. "THEY TOO ARE EDUCATORS ON LATICIA. THEY HAVE CONTINUED THEIR INSTRUCTION WHILE IMPRISONED ON TANETT-PRIME. OUR RACE WILL PERSEVERE IN THEIR DISCIPLINES UNTIL DEATH PREVENTS SUCH." Capricia addressed Shaanon. Though much younger than Chapath, the gestures of her arms and hands mimicked the elder - slow and deliberate. They interpreted her words in a graceful dance as they widened and narrowed while she spoke. "WE ARE FOREVER IN YOUR DEBT AND WISH TO THANK YOU AND YOUR CREW FOR THIS SANCTUARY, HOWEVER TEMPORARY IT MAY BE."

"Capricia, you're welcome to stay with us on Haven for as long as you need or wish to." Camon gave Shaanon a confirming nod.

"One of the reasons I came down to visit you was so I could tell you that this crew, along with several more who are on Haven right now, will be leaving for Tanett-Prime shortly. We want to free your people.

"Chapath saved our lives when an enemy attacked us. He also freed four captives who were being held on Kanen-5 and who now live with us on Haven. Your people need our help now, and we'll do everything we can to provide it."

Shondath raised his hand in a signal of silence. "WE CANNOT ALLOW YOU AND YOUR CREW TO RISK YOUR LIVES IN THIS MANNER. THE ODDS WOULD BE AGAINST YOUR SUCCESS. THERE ARE MANY SOLDIERS."

"Hear me out, Shondath." Shaanon's remained relaxed but determined. "I realize we wouldn't have a chance against the military powers of both Forneptus IV and Selet III, but there are alternative methods of gaining one's independence other than through battle, are there not?"

Shondath continued his challenge. "WHAT ALTERNATIVE METHOD HAVE YOU CONSIDERED, CAPTAIN SHAANON?"

Camon laughed, knowing what was coming. "We have the crew of Ventar in our brig right now, and they will be quite instrumental in this plan."

Shaanon went on to explain his proposal.

"IT MAY INDEED PROVE SUCCESSFUL, BUT IT IS STILL A DANGEROUS PLAN," Shondath countered.

Chapath interrupted. "BUT IT IS WORTH THE RISK." The three remaining Laticians sat in lengthly, unspoken contemplation, gradually nodding their ascent.

"Good. Then it's all set." Shaanon began to stand but quickly changed his mind. "Chapath, there's so little we know about your people . . . about Laticia. What was Laticia like before its destruction?"

"I HAD WANTED TO SPEAK WITH YOU ABOUT THIS EARLIER, BUT WE HAVE BEEN PREOCCUPIED SINCE VENTAR FIRST APPEARED ON OUR SENSORS. LATICIA HAS BEEN THE ONLY HOME WE HAVE KNOWN. YOUR KINDNESS HAS ALLOWED FOR MY RESIDENCE NOW WITH YOU ON YOUR NEW HAVEN, BUT I COULD NOT MAKE THAT OFFER TO SHONDATH, CAPRICIA AND GATHUS WITHOUT FIRST SPEAKING WITH YOU.

"LATICIA WAS PEACEFUL. WE HAD NOT LEARNED OF WAR UNTIL IT CAME IN THE SKY FROM ANOTHER WORLD. OUR PREVIOUS BATTLES WERE FOUGHT AGAINST OUR OWN PLANET'S ENVIRONMENT, WHICH PROVED TO BE A MOST AGGRESSIVE ENEMY. LATICIA WAS RICH IN THICK OXYGEN CONCENTRATIONS FOUND IN POCKETED AREAS BENEATH THE SURFACE. OUR WORLD WAS ALSO PRONE TO TREMENDOUS ATMOSPHERIC INSTABILITY. DURING THE STORM SEASON, UNPREDICTABLE AND DEVASATING DISTURBANCES COULD ERUPT FROM THE COMBINATION.

"IT WAS CONCEIVABLE THAT OUR WORLD COULD HAVE DESTROYED ITSELF WITHOUT THE AID OF AN OFF-WORLD ATTACK. RAPID METEORIC INVASION HAS BEEN KNOWN TO TRIGGER A SEQUENCE OF OXYGEN RICH DISCHARGES FROM BENEATH THE SURFACE, PRODUCING CATACLYSMIC AFFECTS. FORTUNATELY, WE HAD DEVELOPED A MEANS OF SOME PROTECTION BY THE USE OF METEOR DEFLECTOR LOCATED AT VARYING POSITIONS WITHIN LATICIA'S ORBIT. IT WAS WHILE I WAS MONITORING AND PERFORMING MAINTENANCE TO ONE SUCH DEFLECTOR OUTPOST THAT LATICIA WAS ATTACKED."

