RPG Posts-Madeline's RPGs

Artemisia walked through the library of scrolls, trying to find the one on the Pythagorean Theorem.
Adara jumped as Artemisia appeared around the shelf. "Yikes don't sneak up on me like that!""Since when do you like being in the library? I was trying to find something on the Pythagorean Theorem for my free reading."
"I was looking for something but I'm not sure what."
Artemisia laughed. "That's amusing."
"Really."
"Indeed. Newsflash! The warrior wants wisdom!"
Adara rolled her eyes. "Ha ha, very funny. Don't you have scroll to find yourself?"
Artemisia nodded. "Ah! Here's that annoying scroll." She plucked the Pythagorean scroll out of it's place and took one about sword fighting and archery furtively.
"What do you want that one for?"
Artemisia held up the Pythagorean scroll. "Free reading. I have to teach a class tomorrow on trigonometry...something a bit beyond your skill level," she joked.
"I'll choose to not take that as an insult. I meant the other one."
"What other one?"
"Sword fighting and archery."
"They're for a friend."
"Ah."
"I better go then...I might end up being late to my own class."
Adara nodded. "Alright."
"You know, you could sit on a class and learn something new other than fighting."
"Really?"
"Really really."
Adara shrugged. "Okay."
"Who knows...maybe you'll have to build a catapult and might need to use some geometry." Artemisia grinned.
"Maybe."
"You could use trigonometric ratios or Pythagorean theorem or..."
"Or?"
"I was just listing possibilities of what you could use from what I teach."
"Hmmmm."
Artemisia led Adara into her classroom of aspiring scholars. They were all chattering and didn't notice her entrance. "Go ahead and have a seat anywhere."
Adara found one and sat down.
"All right class," Artemisia said, bringing the class to order. "My name is Artemisia and I will be your teacher for this course."
The class murmured in response to Artemisia's greeting.
Adara nodded slightly.
"All right. Open your notebooks and we are going to talk about the basics of geometry..."
At the end of class, Artemisia walked over to Adara's desk. "So...what did you think?"
"Interesting."
Artemisia gave her a smug, 'I told you so' expression. "I thought so."
Adara shrugged.
"Do you want to come again?"
"Sure."
Artemisia grinned. "You should teach me things too."
"Such as?"
"I don't know...I always wanted to try archery or sword fighting...something...warriorish."
Adara grinned. "Follow me."
Artemisia grinned back.
Adara turned and jogged down the corridor.
Artemisia jogged after Adara.
Adara turned down another corridor.
"Where are we going?"
"Training ground."
Artemisia tingled with fear and excitement. "Cool."
Adrara started down a flight of stairs.
"How much farther?"
"Just through this door."
"Okay." Artemisia couldn't wait to learn what she had wanted to for a long time.
Adara opened the door and stepped out.
Artemisia stepped next to Adara. "This is it?"
"Yep."
"Hmm," Artemisia replied. Then, she spotted a friend, Ulysses. "Hey! Ulysses!"
"Artemisia! Long time no see!"
Adara went and started poking through a bunch of swords.
"What bring's you here, Artemisia?"
"Adara's returning a favor. And you?"
"Training. Sparta and Athens are on a truce and we're getting used to working with each other. We're going to war against another nation."
Adara kept looking.
"What nation?"
"Xerxes and his Persian army."
"Ouch. That's not good."
"Nope. It's not."
"Well...you're here to learn from us so the more soldiers we have, the better."
Adara started hacking at a post with her sword.
"So..back to my purpose for being here, can you guys teach me some moves?"
Adara stopped hacking. "Of course."
Ulysses nodded in agreement. "Sure thing. What first?"
"What ever would be more useful...though, I'm good at archery."
Artemisia was the daughter of commoners. She learned archery to protect her family's livestock. However, she was much more interested in knowledge. She was smart so the king of Athens allowed her to join the academy.
"That's a good place to start then."
"So...archery first?"
"Sure."

Marcus walked into the Colleseum's underground to take a look at the gladiators. One of them caught his eye
Jana ran a whetstone down her blade, making sure the edge was free of rust and sharp. "I'll show those other Gladiators a thing or two!" She thought with satisfaction. "I'm just as tough as any of them!"
A girl gladiator? Marcus thought. Interesting. "Girl, what's your name?"
Jana looked up. "Jana. Why."
"You look like a formidable fighter. Someone with military experience like I have."
"I know a few tricks."
"Where are you from?"
"Not sure really."
"Any ideas? You seem like you're from somewhere near where I live. Maybe Gaul."
"Maybe."
"I like you," Marcus continued. "If you weren't a gladiator, I would try and get you for my legion. Unfortunately, only the emperor can free gladiators...but he's a friend of mine."
Jana shrugged. "Doesn't really matter to me. I'm a slave either way."
Marcus held out his hand. "I'm Marcus Meridius Decimus, general of the First Legion."
Jara shot a look at him. "I know that, everyone knows that. You know my name already.""It's Jana. I've heard that you're a good fighter."
"Yes but it won't matter soon. I'll be dead in a few days."
"If you the emperor likes you enough, he could let you free. He did that to me."
"In three days?"
"It's definitely possible. You'd have to win every fight."
Jana shook her head. "Sorry. On the third day I'll be dead."
"Why? You have the potential to win it all."
"True but not when the ones I'll be fighting are my friends."
"Ah. You shouldn't have to fight all of them. Some of the fights are group fights."
Jana stood up. "I checked. I go up against Aelia earlier and Acanthus later."
"Im not sure what I could do...maybe I could talk to the runner of this place and say that changing your fights will make them more interesting."
"Maybe but wolf fights are popular."
"What do wolf fights have to do with your chances of getting out of here? They're animals, not humans."
"My friend Aelia is a wolf. A white wolf. You can see her if you go past the cages."Marcus looked at her queerly. "How are you friends with a wolf?"
"Simple. I raised her from a puppy when her mother died."
"Can you speak wolf?"
"I don't think so..."
It reminds me of the old stories of the founding of Rome."
"I can understand her sometimes."
"Hmm...interesting."
"And I won't kill her. So in two days I'll be dead."
"That's why I said I have the influence to change your fights."
"Both of them?"
"Yes."
Jannie's head tilted slightly. "And if I do get released....?"
"You'll be a free woman."
"And my friends?"
"I can't guarantee that they can be freed, but the best I can guarantee is that you, if they are killed, will not have to kill them. It is possible though to have you and all your friends go free...but only if the schedule is set up right."
"Aelia and I were once released into the same fight. It was supposed to be a challenge. To see if I could defeat a wolf as well as three other warriors."
"What happened?"
"She went for the other warriors. She didn't harm me. We fought together."
"Hmm..."
Jana looked back at her sword.
"I'll see what I can do."
Jana nodded slightly. "Thank you."
The nest day, Maximus walked back into the gladiator housing and walked to Jara. "It worked."
Jana looked up from the cage she was kneeling next to. "What?"
"My plan worked...you won't have to fight any of your friends now."
Jana stroked the fur of a pure white wolf that leaned against the cage bars. "Who am I fighting?"
A African of whom I don not know the name of."
Jana nodded slightly.
"Is that satisfactory?"
"Yes."
"Good."
Jana kept stroking the wolf.
"Your fight is today. Be ready. I'll be rooting for you." He turned to leave but circled back around. "Oh, by the way, the African is fast, but he's not very good with his left hand."
"Will I be fighting with anyone?"
"Not this time. It's one on one."
Jana nodded. She gave the wolf one last pat then stood up. "I'll get ready."
Maximus nodded and went to his seat with the emperor, Marcus Aurelius.
Jara found her sword and went to her position.
The announcer announced the fight and started it.Jana eyed the African. She waited, tensed to spring away.
Maximus reclined in his chair and looked at Marcus Aurelius. "The girl. She's good."
"Is that so?"
"Yes."
The African attacked. Jana leaped to the side, kicking him in the back as he ran past and used his momentum sending him flying.
Marcus nodded. "She seems like it. Where's she from?"
"Not sure. She didn't tell me she seems like she's a Spaniard like I."
Jana waited until the African had regained his balance, then charged. She avoided his attack and slashed her sword through the muscle on his shoulder.
Marcus grinned at the fight. "Oo...nice slash....she is good."
Jana sheathed her sword and waited.