Capricia interrupted the explaination. "THE IMPACT OF THE WEAPONS FROM THE ATTACKING VESSELS RESULTED IN CONTINUAL EXPLOSIVE REACTIONS ON THE PLANET. IF THE VESSEL HAD SCANNED OUR PLANET PRIOR TO THE ATTACK, THEY THEN KNEW IN ADVANCE WHAT EFFECTS THEIR WEAPONS WOULD HAVE.

"ONLY A FEW OF US WERE LOCATED IN AN AREA WHERE NO VOLATILE, UNDERGROUND OXYGEN POCKETS WERE FOUND. SEVERAL SUBTERRANEAN VAULTS WERE AVAILABLE WHERE WE SOUGHT SHELTER. THE REST OF LATICIA'S INHABITANTS WERE UNPROTECTED AND DESTROYED IN THE ATTACK."

Shaanon choked on the words he was hearing, he shifted uncomfortably in his chair and pinched his nose in a display of anger. His hand slammed to the table in frustration. "What did they have to gain by destroying the planet. If they wanted its race, why did they murder the majority of it?"

Shondath continued, "IT WASN'T UNTIL TWO DAYS AFTER THE ATTACK THAT THE ASSAILANTS REALIZED THERE WERE ANY SURVIVORS. AT THAT TIME, WE WERE VULNERABLE TO THEIR DECEIT. ASSURANCES OF ASSISTANCE WERE DIFFICULT TO REFUSE."

"You know," said Camon, "something's always bothered me about Forneptus IV and the story of how the Beast attacked them." "You mean the account that's in all their historical documents?" Shaanon asked.

"Yeah. Seems that ever since we left Selet III, we've been running into Forneptus military ships. One of them looks like an addition to our ship . . . the Beast-ship, as everyone's so fond of calling it."

"Go on."

"I don't know. Did our ship and the ship we have in tow have the same builders? Or does Forneptus IV really believe the Beast is a living entitiy? Did they build a decoy . . . a female Beast or something like that . . . trying to lure the real Beast out of hiding?"

"You lost me, Camon," Shaanon smiled at the caricature.

"Listen, for one thing, I doubt anyone really believes the celebrated account of the attack still being circulated on Forneptus IV. I never have. Too many descrepancies. I believe there was indeed an attack of some kind; there's plenty of evidence to support that. But, I think Forneptus IV's military knows damn well exactly who the assailant was, and it wasn't no mysterious Beast creature."

"Who then?" Camon asked.

"How would I know? Their military isn't exactly known for being open and honest with their own people. So, they're sure not gonna tell Selet III's military anything. Remember, I had access to a lot of records, too. Never saw anything much about the Forneptus military or any of their missions."

Camon gestured toward the door. "You think we'd get anywhere with that crew in the brig?"

"I doubt it," Shaanon conceeded, "but it's worth a shot. We'll have to pay Captain Shela Gibbins a visit."

Shondath, Capricia and Gathus approached the two, thanking them again for the offer of refuge on Haven.

"SENSELESS DESTRUCTIVENESS IS AN UNKNOWN CONCEPT TO US," Shondath added. "THOUGH COUNTLESS LIVES WERE TAKEN FROM LATICIA, THE LOSS OF ITS CULTURE IS ALSO UNCONSOLEABLE. HOWEVER, I FEEL THERE IS NOW HOPE IN REGAINING A PORTION OF OUR CIVILIZATION."

"I hope so, Shondath, I hope so," Shaanon took Shondath's outstretched hand and held it firmly. His flesh felt warm and tangible despite it's delicate and fragile appearance. "We appreciate your telling us of Laticia. I know it isn't easy for you to discuss the carnage which took place, but hopefully we'll be able to prevent any further damage to your race." With that, Shaanon and Camon exited Chapath's quarters and headed for Universe II's brig.

Aron turned in his seat aboard the shuttle to announce their position. "We've just entered the Cossel Sector. Tanett is in the next quadrant. Estimating three hours until we reach orbital velocity."