Xeka fluttered around the waiting room! "Come on, everyone! The clinic opens in ten minutes!"
Mayara grinned, tossing a piece of crumpled paper at Xeka. "Calm down Xeka it's not a big deal."
"Yes, it is!" Xeka protested. "The clients must feel at home and all that so they keep coming back!"
Mayara laughed. "And if you keep running around like there are Ten Saberdogs on your tail then I'm sure they'll feel right at home!"
"The saber-dogs are locked in their cages...I checked five minutes ago."
Mayara groaned, half laughing. "I know that. I was the one who put them there."
"So...is everything nice, neat, and perfect?" Xeka inquired.
Mayara nodded. "If Eclipse hasn't trashed the place then yes."
"It looks like she hasn't been up to her tricks...yet."
Mayara grinned. "I think Bluemoon might be keeping her in check. The wolf can be scary when she want's to be."
"Good. The last thing I need is Eclipse messing with things."
Mayara stood up. "Well I suppose it's time to get to work."
Xeka checked her watch. "Yep. It's opening time."
Mayara nodded. "Good."
"To the lab we go." Xeka shooed her towards the lab entrance.
Mayara grinned. "Bring on the first person or in my case animal."
As if on cue, a lady with faux furs on streaked into the shop, eagerly.
Mayara backed up, managing to grab Eclipse as the small Wolfcat tried to run past her.
"Can I help you?" Xeka asked the lady.
"I hope it's not me." Mayara grumbled.
"Yes..." The lady spoke with what seemed like a snobbish voice. "I was wondering if I could get a pet."
Mayara held tighter to Eclipse. "I was afraid of that."
""What kind of pet...? Form the shop or genetically enhanced...?"
Eclipse wriggled and yipped slightly. Mayara held tighter to the little Wolfcat. "Shh."
"Genetically enhanced. I heard you guys were the best in the region."
Markan lightly padded up behind Mayara. "Mayara." He growled softly. "I just checked the Saberdogs pen and the lock looks like it could break any second. We might need you back there."
MArkan glared back at Xeka. "What's it to you?" He hissed into her mind.
Cels muttered something unintelligible under her breath.
Mayara nodded slightly. "I'll be there when I can." She said softly.
Xeka turned back to the lady. "Now what did you want made?"
Markan growled softly and turned, padding back into the hall.
A robot dog and cheetah hybrid. I need a guard animal."
Mayara sighed in relief and let Eclipse go. "Okay little one go be pest somewhere else."
"We can do that."
Xeka pulled out a stapled packet of papers. "Just fill out this form and we'll get right down to it."Mayara pretended to shudder. "Ah the dreaded form!"
Xeka grinned.
Sapphire Opal
Mayara heard something snap from the back room. She hurriedly slammed the door. "Xeka, we have a problem!"
Xeka groaned. "Not again."
Mayara nodded. "The latch-lock on the Saber Dogs cage just broke!"
"Oh, great."
"The door should hold them for a while but I don't know."
"We better deal with that right away. I'll call a repairman to fix it."
Mayara nodded. "We'd better. Remember what happened the last time the Saberdogs got loose? We were lucky no one got mauled. Too badly at least."
"Let's do that." Xeka grabbed her access key/ card to the back room.
Mayara tilted her head. "Do you want to get bitten?"
"No...that reminds me...where are those arm protectors that do protect you from getting bitten?" She pointed to a scar on her arm. "That's what happened last time...when we didn't have them. I was lucky not to have my arm broken."
Mayara nodded. "Those probably won't help." She quickly opened the door and slid through, shutting it before any Saber-Dogs could escape.
What? The arm guards? They're thicker than the ones K9 unit police wear!"
"And the Saberdogs can bite through solid steel remember."
"They're made of stronger stuff."
Mayara shrugged. "Let's go then." She opened the door and slipped quickly inside.
Xeka slipped in behind Mayara.
A pack of Saberdogs were prowling around in the room. Growling slightly.
"Dear Lord," Xeka muttered. "This is going to be fun."
Mayara grinned. She whistled slightly. "Hey guys!" The Saberdogs all looked toward them.
"Just so you know, I hate it when dogs charge at me!"
With a thunderous barking all the Saberdogs ran toward them, Mayara laughed as they leaped on her.
Xeka dodged a few dogs. "It's not funny!"
Mayara laughed again, then shot a look at Xeka. "I'd see if you can do something about that lock while they're distracted."
Xeka glared at her and went to fixing the lock. "Laugh one more time and I will feed your wallet and your phone to the saber dogs."
Mayara glared back. "Just be glad they didn't notice you."
"They did! An you thought it was funny!"
"I'm happy to see them. If they had noticed you they'd be growling."
Xeka had finished fixing the lock. She stood and shoved of another saber-dog. "They don't growl at me because I'm the one that feeds them when you forget!"
The Saber Dog she shoved whirled around and snarled at her. Mayara winced. "Uh Oh."
"What? You're not the one who doesn't like it when dogs jump at you in any way, shape, or form!"
Now most of the Saberdogs were growling.
"Can we get them into their cages? Pronto!"
Mayara whistled and pointed at the cages. Still growling the Saberdogs slunk toward them.
Xeka wiped the sweat from her forehead. "Whew! That was close."
Markan seemingly appeared out of nowhere and whacked a Saberdog that had been leaping at Xeka out of midair.
Xeka swore under her breath (in another language) about saber-dogs.
Markan growled at the Saberdog. "Xeka. I suggest you back away!"
"Of course I'm going to back away. I hate it when they jump on me!"
Markan growled at the Saberdog. "Jump on you! This one's out for your blood!"
"Out for my blood?! What the [insert word] do you mean?!"
Markan kept growled. "The Saberdogs don't like you very much! They're trained to disable intruders! Why do you think you got bitten last time!"
"I'm not an intruder! I run this place!"
"Doesn't matter. They obey only one person! The one who trained them!"
"Who trained them?!"
Mayara stepped in front of Xeka. Glaring at the Rogue Saber Dog. "I did!"
"Can't you train them not to attack me?!" Xeka asked. She dodged another saber-dog.
"Not when you shove them!" Mayara grabbed both Saberdogs by the spike on their heads and yanked them back.
"What am I supposed to do when they attack me?! Stroke them!?"
"I'd suggest running."

Starlightthunder awoke on a sandy beach littered with waking penguinsto find herself wet and in a new place. Fortunately, her mate, Blackberrytalon was nearby and so were her chicks, Marineforest and Stormywind as well as her three friends Barberrywing, Leaftalon, and Wavewing nearby to.
Barberrywing coughed and struggled to her feet. "What happened?"
"I don't remember...all I remember is that a tsunami like wave swept over our costal home in Antarctica and now we are in a completely different land."
Barberrywing shook her head, squawking in displeasure. "Perfect! Now what?"
"We have to learn how to survive. Maybe we can start a group...recruit some others...just like back in Antarctica."
Barberry nodded. "We'd better watch out for Leopard Seals we don't know the population of them on this new land."
"There will be new dangers, too. Want to recruit some more penguins for a rookery like in Antarctica? It will feel more like home."
Barberry dipped her head. "I agree."
"So, let's do that. Obviously, I'll get my family to join and you yours.
Barberry nodded. She turned and let out an earsplitting caw. Instantly another rainbow penguin emerged from the swarm of others and bounded over. "Done."
"Who's that?"
"My sister Dreameyes."
"I feel stupid asking that question...I forgot you had a sister."
Barberry dipped her head. "It'd be hard to remember your own name after that Tsunami hit us."
"I know...and I almost forgot the names of all the penguins I know."
Barberry nodded. "Same here."
"Hopefully it will be an easy transition. I remember hearing from my grandfather about his adventures across the seas...visiting places that he never met and the stories from all our elders.
Barberry nodded. Then her eyes widened. "LOOK OUT!" She cawed a command. There was a furious roaring behind Starlightthunder.
Starlighttunder turned around. "Oh...it looks like it's a badger...like the one in one of my grandfather's stories.
The badger struggled against the brambles that entangled it. Barberry sighed. "Well we can put them on the hostile list he nearly ate you."
Starlightthunder laughed. "You crack me up."
Barberry cawed another command and the brambles retreated. Lunging forward she pecked the badger on the nose. "Get out of here!"
"Nice moves!"
Barberry nodded. "Thanks that worked on Leopard seals half the time so I figured it would work better on badgers."
"I bet it would. With you and your plant stuff and my grandfather's knowledge, I think we'll get off fine here."
Barberry nodded. "So should we gather some others?"
"Yeah."
Barberry turn and walked toward the group.
Barberry vanished into the huddle of Penguins and returned with twelve other penguins in tow."
"Who do we have here?"
Barberry pointed to each one in turn as she said their names. "Iceclaw, Swirlingstorm, Sparklingwave, Riverfeather, Goldencoral, Moonclaw, Stormtalon, Foxfeather, Mapleclaw, Dreameyes, Stonefeather and Lightfire. My friends."
Starlightthunder went into the crowd and returned with more penguins. "This is Shadymidnight, Glacierfish, Whirlfeather, Icebergclimber, Glowingbeetle, Sunsetprimrose, Amberanemone, Porcupinefeather, Redpanda, Tsunamifire, Costalcrystal, Koimist, Wolverineclaw, and Luminousmoon."
Barberry dipped her head in greeting. "So shall we explore?"
"We should organize our penguins to explore the island. You organize yours and I'll organize mine. We'll spread the word to join our rookery." She turned to her penguins. "Shadymidnight, Glacierfish,Whirlfeather, Icebergclimber, Glowingbeetle, Sunsetprirose, and Amberanemone: explore the rest side of the island. There rest of you, explore the west."
Barberry turned and snapped orders to her friends. "Iceclaw."
Swirlingstorm, Sparklingwave, Riverfeather, Goldencoral go to the middle of the island and scout around there. Moonclaw,
Stormtalon, Foxfeather, Mapleclaw. Go around the beach and see if there is any good spots to fish. Dreameyes, Stonefeather, Lightfire, scout around for a good place to sleep. I'm going to find out how many predators live on this island."
Starlightthunder nodded. "I'll go with. So will Blackberrytalon, Stormywind, and Marineforest. We'll all meet back here to discuss our findings."
Barberry nodded, turning she bounded into the forest.
Starlightthunder and her family bounded after Barberrywing.
Barberry cawed a command and the plants parted before her. She turned and swept her wing toward the path. "After you."
Starlightthunder passed her friend and accidentally stepped in a hole. She sniffed. "Foxes. They smell nasty."
Barberry nodded in agreement. "We should watch out for any number of predators I've heard of places like this sometimes they are part of a Land Bridge and are home to all kinds of creatures.
"My grandfather warned against badgers, foxes, wolves, wolverines, wildcats, and our usually sea predators like sharks."
"I have heard whispers of Lions and other predators like that."
"That to but so far we've only seen forests not savannas."
"As I said Land Bridge many creatures from different places live on them."
"We'll keep an eye out then."
Barberry nodded, springing onto the path she raced along it.
Starlightunder waddled after her.
Barberry shoved through the bushes and came out onto a small plain.
"This would be a great place for runners."
Barberry nodded. "Yes."
"I wonder what prey we can find here....there should be some rabbits and hares...maybe gazelles or zebras."
Barberry nodded. "Like them?" She pointed at a herd of Zebra's grazing near a water hole.
"Those are zebra. I'm starting to really like this island. We have more adoptions to adapt to."
Barberry nodded. "But where there are Zebra there are bound to be Lions."
"Tigers and cheetahs too. There will be other big cats."
Barberry nodded. "Now what?"
"I see a mountain in the distance."
Barberry saw the mountain and bounded onto the plain. "Lets check it out!"
"It looks like it's cold there, too."
Barberry dipped her head. "True but we are used to that."
"My point exactly. However we have to find another food source....I don't think fish live on mountains."
Barberry nodded. "But in this land who knows."
"The only problem is that we can't house a rookery up there...it's too small. Let's go find the other groups and pick up more penguins on the way."
Barberry nodded. "Okay."
"There's your group. Let's go talk to them."
Barberry bounded up and barked a few questions then turned to her friend. "They found a good a good spot to nest."
"Where?"
"A sheltered glade with a pond full of fish and some caves along the sides."
"Sounds good. We should go there to set up living quarters. Did they find anything to sleep on?"
Barberry nodded. "Some moss and sweet grass."
"Well...let's go see this place!"
Dreameyes nodded. "Follow me." She turned and vanished into the trees.
The small group followed the larger group until they enter the glade. "Wow! This will suite our needs and it still has room for more penguins."
Dreameyes dipped her head. "It was Moonclaw who found it she crashed through the undergrowth and nearly fell into the lake.
"Nice one, Moonclaw!" Starlightthunder laughed. "Hey, there's my group." She pointed to Amberanemone leading the group over towards the others."
"Both groups are here and on the west, there is a fertile river that runs hear here...into the lake. There's also a sandy beach and a rocky area with tide pools. On the east, this forest turns into a rain forest and it gives way to the mountains and high plateaus. What about your other group?"
Barberry shrugged. "They're scouting about on the middle of the island somewhere."
"I wonder what's over there," Wolverineclaw thought out loud.
"A predator's den that's what!" Iceclaw screeched as she and her band tore out of the undergrowth. "It's after us!"
"What did it look like?" Starlightthunder asked.
Iceclaw shook her head. "I could not really see it happened so fast... But I caught a glimpse of orange and black fur."
Starlightthunder exchanged a glance with Barberry. "A tiger....it's a big cat."
Barberry hissed. "Well that's one cat that is not getting near the chicks I have a plan but who'll be bait?"
Dreameyes stepped forward. "I'll go."
"Be careful."
Dreameyes nodded. "No tiger is getting it's claws on us." She turned and bounded into the brush followed by the other two.
"Now...what were we going to do?"
Barberry shut her eyes and a bunch of vines fell from the trees. "First we weave these into a net."
Starlightthunder helped her weave the net. "Then what?"
Barberry grabbed the net and bounded over to the steep side of the glade. "We string it up over here."
"We cover it with brush."
"Good idea."
Barberry started throwing leaves over the net.
Barberry looked up at her. "See anything?"
"No, but something's coming."
Barberry clawed her way up the tree. "What is it?"
Starlightthunder peered out of the tree. "It's the tiger!"
Barberry skidded down the tree. "Be ready to yank the net!"
Starlightthunder yanked the net. "Got it! What now?"
Barberry grinned. "Yank it onto the tiger!"
"It is! Did you yank your side?"
Barberry grabbed hers and yanked just as the tiger came shooting into the net. "Now push him over the side!"
They pushed the net and it toppled on to the tiger. "There! It's taken care of."
Barberry shook her head. "Not quite." She gestured at the tiger. Instantly vines entangled through the net, yanking him up into the air and dangling him over the lake. "We'll let him down when he learns some manners."
"Smart. I should have thought of that."
Barberry dipped her head. "Now what?"
"Let's leave it there for the night and we'll free it in the morning. The rest of the rookery will be wondering were we are."
Barberry nodded, turning she bounded back into the bushes.
"Hey..wait up!"
"How do you think we should organize the rookery?"
Barberry shrugged. "I don't know I was a loner most of my life."
"Let's ask them." She waddled up to the penguins. "The tiger is taken care of. Now, how should we divide."
Dreameyes dipped her head. "We'd better stay together for a while just in case there are more predators."
"I meant how should we divide duties, ranks, etc. If we stay together, it has advantages..."
Dreameyes jumped. "Oh! I don't know one penguin should be chosen for leader and probably a few as deputies."
"Who do you guys think should be leader and just a single deputy for now. We can also organize a group of 'senior' penguins to advise them. We can also think of other special duties."
Dreameyes shrugged. "I don't know I also was a Rogue."
"We all were. How about I modify my question. Who do you think could lead all of us?"
Dreameyes shook her head. "I don't know I haven't spent much time with any other penguin except my sister."
"Anybody else?"
Barberry spoke up. "What about you?"
"Me?"
Barberry nodded. "Yes."
Starlightthunder gave her a small smile. "...I mean...if you guys think I should be than I will. What do the rest of you think?"
The other Penguins nodded. "We agree." Dreameyes spoke up. "But what about the Deputy?"
Starlightthunder smiled and turned to Barberry. "I can only think of one person I know who can handle the job...no offense to anyone, but I think that's Barberrywing."
Barberry jumped. "What me?"
"Yes, you. You're the genius who came up with the trap. Who agrees with me?" The other penguins agreed.
Barberry nodded. "Alright but I don't know much about Rookery life."
"None of us do...we'll make it up as we go. Any other important jobs that might be good to single out right now before we get to setting up camp?"
Barberry nodded. "We should probably see if an of the other were injured when the Tsunami swept us away."
"That reminds me...does anyone have healing skills?"
Barberry looked over at her sister. "Dreameyes and Moonclaw have them."
"Maybe we could have a healer too. Could both of you check for injuries?"
Dreameyes nodded. "Yes." Turning she and Moonclaw bounded away.
Starlightthunder's eyes raked the crowd. "Any other ranks we should have?"
Barberry nodded. "Probably the younger penguins should team up with an older one they can teach each other how to survive here."
"Good idea. What should they be called?"
Barberry shrugged "Maybe Apprentices?"
"Sounds good. Any other positions?"
Barberry thought for a moment. "Probably the Elders chicks and mothers should be protected closer to the center of the rookery."
"Good idea. Is anyone here expecting chicks or is on the last strains of personal strength or old age?"
Barberry looked around. "I only know that Dreameyes is expecting chicks... But don't tell her I told you. She'd flip."
"Marineforest might be too. She and Wolverineclaw are mates. Dreameyes should check her." She turned to the rest of the crowd. "Is there anyone old enough to slip into the rank of elder?"
Barberry shook her head. "No I don't think so."
"That's what I thought. Dreameyes, can you check Marineforesy carefully?"
Dreameyes nodded. "I will." She shot a fierce look at Barberry before turning and vanishing into the bushes. Barberry winced. "I'm going hunting I don't want to be here when she comes back, my sister is fiercer then a tiger when she gets angry."
"Yes...but I wasn't referring to her...I was referring to Marineforest."
Marineforest glared at her. "Mother! I'm not ready to tell everyone yet."
Starlightthunder shrugged. "You can't get hurt...you know that."
Barberry nodded. "That's what I told Dreameyes but she wouldn't listen. She warned me not to tell anyone or she'd shove me into the sea."
"Dreameyes would be at risk of getting killed. Besides, we'd all figure out sooner our later if she was expecting more than one chick."