"Edwin," Canton lifted his head from the science scanner, "I'm picking up traces of hydrogen and carbon straight ahead of us. Spent fuel. Someone's been by this way recently."

Edwin joined Canton and verified the readout on the scanner. "We should've expected it. I sure hope this cloaking screen functions. I'll check it out one more time before activating."

After making a final inspection of the cloak screen that Tana and Raton had carried aboard the shuttle, Edwin brought the device on line and watched as the small ship's computer analysis indicated they were concealed from outside scans. The crew was understandably anxious as they approached Tanett approximately two hours later. Canton scanned the planet for signs of life and was quickly rewarded. Not only did the scan report dozens of humanoids on the surface, but several small vessels registered in orbit around the planet.

The limited crew agreed it would be best to keep some distance between their chosen landing site and the life signs they had scanned. They directed their shuttle's descent to a position five kilometers south of the populated coordinates. The cloak screen would keep their craft's position hidden. However, once the occupants left its boundaries, they would no longer have that protection.

Tana and Raton stayed with the shuttle as Aron, Canton and Edwin took various supplies from the cargo hold and began the trek to the inhabited encampment. One of Tanett's twin suns was just visible over a nearby hill; its dimished luminance barely producing shadows as the three men neared the community.

Canton removed the comm-pack from his belt. "Team One to base, do you read me?"

"Go ahead Canton, this is Tana."

"We're closing in on the coordinates, about another kilometer or so." As Canton spoke he surveyed the surrounding area.

"Definitely both Forneptus and Selet involvement on this planet. There's two large ships from each planet, plus several small scout ships . . . the same type we scanned on our approach. Edwin's recording already but we'll still need to get in closer and make some positive identifications."

Tana's voice returned. "Any signs that they may have noticed us? Any security patrols?"

"Not a thing. We can't see any warships up ahead, but I wouldn't expect them to be stored out in the open. If they're like the others, they should read as life forms as well. After we get in a little closer, we might have a better idea as to where to start looking. Since Tanett's day is only four hours long, we'll all feel safer when both suns have set before getting too close. I'll call back then."

Canton signed off and returned the comm-pack to his belt. The trio continued walking until they were within a half-kilometer of a Selet III vessel - stopping at a small, dense chaparral near an open clearing which adequately concealed their location. Edwin continued to record the surroundings onto video discs while they waited for Tanett's second sun to appear, only to fade three hours later with its companion. Patiently they watched as the small scout ships continuously landed, refueled and returned to the sky.

"I have this strange feeling that we're being watched," Aron noted. "It was awfully easy getting this far, don't you think? With all these scout ships buzzing about, it seems hard to believe we weren't picked up on someone's scanners."

"Relax, Aron," Edwin assured him. "That cloak screen outperforms any scanning devices Forneptus IV's military has developed. And I know we have nothing that even comes close to breaking through its cover on Selet III. Nobody saw us land here, I'm sure of it."

Canton watched as two scout ships rushed skyward together after refueling. "I wonder what they're doing up there. I wish our scanners had a farther range so we could see if their activity has anything to do with Tanett-Prime. Maybe they're using both planets."

"We should follow one of their scout ships when we're done here," Edwin suggested. "We have enough fuel on board. Plus there seems to be an abundance right here on Tanett."

"Have you ever been to Tanett-Prime, Edwin?" Canton asked. "No. I didn't even know it existed until recently. It's not mapped on any star charts Selet III distributes."

"It's not on any Forneptus charts, either. We only discovered it through Aron's handiwork with the computers at the Space Administrations Building on Forneptus. No information is given about the planet other than it exists. I'd like to visit there, since we're so close. I know Tana wants to see it, too."

The three sat back and watched the beautiful suns disappear behind the distant hills. Canton called Tana to inform her they were about to move in closer. As they stepped out from the concealment the brush had offered, a bright beam of light covered them. They quickly headed for cover as several weapons were fired in their direction.

Canton grabbed the back of his shoulder as the projectile struck him. He cried out in pain and closed his eyes tightly. To his left, he heard two other similar gasps. He could feel the warm blood running through his fingers now, a small object protruded from his jacket just beyond arms reach. Canton stumbled and fell on his back, pushing the projectile farther into his body. The onrush of pain overcame him, and he lost consciousness.

"Pick them up and bring them to our ship," General David Profis ordered. "No one from Forneptus IV is to know of this, understand?"