Penguins can have more than one chick, here. If there's only one chick, you can't tell in less they punch them in the gut...etc. In other cases, it would be visible. They spend one month inside the mother. One as an egg, and one as a chick (in clans or rookeries). Apprentices are that for three moons.
Barberry nodded. "She wants to continue her warrior duties. Maybe she'd listen to you if you told her she certainly won't listen to me."
"I'll talk some sense into her. Don't worry, I've drilled this into Marineforest. I think I can deal with her."
Barberry grinned. "Thanks."
"Your welcome." She turned to where Dreameyes was standing. "Dreameyes, can I talk to you?"
Dreameyes hissed. "No!"
Starlightthunder's eyes turned up in intensity. "You cannot risk injuring yourself when it's not just your own life you're risking. This is a different land and we don't know all the dangers. I know you want to be of use to the clan and I can find you something to do if that makes you happy...as long as it means not leaving this hollow. What do you say?"
Dreameyes hissed again. "No I have to go explore this island!"
"You can explore as soon as they're egged! Would you like to die, taking both of them with you?"
Dreameyes hissed violently. "No I have to look now!"
"Why? You don't have that long left...do you?"
Barberry tapped Starlighthunder on the shoulder. "One moment."
"What?"
"Have you seen Midnightalon anywhere around?"
"I didn't see him on the beach...and I think I know why she doesn't want to stay in camp..." She closed her eyes and saw were Midnightalon was... "Barberrywing...I think he might be dead...he's lying in the forest...a poisonous snake bit him but I can't tell if he is dead or not...he looks like it."
Dreameyes hearing Starlightthunder let out a keen. "I have to go find him!"
Starlightthunder unsheathed her claws and held them up for Dreameyes to see. "No! You'll get hurt. I don't know exactly what we're getting ourselves into. Your staying and I'll make sure you do. I'm not risking anyone more getting hurt than I have to."
Dreameyes hissed, lunging forward she slashed with her claws. "NO!" Dodging around Starlightthunder she bounded into the bushes.
Starlightthunder signaled to Wolverineclaw and Blackberrytalon and lunged at Dreameyes, pinning her down. "Dreameyes, I not only can see the past, but also the future. If you go after him, you'll be killed. Stay in this hollow...that's an order!"
Barberry nodded, leaning over she hissed at Dreameyes. "Listen to her sister or so help me I will find the sharpest patch of brambles on this island and personally shove you in!"
"I'm serious, Dreameyes...you should know that. You were there when I predicted your parents' death and they still didn't listen. It's your choice. What would Midnighttalon want you to do?"
Dreameyes nodded. "Alright."
"We'll be back," she told Blackberrytalon. "Make sure she stays in the hollow. We have to go find Midnighttalon...alive or not. You can start on fixing up dens for everyone if you wish."
Barberry bounded forward. "Come on!"
He's near the jagged rocks on this side of the river bank that we passed when we were exploring. "He was trying to find Dreameyes and a poisonous snake got him."
Barberry nodded. "I know that spot."
"We passed it during our exploration."
Barberry shoved past the bushes. "There!"
Starlightthunder peered out of the bushes to see Midnightalon lying on the rocks. "There he is."
Barberry pointed with her wing, a vine sprang up from the rocks and shot across the river to anchor itself around a rock.
"What did you just do?"
Barberry bounded onto the vine. "Gave us a way across."
"I didn't know I wasn't the only one who has a special power."
Barberry looked back at her. "I thought you did know about my control over plants."
"I forgot...I must have mixed you up with some one else."
message
Barberry dipped her head. "Okay we should go help Midnightalon."
"He's dead...I checked his memories and his last one was awhile ago. "
Barberry shook her head. "Are you absolutely sure?"
"Yes...I checked other memories...like one of a vulture. The forest can tell he's dead. We should just make sure."
Barberry's head fell. "This could kill Dreameyes." She sighed. "She's been on the edgy side ever since our parents died."
Starlightthunder shrugged. "We all got lost. This is a different land with different dangers. What I said doesn't mean he's actually dead."
Barberry bounded forward. "Come on then!"
"You want to check him?"
Barberry nodded, stepping forward she listened for a moment. "He's alive but just barely."
"That's probably why there were vultures in the area."
Barberry nodded. "If I knew what the snake was I could make an antidote."
Starlightthunder scanned the memory. "I don't recognize the snake."
"What does it look like?"
"Bright orange. It's not in my grandfather's memories..I think it might be a very deadly snake."
Barberry stared hard into the earth. A wine tendril lifted up from the leaves, reaching out to touch her forehead.
“Barberry what are you doing?"
The plant tendril slipped away from Barberry and she opened her eyes. "The antidote for the snake's venom is a rare flower that grows in very hot climates."
"It's not very hot, here."
Barberry smiled. "No but I have enough energy."
"What do you mean?"
Barberry shut her eyes. The ground before her started to bubble.
"Oh...that..."
SLowly a small green shoot rose from the soil, it grew and grew and finally a beautiful flower opened amongst the leaves.
"sometimes...I wish I had your power over mine."
Barberry gasped, her head hanging, "It has benefits but I can tell you it's not easy summoning a flower from half way around the world."
"Well...let's heal him or Dreamfeather will have a fit."
Barberry nodded, bounding forward she neatly clipped the flower off.
"I'll let you do your work...I'm no plant expert."
Barberry waddled forward and slipped the flower into Midnighttalon's beak, puncturing the stem so the juice could run down his throat.
Starlightthunder sat there, bored, playing with a leaf. Healing bored her.
Barberry stepped back. "That should do it now all we have to do is get him back to camp."
"He's not too heavy...we can carry him."
Barberry nodded. "Okay."
"Let's go then." Starlighthunder picked up are side of Midnighttalon.
Barberry took the other side. "Okay hopefully Dreameyes won't throw a fit when she sees him."
"She'll be glad that we found him. You know you changed his destiny, right, Barberry?"
Barberry nodded. "Yes."
"He should have died...but I son't think the Ancestors will mind if we keep him for a bit longer."
"Speaking of Dreameyes...there she is." She pointed at the cross penguin standing at the entrance to the hollow.
Dreameyes glaced up at them then did a double take. "Midnightalon!"
"He'll be fine in a couple of hours...right, Barberry?"
Barberry had swiftly set Midnightalon in the ground and ws bounding off into the bushes. "I can face a tiger!" She called over her shoulder. "That's one thing! But an angry sister is quite another."
"Tell me about it. My younger sister got mad at me like that sometimes."
Barberry shuddered as she sprinted through the bushes. "And Dreameyes would bite first and ask questions later!"
"What are you searching for?"
Barberry skidded to a halt. "A place to stay until Dreameyes calms down!"
"Smart."
Barberry shoved a bush aside to reveal a small cave. "I saw this when we passed by to get Midnightalon."
"I didn't know that. We should get inside and help organize the rookery."
Barberry ducked inside. "Hey this is a tunnel not a cave."
"I figured that. Let's get back to the hollow."
Barberry nodded. "Hopefully Dreameyes isn't waiting to ambush us."
"I don't think so."
Barberry shuddered. "Hopefully not."
Starlightthunder carried Midnighttalon back into the hollow. "Dreameyes? Where are you?"
One of the other penguins looked up. "She was collared by Moonclaw. Apparently she is going to have her chicks soon."
"Can a couple of you get some materials and build a den in suitable place for Marineforest and Dreameyes. They're going to need a place to rest."
Two penguins nodded. "We can." They spoke in unison.
"Okay then. Some of you build a den for all of the rest of us. Those of you who don't do that search for a good place to store herbs for Moonclaw. Whoever's left can explore the hollow."
Barbery nodded. "What about us?"
"We all need a place toe sleep and Moonclaw needs a place to store herbs. Exploring the hollow will tell us what we can use of it. Besides, I don't think we'd have enough room for separate igloos like before."
"So where do we start?"
Starlightthunder shrugged. "I don't know. Where do you want to start?"
Barberry shrugged. "Maybe we should look for a place for the Herb store first."
"Good idea. My mother always stored that kind of stuff in rocks..same with fish."
Barberry looked around. "I thought I saw something like that closer to the pond."
"Show me." .
Barberry bounded forward toward the pond.
"Oh! I can just imagine myself washing in that....teaching chicks to swim there...it could replace the tide pools..." Barberry nodded. "It does look good." She knocked away a few vines with her fin. "Here's the cave."
"Looks roomy."
Barberry nodded. "There's a small pool inside as well."
"Sounds perfect...Moonclaw could prepare herbs in there and fetch water for patients. Let's go tell him."
Barberry nodded. "Now all we have to do is find her."
"Right."
Barberry looked around. "Knowing Moonclaw she could be anywhere."
"There she is." Starlightthunder pointed. "Moonclaw! Come here!"
Moonclaw came bounding over. "Yes?"
"We found you a place to store herbs."
Moonclw dipped her head. "Thank you."
"Anytime."
Barberry dipped her beak into the pond to take a drink.
"Good water?"
Barberry nodded. "Yep."
"Oo...it's almost as cold as the Antarctic waters."
Barberry nodded. "For good reason there is ice at the bottom. It must have been from the mountain stream."
"This hollow is getting better and better."
Barberry dove into the pond. "Maybe we should see where the river leads."
"Sure."
Barberry swam across the pond. "Come on then."
Starlightthunder nodded. "Hey, Barberry, do you ever plan on having chicks of your own?"
Barberry stiffened. "Maybe someday."
Starlightthunder peered at her friend. "Why stiffen about it?"
Barberry kept swimming. "You caught me by surprise."
"Really?"
Barberry nodded. "Yes."
"Any male in mind?"
Barberry shook her head. "No."
"You'll find one...I don't know why no one's asked you yet. You're as old as I am and Blackberrytalon asked me moons ago."
Barberry grinned dryly, holding up her claws. "My charming temperament I'm sure."
Starlightthunder cracked a smile. "Stonefeather is open...I catch him looking at you."
Barberry nodded. "I've seen that as well but being a loner I don't warm up to anyone quickly."
"He's a great male...he at a meal with us one evening. Like I said, he's single and looking for a female...that's you. Go ahead and talk to him."
Barberry shook her head. "I don't think so." She shot up the river.
Starlightthunder zipped after her. "Why not?"
Barberry grinned. "He is meant for another Penguin not me."
"How would you know?"
Join date: 2012-08-06
Barberry smiled. "An old friend of mine told me."
"An old friend?" Starlightthunder cocked her head. "Does he or she happen to be able to see the future?"
Barberry nodded. "In a way. She's an Ancestor.”
Barberry stopped. "She's my mother."
"Who's you mother?"
"Her name was Amberblaze."
"I never met a penguin with that name."
Barberry nodded. "She died before I met you."
"Then how could she have known that?"
Barberry growled. "She visits me in my dreams sometimes."
"Then...she has another penguin in mind for you?"
Barberry shrugged. "I don't know."
Starlightthunder shrugged. "Well...I guess you'll have to find him."
Barberry nodded. "I suppose."
"Now...what were we supposed to be doing?"
"Going up the river to look at the mountain."
"Right..."
Barberry sped up the river. "we should be close I can feel
"Good."
Barberry hurdled out of the water and landed lightly on the bank.
Starlightthunder shook herself dry. "Well, let's survey what's here."
Barberry nodded. "Well for starters I see a Waterfall leading up to something."
"Maybe a cave where we can honor our ancestors."
Barberry shrugged. "We won't know unless we get up there."
"Well come on then."
Barberry bounded up onto the rocks
"Looks a little steep."
Barberry looked down. "Any other ideas?"
"The claws will be useful."
Barberry dug her claws into the rock. "Race you to the top!"
"Oh, your on!"
Barberry leaped from rock to rock. Climbing quickly to keep ahead of her friend.
Starlightthunder scrabbled up the rocks like it was a piece of fish.
Barberry bounded up the last few stretches and swung onto the top.
Starlightthunder scrabbled on to the top. Silver mist flowed out of the cave. "I wonder what's in here..."
Barberry hesitantly stepped inside. "I can sense something..."
"So can I."
"You can go first if you want."
Starlightthunder stepped in and was amazed.
Barberry looked around. "Wow this place is beautiful."
"I know!"
Barberry shivered. "It makes me feel strange. Like I shouldn't be here."
"You shouldn't be here...?" Something drifted past Starlighttunder. "What was that?!" A transparent penguin that retained its colors. It was her mother, Primroseraindrop. "Mother! What are you doing here?"
Barberry stared at her own mother who had just appeared. "I know." She whispered. "I know."
"What are you doing here?"
"We followed you."
"You did! So what is this place?"
"A special place we now live. It is not your time to be here."
Starlightthunder turned to Barberry. "We should call this place Spirit Hollow." She turned back to the spirits. "Why aren't we supposed to be here?"
"You are not yet a spirit. Nor A Medicine Penguin."
"we were just exploring...besides Moonclaw is busy right now or else she'd be doing that."
"It is good you found us. But you must go back. The other Penguins need you."
"That's true...but what will Moonclaw do with this place?"
"It will help her hear us more clearly."
"What would you need to tell her?"
"What we have always been telling her. Secrets on herbs and others.”
"Ah...I will send her as soon as she sorts out her cave." She turned to Barberry. "Come on, we should probably go."
Barberry nodded. "I know." She turned and bounded out of the cave.
Starlightthunder turned to Primroseraindrop. "Good bye, mother."
Barberry dipped her head to the other misty penguin who had followed her to the entrance. "Don't worry." She whispered. "I will protect my sister and her children."
Primroseraindrop added. "By the way, Starlightthunder, the spirits would like you back her tomorrow night...we have something special planned since you are the leader. Be sure to bring your medicine penguin."
"Her!" Barberry called. "You coming?"
Starlighthunder replied. "Yes! Give me a moment!" She turned back to her mother. "Okay. I'll see you then."
BArberry half smiled. "I can't wait to tell Dreameyes." She thought.
Starlightthunder ran out of the cave. "It was good to see the spirits. I can't wait to go back."
Barberry nodded. "You get to go back."
"I'm not sure why...maybe to give me tips on being a good leader...that would be nice."
Barberry sighed. "I'm just glad y mother came with them."
"It is."
Barberry looked over at Starlightthunder. "It is what?"
"I'm just agreeing with you. I thought I lost Primroseraindrop forever."
Barberry nodded. "Well lets get back to camp."
"Agreed."
Barberry grinned. "Last one down is a rotten fish!"
"Hey!" Starlightthunder slipped and slid halfway down the slope. "I'm not exactly as nimble as I used to be!"
Barberry launched herself from the cliff edge and dove into the pool below. "I CAN FLYYY!"
Starlightthunder scratched her back on a jagged rock. "Ow!"
Barberry surfaced. "You okay?"
"No. I'm not as fast as I used to be....or as nimble."
Barberry leaped onto the bank. "You could have jumped."
"That's not as safe. I would have broken something."
Barberry grinned. "I didn't."
"You're the young one."
"I guess."
"Let's get back to the camp before I actually break something."
Barberry nodded. "Okay."
Starlightthunder dove back into the river.
Barberry leaped after Starlightthunder, letting the currant sweep her along.

{~~~That Night~~~}

Starlighthunder walked towards the edge of the camp as the sun was setting. She looked back for Moonclaw and Barberrywing. "You guys coming or what?"
Barberry nodded. "Yes."
Starlightthunder dove into the river.
Barberry followed.
Starlightthunder climbed the rocks.
Barberry vaulted out of the river next to Starlightthunder.
"I don't know what they're going to do. I hope it's good."
Barberry nodded. "It should be."

Starlightthunder stepped into the cave and Primroseraindrop appeared before her. "Hello, Starlightthunder."
Barberry waited outside the entrance.
"Why did you call me back?"
"To make you a proper leader, of course. Tell Moonclaw that she may join you. We must also make her a proper medicine penguin."
Starlighthunder called for Moonclaw. "What about Barberrywing?"
Barberry scratched the ground with her talon, etching a series of faint symbols in the rock.
"She may come, but may not participate...she will follow you someday, but we'd like to keep what happens a surprise for her," Primroseraindrop replied.
Starlightthunder nodded. "Barberrywing!"
Barberry jumped. "Yeah!?"

Elizabeth turned to Jane, Matthew, and Adalia. "Where's Cameron? We need to start."
Jane shrugged. "Probably cracking a joke with some kid..." Suddenly, Cameron sauntered through the cornfield.
Elizabeth glared at him. "Get a move on, spirit boy. We don't have all day!"
Cameron took his time and then fell to his knees in front of Elizabeth. He said in a mockingly pleading voice: "Oh, miss! Please don't beat me with your stick! My head has taken enough beatings!"
Elizabeth glared even more at him. "Get up, Cameron. We have work to do from the Great Spirit. There isn't time for horsing around."
When Elizabeth's back was turned, he grinned cheekily at the others."
Adalia scowled back at Cameron.
Cameron gave his best romantic smile and tried to put his arm around Adalia.
Jane rolled her eyes, but, to annoy Cameron, put her arm around Matthew. "Why are we here?"
Adalia growled softly under her breath and stepped away from Cameron, moving to the other side of the group.
Elizabeth turned around and glared at all four. "No romance. This is serious."Adalia's eyes narrowed. "What romance." She muttered. "I just want to be left alone."
Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "Are you guys done complaining?"
Adalia scowled harder. "Who's complaining! Go ahead."
Elizabeth's eyes sparkled. "Back to business. You see that boy over there?"
Adalia nodded. "Yes. What about him?"
"He's the boy we must help. You see, he is a musical prodigy...like Mozart. His father...well...isn't...well...you'll see..."
Adalai's eyes half closed. "I have before."
Elizabeth glared at Adalia. "Yeah, right....not unless you were put on a similar case eons ago."
Adalia glared back at Elizabeth then turned away.
"His name is Helio and his father's name is Tony. They are the type of people who travel from place to place to find jobs."
Adalia shivered slightly as a cold breeze slammed into her face.
"Don't worry...they're quite friendly."
"Whose worried!" Adalia snapped.
Elizabeth shrugged.
Adalia stormed across the clearing and sat down on a rock, turning her back on the other spirits.
"Okay...Matthew, you will take the post of the boss. Jane, you will be the overseer. I will be the owner of this new book, music, and art store. Cameron and Adalia, you are a fellow overseers with Jane."
Adali leaped up. "No way; no how!"
"You heard me, Miss. Magic." Elizabeth said sternly. "That's why I have Jane with you guys. Now, get moving."
Adalia shook her head. "No way am I going with Cameron!"

Konanca was walking through the market of Qalik (the capital city of the planet and also of Barik Provenance) with Soriqua. It was lunch time and they wanted to find something for lunch.
Soriqua stepped up next to Konaca. "Hi."
"There you are. Did you find those mangos?"
"Yep."
"Good. Other than that, I just need to get some vinegar."
"Okay."
"Ah...here it is." Konanca walked up to the vendor and asked for the vinegar. He handed her the bottle and Konanca handed over some coins. "Thank you," she said to the vendor. He smiled and she walked away. She readjusted her shabak (traditional scarf that Ràkuni women wear...they only where it for special occasions...or Konanca's case, to conceal her identity. She was nearly assassinated because of it. And the Protector responsible was executed. It was the day her daughter, Baikala was born.)
Soriqua flinched slightly as someone knocked into her.
Konanca glanced around furtively. "You okay?"
Soriqua nodded. "Yeah."
The Ràkuni who ran into Soriqua came back and tried to punch Konanca. She punched him back and did a thunder kick on him. Her shabalk fell off "Not again," she muttered.
Soriqua stiffened. "Should I transform?"
"No. The locals don't need to know that some Protectors are here." She rewrapped the shabak around her head. "Last time this happened someone tried to assassinate me. Be aware."
Soriqua nodded. "Already on high alert."
"Good..." Konanca didn't get to finish her sentence as someone fired off a gun. The first whistled past her shoulder. A second punctured her back. "Why does this have to happen to me of all Ràkuni?" she muttered.
Soriqua growled. "How about now!"
"No." Konanca said firmly. "Now, run!"
Soriqua took off. "Okay."
Konanca ran after Soriqua, her shoulder sore.
Soriqua looked back. "You okay?"
"I'll be fine. This certainly isn't the worst that's happened to me...especially speaking of assassination attempts."
Soriqua nodded. "It's getting annoying."
Konanca nodded. "I know. In the last year, there were twelve attempts. But by far the worst ever was the first attempt where I got shot five times."
Soriqua shook her head. "They'll probably never give up trying to kill us."
"There's always someone who dislikes a leader enough to try and kill him or her."
Soirqua nodded. "I know."
Konanca spotted an open door. "Duck in here!"
Soriqua did so.
Konanca caught her breath. "Hopefully they aren't stupid enough to follow us in here."
Soriqua grinned. "I agree."

Kejima practiced a new piece of magic for her piccolo as Jeka pretended to be a metronome.
Valkyrja spun around with Melody, tossing knives into the air and letting the wolf catch them in her mouth as Valkyrja sang to give them a rhythm.
Kejima signaled to Jeka to stop and put away her piccolo. "Come on, Jeka. Let's get some food. Then, we have to go to the dojo." Kejima walked out of the temple room dedicated to harmony.
Valkyrja spun around, tossing another dagger into the air.
Kejima and Jeka walked past the room where Valkyrja was. "Valkyrja! Want to get lunch?"
"Oh!" Valkyrja fumbled and dropped three knives onto the ground. "Sure just give me a minute to pick these up."
"Okay."
Valkyrja grabbed the last knife and stood up. "Okay. Where's lunch?"
"I thought we could go get some stir-fries."
"Okay." Valkyrja slid the knives into her belt. "Melody come on."
"My mom makes really good ones and just so happens to be home."
Valkyrja half smiled. "Good."
"Let's go then."
"Okay...you lead the way."
Kejima lead Valkyrja to her mother's house.
Valkyrja laid a hand on Melody's head softly.
"Mother?" Kejima called into the adobe house.
Melody sniffed the air and sat down to wait.
Kejima's mother peered out of the kitchen. "Kejima!"
Valkyrja's eyes half lowered and she took a step back.
"What are you here for?" she asked.
Valkyrja's fingers brushed her dagger then dropped by her side.
Kejima glanced at her friend. "Don't even think about it."
Valkyrja muttered something and made a strange movement with her shoulder, as if she was moving a wing nervously.
"Valkyrja, for the love of music! What the heck are you doing?"
Valkyrja jumped like someone had banged two pots loudly behind her head. "Sorry!"
"We wanted to have lunch with you...you make the best stirfrys!"
Valkyrja nodded slightly.
"I'd be glad to make you some stirfrys! Chicken or beef?"
"Chicken."
Valk shifted slightly.

Hakama ran into the lab. "Big news!"
Fara jumped violently and spun around. "You nearly made me leap into the ceiling!"
"There are rumors of some rare dinosaur bones in Mongolia!"
Salira turned around at the mention of her home country. "Mongolia? A field trip back home? Sweet!"
Fara grinned. "What are we waiting for?"
"The next plane to Ulaanbaatar leaves in two hours."
Fara nodded. "Ah."
"Let's get packing!"
Fara grinned. "Alright!"
"Meet back here in fifteen minutes!" Hakuma shouted. She and Salira ran off to pack their things.
"Okay!" Fara yelled. She ran to her room.
Hakama called from her room: "Last one back is a rotten egg!" She continued packing her things and ran towards the lab.
Fara leaned against a table. "What took you so long?"
"Salira collided with me on the way to our rooms."
Fara grinned. "Ah."
"Salira! Get in here! We have to go! Customs takes awhile, you know even though we're high priority!"
Fara nodded. "I know. Last time I had to wait an hour or at least it felt like it."
Salira appeared. "Sorry. Naji torched my toothbrush with a Bunsen burner again."
Fara burst out laughing. "Again?"
"Of course!" Salira scoffed. "He's always trying to get my attention!"
"Because he likes you!" Hakama teased.
Fara still laughing, nodded. "I agree with Hakama."
Salira scowled and chucked a piece of aluminum at Fara. "He's such a moron and a show off."
Fara caught the piece of metal and threw it back at Salira. "Reminds me of my brother."
Salira caught the aluminum, dropped in on the table, and chucked a piece of iron at Fara. "What does he do?"
Fara caught the iron and tossed it back. "Last time I saw him he thought it would be funny to pull the water and flour trick on me. Except he used eggs, baking soda, and vinegar. Not in the same order."
Sailra and Hakama cracked up.
Fara scowled. "It wouldn't be so funny if you were the one getting egged and all the other stuff!"
"Hey! You were the one who decided to laugh about Naji burning my tooth brush with a Bunsen burner!"
"You toothbrush is replaceable. It took weeks to get all the eggs, baking soda, and vinegar out of my hair!"
"That toothbrush was one of Helena's new prototypes...she was trying to create a better tooth brush."
Fara giggled. "A better toothbrush. How?"
"I don't know. Helena is the expert in dentistry. Go ask her."
"Ask me what?" Helena wheeled her wheelchair through the doors.
"A better toothbrush?"
Helena shook her head with a sigh. "A toothbrush that will clean your mouth better is what she means. We have only one set of adult teeth, you know." She played with the control panel on her arm rest.
"Seems Naji doesn't agree with that idea
Helena shook her head. "He just wants to get Salira's attention. I'm going to have a serious talk with him about destroying one of my two prototypes, though."
Fara grabbed her bag. "So should we go?"
"Go where?" Helena asked, steering her wheel chair to the nearest table.
"Mongolia."
Helena's eyes went bright. "Why didn't anyone tell me? I always wanted to visit Mongolia!"
Fara shrugged. "I have no idea."
Hakama gave her a sorrowful look. "Well..."
"You can come if you want."
Character 2 Name:: Moonlightspirit
Hakama gave her a look. "I only have three tickets."
"I can stay if you want."
"No..." Salira said. "I'm from Mongolia and we know that Helena has never been to Mongolia."
"But you said you wanted to visit your home. I've been to Mongolia before and I have no real reason for going. I'll stay."
Salira shook her head. "Going to Mongolia, for me, means that I have to go visit my crazy uncle. Besides, your a paleontologist too and Helena can help you with anatomy and stuff of that nature."
Fara groaned. "Or I could try to get another ticket."
Hakama waved her to the computer. "Then get on it!"
Fara turned the computer and began typing rapidly.
"Are there tickets available?"
"Yes. Three."
"We can get the one unless anyone else is coming."
"I'll get two just in case."
"Good idea. While you print the tickets, Helena, go pack your things."
Fara hit a button on the keyboard. "Done."
Helena smiled. "Already done. I heard you guys talking when I went to the anatomy lab."
"Well lets go unless we want to miss our plane!"
"Where are you going?" asked Aja "Can I come to?"
Fara nodded. "We're going to Mongolia. I have an extra ticket."
"There are rumors of some new dinosaur that might have it's bones buried in Mongolia."
Fara grabbed her back. "Hurry flight leaves in fifteen minutes!"
"You mean an hour and fifteen minutes!" Hakama shouted.
"Really?"
"We wasted 30 minutes teasing ."
"Yes. The Scientist Mobile (the nickname for their transportation) is outside waiting for us."
Fara nodded. "Good."
Hakama ran along side Helena and out to the Scientist Mobile. "To the Oslo International Airport, please."
Fara grinned as an idea popped into her head. "Can I ride on the roof?"
"Really?" Hakama gave her a look. "Absolutely not...not if you want to look all grimy at the airport. We need to look professional."
"And are we?"
"Yes...we all get paid do this stuff."
Fara laughed. "So?"
"In conclusion, don't act like a pack of lunatics during a full moon."
Fara laughed. "I guess so."
Hakama unfolded the ramp for Helena and climbed into the Scientist Mobile. She thanked the driver in Norweigan.
Fara slid into her seat. "Let's go!"
"Go." Hakama told the driver in Norwegian.
Fara settled back for the ride.