The five Selet III soldiers affirmed the order and proceeded to carry the three bodies to the waiting patrol shuttle.

"Put them in Medical Bay Four and alert the medical officer on duty to meet me in my quarters immediately. They didn't walk here, so after you deliver them, go find their ship."

The soldiers did as the General instructed, then returned to their patrol shuttle and began the search for whatever vehicle had brought the three men to Tanett.

General Profis returned to his quarters and waited for the medical officer. The door buzzer signaled his arrival.

"Reporting as ordered, sir," the medical officer announced.

"Come in, Doctor. I didn't realize you were on duty tonight, Sandy, but I'm glad you are. I wasn't going to bother the Chief Medical Officer with this until later, but you've saved me the extra trip. Please sit down."

The General remained standing. "I want you to make sure no one knows the contents of Medical Bay Four. One of the men just brought in there is from Selet III. The other two from Forneptus IV. They've been shot with narkoun weapons and should be coming out of it in about an hour. Patch them up and keep them there until I can come down and talk to them. Any problems?"

"No problem, David. Is there anything else?"

"Yes." The General now sat behind his desk. "I met a little earlier with Colonel Satch. He's leaving for Tanett-Prime within the hour to observe the conditions on that planet, and I'm going with him. However, his observations include the murder of another Latician - a murder I want prevented. I'm going to arrange to have the Latician first brought here for psychological study. After he's delivered, I'd like you to look him over . . . see if he's healthy. Give him whatever he needs. Alright Sandy?"

"You're serious, I hope. You know how I feel about those Forneptus bastards. And yes, I know . . . they want to test the weapons on live targets. What the hell . . . " The doctor sighed deeply. "I'm not in the mood to get into that argument again. Don't worry about a thing, General. You just let me know if there's anything else you'll need."

"Thanks, Doctor. I'll let you know." The conversation concluded, Chief Medical Officer Sandy Royce returned to sick bay while General Profis left the ship to join Colonel Satch for the flight to Tanett-Prime.

The General considered his involvement in the covert alliance between the two worlds as he walked under Tanett's night sky towards the Forneptus ships. He found Selet III's attitude on defense unacceptably weak, which is what brought him into alliance with Forneptus IV's Committee to begin with. Selet III was progressing militarily, but at too slow a rate for his liking.

The Committee offered advanced weaponry and added protection against alien attack. It would take time to train Selet III's military in the use of these new, superior weapons. At least the rebel group offered a means of defense if Selet III's military was not yet ready to defend themselves. A big brother.

This delegation had spent years testing the warships it had accumulated throughout the universe. The Beast-ships were uniquely designed and difficult to reproduce. Every available mechanic and space sciences technician was approached by the Committee for recruitment in hopes of learning and duplicating the design. And though the list of technicians was quite impressive by the day's standards, replication remained unachievable. Only limited success was attained with mediocre, far less powerful warships.

Throughout the explored universe, five such Beast-ships had been discovered and confiscated by the Committee. Recently, a message had been sent from Kanen-5 with an offer of thirty more ships. The Committee dispatched one of the duplicated warships, Ventar, to the area. Their arrival came too late.

After arriving in the Deltous sector, the crew aboard Ventar reported the destruction of Kanen-5. Then the problems began. Suddenly, Ventar lost fifty percent of her defensive power supply without warning or explanation. Then her weapons began to malfunction. Already plagued with problems, a Beast-ship suddenly appeared on Ventar's scanners. A ship with full power both offensively and defensively.

Universe II presented no challenge - or so the Committee assured Ventar's crew. Orders were given to capture the vessel and those aboard. Ventar's captain, Shela Gibbons, knew of Shaanon and his passive convictions. A bluff might possibly suffice in the current situation. Having three Laticians aboard might have also proven beneficial. Instead it worked against her.

The majority of Committee members believed that Kanen-5 was originally the home of the Beast-ship's creator and that this creator was responsible for the Forneptus IV attack over one hundred years ago. But there were others who believed differently. Perhaps the ancestors of the colonist who now occupy Selet III where responsible. Hearing of the enigmatic Shaanon's presence aboard such a vessel only helped to substantiate their beliefs. And after all, Selet III wasn't granted colonial settlement privileges until nearly fifty years after Forneptus IV was colonized, a fact that some believed embittered the would-be Selet III inhabitants into forming an aggressive coalition against both Rinoltt and Forneptus IV.