~~Skipping ahead to the airport....~~

As soon as the Scientist Mobile pulled up to the airport, Hakama jumped out of the car.
Fara followed. "Hurry!"
She pulled Helena's wheelchair out of the car and started running.
Fara slowed to allow the others to catch up.

Madelena looked at Rafaela who was messing around with an array of poisons and antidotes at the table. "What are you doing? I thought you were supposed to pay attention...I've told you that three times already."
Rafaela looked up. "Sorry Adriana is having a little trouble with her array of Mutant pets and I said I'd help her."
Madelena rolled her eyes. "She can never get enough of messing around with the genetic code. Can we get back to business? Where is Adriana anyways...she should be here."
Rafaela pointed. "In her lab I doubt she'll be coming out anytime soon."
"What's she up to now? I told her the meeting was today."
Rafaela leaped to the side as Nereida ran by, carrying something in a satchel over her shoulder. "Apparently there's some sort of sickness that's hitting the creatures in the lab even the Androids have it Adriana's been in there for hours trying to find a cure."
"What's in the satchel? And Rafaela, can you take notes for Adriana?"
Nereida skidded to a halt. "Adriana asked me to bring her some different chemicals from another lab."
"What are the chemicals for?"
'Well...okay. Let's get back to what we were supposed to be talking about unless anyone has anything else to add."Rafaela nodded. "Continue."
"Right. In a small village just outside Quito, TIBURÓN is planning turn it into a new factory. Our job is to infiltrate the business, catch them, and save the people's village.."
Rafaela nodded. "Right." Just then Adriana came running up. "Sorry I'm late! Did I miss anything?"
Madelena rolled her eyes and repeated herself.
Ariana nodded. "Right I can bring Guardian with she normally doesn't go on missions but she's the only one I have left."
"Sure...but make sure you keep them under control...one of them almost blew my cover last time."
Adriana scowled. "It wasn't Typhoon's fault I have no idea who sent him instead of Garnet on that mission, everyone knows he's bad at Stealth because of that sound he makes when he walks." There was a clatter, Adriana looked over at another girl who had just dropped her knife onto the floor. "Actually it was probably Delfina she hasn't really learned the ropes yet."
Madelena glanced at Delfina. "Exactly. I had to run for cover because of it and almost got my head taken off by an AK-47."
Adriana nodded. "Which Typhoon blocked most of so you could escape. He had about ten bullets in his body."
Adriana bent over a small stainless steel table, she softly stroked the silky fur of a large dog like creature that lay strapped to the smooth surface. “Be easy Melinda.” She whispered. “We’ll find out what’s going on.” Gently she inserted a thin needle under Melinda’s foreleg and saw with satisfaction the blood start to wind it’s way along the thin rubber corn into a small test tube. She picked up a syringe and injected a bluish lucid into the vein on Melinda’s neck.
"I know...but let's make sure that doesn't happen again."
Adriana nodded. "I'll hang a chart that Dalfina can read."
"Good. You can go back to work now."
ADriana shook her head. "I need supplies from the village I can come with you. Guardian will only listen to me anyway."
Sounds cool! Add it to the list. I'm not going to right now (seeing that I have to study for a test), but that gives me ideas to add to the human form.
"Sure."
Adriana whistled and Guardian came bounding up, carrying her weapons. "Well I'm ready."
"Let's go...I heard that the fruit sealer got some mangoes and manzanas (apples if you didn't know...I felt like using Spanish)!"
Adriana nodded, grinning. "Good I'm running low on both a few days ago Blizzard Kelpie and Cobalt got into my stores and ate most of the fruit."
Madelena laughed. "Cobalt then snuck some from my pantry the other day."
Adriana scowled. "And you'd think a robot wouldn't be s hungry as a normal horse."Madelena shrugged. "What can I say? I make sure there's a lock on there now...one they can't open."
Adriana nodded, checking to make sure her sword was sharp and there were bullets in her gun. "We'd better get moving."
"Yeah...but hide your weapons...it scares the locals."
Adriana nodded, she slipped her sword into the sheath on her back and slipped her gun into the holster. Taking a cloak that Guardian was holding she slipped it on. "Ready."
"I hope the vendors has good prices..." She trailed off and started listing her groceries. "...manzanas, mangoes,bananas, uvas, pan, carne...."
Adriana nodded. "I'm looking for herbs and other plants."
"Oh...okay. We'll be going to the same vendors."
Adriana smiled, gently resting her hand on Guardian's fur. "Then we stop TIBURÓN?"
"Okay."
Adriana stepped out the door and smiled as a gentle breeze blew past her.
"I love that breeze that comes of the mountains...reminds me of my childhood."
(Madelena is from a mountain village in the Andes.)
Adriana nodded. "It reminds me of things that I have lost and things I have."
"I promised myself that I would go back and get my sister so she can get a better education."
Adriana started walking Guardain bounding next to her. "We should hurry I need to get my supplies and foil TIBURÓN before it gets too late."
"Agreed. Hey...I meant to ask but then this mission came from the Home Base in Quito...but could you create me an animal helper?"
Adriana nodded. "Yes as soon as I figure out whats wrong with the others."
"Take as long as you wish..." She trailed off.
ADriana smiled. "What do you have in mind." She asked.
Character 2 Name:: Moonlightspirit
"A snow leopard with reinforced joints and stealth skills...there's other stuff...I forgot where my list was because I was going to give it to you."
Adriana nodded. "Okay A snow leopard with joints of steel and the stealth of a spider. Not too difficult."
"I'll get you that list later. Let's get those things..."
Adraina nodded. "Okay how far is the village again?"
"A kilometer (assuming you're talking about the one with the market they're going to)."
Adriana nodded. "What about the other one?"
"Mine? It's ten kilometers up that treacherous dirt road."
Adriana shuddered. "I don't like that road I nearly fell off it last month. Luckily Garnet was with me and she caught me with a web robe."
"That's why I would like a snow leopard companion."
Adriana nodded. "I will get on that as soon as we get back I'll have Delfina and Nereida work on the cure."
"Let's get those groceries then."
Adriana tapped twice on Guardian's shoulder. With a clinking noise the wolf grew to two times her size. Adriana leaped onto her back. She looked down at Madelena. "Care for a ride?"
"Definitely!"
Adrianna held out her hand. "Hop on then."
"Good thing I know you."
Adriana half smiled. "If you didn't Guardian would have eaten you by now."
Madelena laughed. "I bet she would find me to b tasty. Right, Guardian?"
The Robot wolf grinned and gave Maldelana a large lick on her face.
"I thought so."
Adriana grinned. "Guardian Attention!" The silver wold immediately stood alert, her tail up and her nose pointing toward the village.
"We should get to the village then."
Adriana nodded. "Guardian full speed ahead!"
"She...runs...pretty...fast..." Madelena said as they zipped down the road.
Adriana nodded, leaning into the wind easily. "I made her so she'd have great speed and good endurance. That's why she's not sick right now."
"Oh."
"We're here."
Adriana swung down from Guardian's back. "Wait here." She said. "You'd probably scare the villagers."
"Let's get that fruta!"
Adriana nodded, making sure her weapons were concealed she walked down the path.
Madelena loved the crowded streets of the village. She immediately drifted over to the fruit stand, where long time friend and dependable vendor, Isabel. "Hola, Isabel. ¿Tienes muchas frutas para comprar? Necesito más."
Isabel smiled. "For you, Madelena? Always. Your usual?"
The Herb Seller Clara nodded. "Yes." She said. "Over by the far right." Adriana dipped her head. "Thank you." She said.
"Yep. Those pesky things got into my pantry again...same with Adriana's." (Isabel knows that they are spies. She's the mother of one of Madelena's friends.)
Adriana sorted through the herbs, finnaly selecting a few handfuls. She handed a few coins to the herb seller. "Thank you."
Character 2 Name:: Moonlightspirit
Madelena collected up the fruit in a wicker basket she had made. "We'll...I'll see you again soon. Hasta luego, Isabel!"
"Hasta luego, Madelena!"
Adriana turned away and headed silently back up the path.
Madelena wandered over to the artisan, Pablo...her sister's birthday was soon and she wanted to get her a present.
Adriana looked back and stopped for a second, then turning away she headed back to where Guardian was waiting. A lone tear slid down her face as she sat down next to her Wolf friend.
"Hola, Pablo!"
"Hola, Madelena! What may I do for you?"
Guardian nudged Adriana and whimpered. Adriana half smiled. "Thank you Guardian." She said softly.
"I need a present for my little sister...her quinciañera is next week."
Guardian whined a question. Adriana smiled. "She's getting a present for her sister." Guardian nodded and laid her head down. Adriana looked up at the sky. "I wonder where my little sister is. I haven't seen her in so long..."
"I've got the perfect thing," Pablo replied, revealing a colorful kite. "You said your sister always wanted one."
"She does! It's perfect! Thank you, Pablo!" Madelena forked over some dollars. (Ecuador's currency is the U.S. dollar)
Adriana stroked Guardian's fur. "I wonder if I will ever see her again." She whispered.
Madelena headed over to where Adriana stood with Guardian.
Adriana stood up. "You find anything?"
"Yep. I got my fruit and a kite for my younger sister, Anastacia. Her quinciañera is next week."
Adriana nodded. "I know. I'm making something for here."
"You are?"
Adriana nodded. "Yes it should be ready a few days before then."
"Anastacia will be excited."
Adraina smiled slightly. "I hope so."
"We're all excited for our quinceañra. I was. You were."
Adriana smiled. "A little."
"Want to back to base, now od do you still have things left to get?"
Adriana shook her head. "No. There is one thing but it can wait until after we save that other village."
"What?"
Adrianna smiled. "I don't happen to have any Snow Leopard DNA back in my lab. I have to get some."
"Oh...I have some contacts at the zoo in Quito and they have some. I can contact them if you'd like. One of the vets would be very willing to relinquish some."
Adriana shook her head. "No. I know where I can find some."
"Okay then. Let's get back to the base."
Adriana raised an eyebrow. "Don't we have to stop TIBURÓN"
"That's why we're going back to the base...I have to assemble the team."
Adriana nodded. "Ah." She leaped onto Guardian's back. "Are you going to ride or walk?"
"Ride, of course!" Madelena added. "This is also part of the reason I would like a snow leopard."Adriana nodded. "Well jump on."
Madelena mounted the wolf.
Adriana tapped Guardian on the head. "Go on." Guardian bounded forward as fast as she could.
"I bet you could race Guardian and she'd beat the fastest car."
Adriana half smiled. "I suppose."
"I guess we'll save that experiment for another day," Madelena said as the base came into sight.
As Guardian skidded to a halt Adriana leaped gracefully off her back. "By the way your sister doesn't have a dog yet does she?"
"No...my parents could never afford one with all the taxes they had to pay. They could use one..."
Adriana smiled. "Good."
"What are you up to?" Madelena raised an eyebrow.
Adriana tilted her head, smiling. "You'll see after the mission."
"We have a bit of time."
Adriana shook her head. "Not yet not until I can straighten out the Havoc that is my Lab.""Better do that then because we're going to need a lot of those hybrids."
Adriana raised an eyebrow. "When?"
"On the mission...it's our biggest yet."
Adriana dipped her head. "I'm afraid that is not possible."
Madelena raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"
Adriana cocked her head. "Didn't Rafela tell you that all but Guardian are sick?"
"Yes, but we need a lot of them for the mission."
Adriana shook her head. "No can do. We'll have to make do with Guardian."
"I should have asked for the snow leopard earlier. We have a couple of days until we have to break and enter. That's what Agent 1 (the leader of the agency...) said."
Adriana shook her head again. "It will take me longer then a few days to make a cure. We will do okay with Guardian."
"How long would it take to make another hybrid...we need one who can be used almost anywhere...I saw blueprints of TIBURÓN's lab."
"It would take a few months to make a new Hybrid."
"We're screwed...unless you can tweak Guardian's design so she can do a few more things..." Madelena said thoughtfully.
Adriana nodded. "I can do that. Though she is pretty powerful already."
"There's somethings that she cannot do that would be very useful. I was looking at the list of things she can do in the Base's Archives. She needs a bit of a tweaking."
Adriana's eyes sparked dangerously. "Such as?"
"Um...I forgot...one moment...I scanned it into my phone (they have iPhone 5s!)." SHe took out here phone. "She needs to be able to swim, be fire proof, and I suggest being able to fly. I'm pretty sure she's poison resistant too..."
"She's already fireproof, can already swim and there is no need for flying because she can jump really high. And yes she is poison resistant because she is an android."
"Not if there's a really high wall hiding a pit of spikes. That's going to mess up some circuitry...besides...you could fly over poison vats."
Adriana's eyes flashed. "Guardian up." With a howl the wolf leaped into the air, soaring over Adriana and Madelena she landed light on the narrow roof of the building.
"So...?" Madelena prompted.
Adriana smiled. "Activate Rockets!" She yelled.
"What in the world are you doing?!"
Guardian's eyes flashed and she leaped off the roof, diving straight at Adriana.
"What was that?"
Adriana stepped back, leaping into the air she grabbed onto Guardian's front legs as the wolf broke of her fall and soared into the sky.
"Adriana, answers, please!"
Adriana swung onto Guardian's back. Turning she directed her wolf back to Madelena. "Something we've been working on."
"And what's that?'
Adriana swung off Guardian's back and picked up her wolf's paw. "Guardian has miniature rockets in her paws. Small but powerful. We've been working on a technique in case I'm in a tight spot and Guardian cannot land."
"Very nice."
"It should come on handy on the mission."
"That's what I was thinking."
Adriana stood up. "So shall we get the others?"
"Yes. Have all available agents meet in the briefing room."
Adriana shook her head. "Not Nerida or Delfina."
"Why not?"
"Someone needs to stay and watch the other Mutants. I don't quite trust Delfina alone there because she is still unfamiliar with the surroundings and has made a few...mistakes in the past."
"That's why there's video cameras in there. I had the technician install them last month so you could watch them when no one was in there. It's like the security cameras."
Adriana looked at Madelena. "Yes I can watch but if something happens someone has to be there."
"is there anyone else who can watch them?"
"As I said Nerida and Delfina can."
"Good. Then back to business."
Adriana nodded. "Alright."
"We need ten agents for the mission, Adriana and I included. Volunteers?"
"We do!" Alejandra and Amparo leaped forward.
Madelena nodded. "Anyone else?"
Rafaela nodded. "Count me in."
"That makes...five." Madelena commented.
"Viajar's somewhere around here."
"Then...six?"
"Yes. I don't know where any of the others are."
"What do you mean?"
"Anyone else to join the mission."
"Count us in!" Jada and Sierra
ADriana half smiled. "Eight."
Madelena groaned. "Great. I get to babysit my younger sisters."
Adriana checked the edge of a knife. "So are we ready?"
"I suppose."
"Where is this factory?"
"The outskirts of this village."
"I think Guardian might be able to carry all of us but I'm not sure."
"If not, we can try the new flight suits."
Adriana turned to her wolf. "Guardian Supersize Outside!"
"Supersize?"
Adriana smiled. "You'll see." Guardian's eyes flashed and she bounded out the door.
"I'll see? Does that mean...?"
There was a whirring noise from outside and a sound of screeching.
"...that she can adjust her side?"
Adriana nodded. "Yes."
"Ah. I see. Nice idea."
"We should go or someone might notice a giant wolf."
"Exactly. Come on, you two," she said to Jada and Sierra.
Adriana walked out of the building and looked up at Guardain. "Not bad!" She called up to her wolf.
"How are we supposed to get on her?"
"Like this." Adriana tilted her head and yelled something up to Guardian. Guardian's ears twitched and slowly she lay down, rolling onto her side with one leg outstretched. Adriana ran forward and leaped onto her paw, running up Guardian's leg and onto her side.
Madelena shrugged and jumped on to Guardian, careful not to fall off.
Adriana leaned on Guardian's neck. "Everyone holding on?"
"Yep."
Adriana whispered something to Guardian and the wolf raised her head. With a smooth movement she rolled onto her stomach and stood up.
"Dang, Adriana. Whatever you do with these animals is amazing."
Adriana smiled. "They are living creatures, Madelena. I treat them as such."
"I know...but still your a genius at genetics and other related sciences."
Adriana nodded. "I suppose."
"Let us be off, then!"
Adriana tapped Guardian on the shoulder and the wolf took off.
"Have Guardian land in the field near the back entrance."
Adriana tapped Guardian on the shoulder and the wolf veered toward the field.
"Everyone got their weapons?" Madelena revealed her AK-47.
Adriana nodded. "Yes."
Madeline leaped of Guardian and landed, doing a forward roll.
Adriana bounded off as well. Guardian's tail came sweeping around and caught her. Depositing her gently on the ground.
Madelena signaled to quietly creep towards the back door and take out the guards.
Guardian shrank back to normal size and followed.
When they reached the edge of the field, Madelena signaled for them to start shooting. She took out two of the guards right off the bat.
Adriana took care of the rest. Guardian's eyes suddenly started flashing.
"What's up with Guardian?"
Adriana looked over at her wolf and her face paled. "I was afraid of that!" Guardian started to stagger and shake her head, making whirring and grinding noises in her throat.
"Is she sick now, too?"
Adriana backed up. "Sick and dangerous!"
Madelena groaned. "I should have asked for the snow leopard sooner."
Guardian's eyes flashed white and she started to growl. Adriana back up farther. "Be thankful you didn't She'd be sick as well!"
"Probably."
Guardian growled again. There was a chunking noise in her throat. "LOOK OUT!" Adriana leaped forward and shoved Madelena out of the way just as a giant dart went whistling right through the spot where she had been standing.
"What was that?!"
"Guardian's attack! Tranquilizer and Poison Darts!" Guardian growled again and spat another dart at them.
"I didn't know she could shoot those!"
Adriana nodded. "She keeps new mutants from hurting us or themselves! That's why there are almost no accidents!" She leaped into the air as Guardian spat three more darts in rapid succession.
Madelena leaped out of the way. "I wish I had known that ahead of time!"
Adriana growled. "I hate to do this...."
"What?"
"The only way to make her stop attacking us!" Adriana leaped up. "Guardian! Stop and Obey!" "What will do the job?"
"What?"
"To get Guardian to stop attacking us...pronto!"
Adriana turned. "I'm going to try and activate her security program!" She turned back to Guardian. "Guardian! Stop and Obey!" The metal wolf stopped dead in her tracks, shaking and still making those grinding noises.
Just in case, Madelena started muttering prayers to Dios.
Adriana slowly walked toward Guardian. "Stay right there. Do not move!"
Still praying, Madelena dropped to ground and froze.
Adriana half smiled. "I wasn't talking to you." Guardian didn't move as Adriana approached her.
Madelena prayed like there was no tomorrow.
Adriana laid her hand on Guardian's neck and pressed her fingers on one spot. Guardian's eyes closed and the wolf collapsed.
Madelena peeked between her hands. "Is it over?"
"Yes."
Madelena stood up. "Good."
Adriana stroked the fur between Guardian's ears softly.
"Is Guardian okay for the mission?"
"No."
"Then this will be quite the challenge."
Adriana nodded.
"Well...let's get moving." Madelena headed towards the door.
Adriana followed her.

"Anita! Where'd my Pork Chop of Doom/ Destiny go?" Celesta called from her room in the Buddhist temple where they trained.
"I don't know!" Anita called back. "Have you seen my Double Sword I left it next to my bed."
"No..." She looked up at the ceiling to see the Invisible Jar Jar Binks trying to blend with the ceiling. "I think I found our 'theif'...Jar Jar is up to his antics again."
Anita reached into her belt pouch. "If he doesn't cough up my Double Sword in five seconds I'll..."
Jar Jar dropped the sword and the pork chop. "Can't a spirit have fun? Can't you guys take a joke?"
Celesta scowled at him. "Get lost...you've stolen something of mine five times this week."
Anita nodded, picking up her sword. "Same here and I still remember that time you put pepper in my pillow."
Jar Jar smiled and disappeared through a wall to bug someone else. A shriek came from Taito and Akito's room. "Jar Jar!"
Celesta looked at Anita. "Looks like the trouble maker is up to no good still."
Anita nodded. "So what should we do about him?"
"I say we go tell Master Kiy to banish him from here...he's such a nuisance."
Anita grinned. "Right but still it would be a little too quite around here without him."
"True. Master Kiy will have a plan...I'm sure of it."
Anita nodded. "Do you know where he is?"
"I think he's in the temple doing his morning prayers."
Anita grinned. "So should we go talk to him or wait till he comes back?"
"We should wait until he comes back...he hates being interrupted during his prayer times."
Anita nodded. "So what should we do until then?"
Celesta slapped her own face. "I forgot my morning prayers...again! That bafoon, Jar Jar made me forget!"
Anita grinned. "I did mine early I figured he'd pull yet another trick."
"We might as well go. We can catch Master Kiy on his way out." She dashed in the
Anita ran after her.
Celesta skidded to a halt just inside the temple, muttered her apologies to the head monk, and went over to one of the statues of Buddha to do her morning prayers.
Anita sat down outside and started to sharpen her double sword, keeping an eyes out for Jar Jar just in case he decided to pull another prank.
Celesta reappeared out of the temple. "Done. Now, we have to wait for Master Kiy." (The woman Master is Master Nola)
Anita sprang up. "Lets go!"
"He's still in the temple...but we could go find Master Nola."
"Want to go to Bankok? I promised Sila (the chef) that I would pick up some groceries for her from the floating market...Master Nola gave me to okay to go and you as well."
Anita nodded. "Sure!"
"I know you love looking at the statues that one elderly woman sells and makes."
Anita grinned. "Yep I might actually bye one this time."
"I hope you have enough bahts (the Thai currency) to buy one...she charges a high price."
Anita reached into one of her belt pouches. "I've been saving..." Her voice trailed off.
"What? Please don't tell me that Jar Jar highjacked your money."
Anita nodded. "Yep."
Anita whipped her double sword out fo it's sheath. "Too late he's gone!"
"Master Nola! We have a Jar Jar situation!"
Anita scowled, holding out her hand, "I think we should deal with this one ourselves!"
Jar Jar floated up behind Anita, Celesta was going to warn her, but Jar Jar tapped her shoulder.
Anita yelled with rage, spinning around she assumed her ready position. "Take anything else if you dare!"
"I took this two weeks ago...I forgot to give it back." He handed her the bahts.
Anita snatched the money pouch away. "At least you gave it back this time!"
"Jar Jar shrugged. "I forgot to give it back after I searched through it."
Anita yelled in rage. "WHAT!"
"I put everything back," he protested.
Anita growled. "That was my personal stuff!"
"I only coined the bahts...I didn't see anything else of interest."
Anita smirked. "So you didn't find the secret pouch."
"There was one!"
Anita stuffed her money pouch into her belt. "Yep!"
"Now...let's go." Celesta said.
Anita nodded. "Okay."
"How do you want to get to Bankok?"
Anita shrugged. "Any way is okay."
"Let's take the boats. It'll be easier to carry the stuff back. I'm not carrying those baskets back."
Anita nodded. "Sounds good to me."
Celesta ran outside the monastery and unlocked the door to where they kept the boats. She dragged her boat and paddle out on to the river bank.
"Wait up!" Anita dragged her own boat out of the shed and leaped into it, paddling after Celesta.
"Well...let's get to Bangkok before we grow old."
Anita dug her paddle into the water, shooting ahead of Celesta. "WAHOOO!"
Celesta smiled and pressed a button and speed ahead of Anita. "Ha!"
Anita grinned. "So that's how it's going to be." She closed her eyes. A swell of water shot up under the boat, propelling it ahead.
"Hey! Not fair! Since when could you do that?"
Anita stared into the water. "For a long time."
"How?"
Anita's brow furrowed and she dug her paddle into the water, shooting father down the river.
Clesta paddled harder to catch up. "Oh come on! Tell me! You know how I did mine!"
Anita shook her head. "I..I can't."
"Why not?"
Anita looked down at the river. "It stirs up too many painful memories."
"Painful memories?" Celesta inquired.
Anita nodded. "From my past."
"What could be so painful from your past...of anyone's?"
Anita's hands tightened on her paddle. "I don't want to talk about it." Another swell of water shoved up against her boat, sending it shooting forward.
"Why not?"
Anita growled. "Winter! You can explain better then I can!" With a shriek a giant spectral horse reared up from the water to stand next to the canoe.
"Why?" Celesta asked again.
Anita sighed. "Well since you won't leave me alone about it..."
Celesta motioned for her to go on.
"Seven years ago before I joined the Temple I lived in a small village up the mountain, the one about six miles away."
"I remember that. I arrived a month before you."
Anita nodded. "I was different from the others there and mostly stayed in the stables with the dogs and horses. They were my only friends." She gently rested her hand on the spirit horse's side.
"I don't know how they couldn't like you. But then again, I grew up in Bangkok. Go on..."
Anita slammed her fist into the side of her canoe. "Then in the middle of summer bandits attacked. We tried to stop them but to no avail. They stole everything we had and left... But not before locking our families in the stables and burning both them and everything that lived there! Everyone!"
"Then why aren't you dead?"
"I was one of the few who were able to escape being captured. I tried to save the others but I couldn't move the barn doors on my own. Then a burning plank fell on my head and knocked me out"
"Oh."
Anita nodded. "By the time I regained consciousness there was nothing left."
"I didn't know any of that..." Celesta trailed off. "Maybe you could use you Pork Chop of Doom/ Destiny to bring them back. That's what I want to do to bring back my parents."
"That's what I'm working toward as well...so far the power would kill me if I tried to bring them back. My only other problem is integrating them back into society...maybe Master Nola or Master Kiy could offer them a job so they can be around me and Baki."
Anita nodded. "I would do it for the animals that died they wouldn't be so hard to reintroduce."
Celesta was thoughtful and sad, thinking of her parents' deaths...a drug dealer had killed them, mistaking them for a client. "I could send them to America to get a better life. We were going to do that but we were denied Visas and passports. My father tried to get us there by illegally immigrating...but US customs wouldn't let us into the country."
Anita growled. "People are so strange sometimes. That's why I stuck with the animals and now with their ghosts."
"Well...let's get to Bangkok before we have to paddle home in the dark."
Anita nodded, she dug her paddle into the water and shto down the river.
(Let's say that it takes two hours to regularly paddle to Bangkok....that is, if your not using boosters.)
"Want to use the boosters?"
Anita shook her head. "You can if you want. Winter, Snowberry, a little help?" Instantly a wave of water shot up behind her and sent her speeding down the stream like she was being propelled by rockets.
Celesta opened the control panel and pressed the button that turned on the propellers.
(I got the idea for Celesta's techy canoe from a James Bond movie where Bond has a techy gondola that he nicknames the Bondola...it's cool!)
Anita trailed her hand in the water, her fingers brushing something that felt like soft fur.
As Celesta speed ahead, she pressed a button that opened a snack compartment. She pulled out a sliced dragon fruit and munched on it.
(I think the movie is called Moonraker.)
Adriana smiled. "River." Instantly she flew past Celesta down the river.
Celesta mouth gaped open, a piece of dragon fruit falling out of her mouth. She adjusted the controls and caught up to Anita.
Anita half smiled. "River Thunder Snowberry go for it." Instantly her boat skidded forward as if on wings. She was out of sight in a heartbeat.
"Hey!"
Anita laughed. "See you there!"
Celesta had to have the boosted on maximum the whole way to keep up.
Anita smiled. "I could go faster..."
Celesta rowed into the canal. "I know. I have yet to upgrade the motors. Come on. Let's get those groceries."
Anita leaped out of her canoe. "Okay."
"You get the meats; I'll get the plants."
Anita nodded. "Okay."
Celesta wound her way through the twisting canals picking up groceries and a few things for herself. She canoed back to the rendezvous point.
Anita did the same, grabbing her share of the groceries she darted toward the rendezvous point but made a slight detour to look at the figurines on display.
Celesta checked her watch. Anita was running late again.
Anita skidded to a stop in front of the figurines. Her eyes landed on one and she jerked back.
Celesta let out an annoyed sigh. It was starting to get dark.
Anita glanced around then scooped the figurine and the one beside it into her belt pouch. Leaving some coins on the table as payment she raced back to the rendezvous point.
"About time, you slow poke," Celesta teased as Anita rowed into view.
"Sorry." Anita panted. "I got sidetracked."
"Sidetracked by what?"
"The Statue Seller."
"Again? What did you get this time?"
Anita held up a small carving of a Unicorn. "This."
"What for? Since when did unicorns have anything to do with Thailand...and martial arts for that matter."
"I thought it looked nice. And it will look pretty good in the mythological diorama I'm making."
"For regular school?"
Anita shook her head. "No just for fun. I just hope Jar Jar never finds it."
"Why?"
"Half the figurines would vanish no doubt."
"What use are figurines to Jar Jar?"
"The same as my Double Sword."
"I hope your hiding place is good then. Where did you hide it?"
"In a secret place behind the Temple."
Celesta raised an eyebrow.
"I found it a while back. It's a great place."
"Where specifically?"
"I'll show you when we get back."
Anita looked down into the water. "Go for it." instantly her canoe shot back upriver.
Celsta turned on her rocket boosters. "With these, I can be home in ten minutes."
Anita grinned. "See you there." Her canoe sped off faster then anyone could see.
"Hey!" Celesta sped around the bend in the river where it going with the Mekong River (actually river in Thailand..but it goes nowhere near Bangkok so I made up a river that runs into it.).
Amira laughed. Her hand trailed into the water, brushing against something that felt like fur.
Celesta amped up the power with her built in water generator. "Ha ha!"
Anita grinned. "River lets go!"
Celesta cruised past Anita. "See you at home..."
Anita grinned. "No chance. Winter!" With a burst of water the horse reared out of the river. Anita leaped from her canoe onto his back and they raced past Celesta, the canoe streaking behind them.
"Not fair!"
"Hey the canoe is going faster then yours!"
"You get help from spirits! I actually made this boat!"
Anita half smiled. "So did I."
"Mine isn't propellers by spirits! That's not fair!"
Anita glanced down at her. "Do you want some spirit power as well?"
"Sure...how exactly does this work? I want to know what I'm getting myself into."
"My friends can run faster that normal creatures so they just give me a ride."
"Ah...hook me up....maybe they can even talk some sense into Jar Jar or Bennet.
"Just ask one."
"Ask what?"
"If they will let you ride."
"How do I know that? I don't speak water spirit very well."
Anita smiled. "They aren't water spirits."
"Then, what are they?"
"Just spirits."
"Either way...I don't speak spirit very well unless they're speaking English or Thai."
"They cannot talk but they can understand."
"Can you teach me spirit?"
"I can try." Anita made a whispering rushing sound deep in her throat. Winter turned his head and looked down at Celesta.
"What did you say?"
"I told him you wanted to ride. Ask him in English and he will understand."
Celesta looked at Winter. "Can I have a ride?"
Winter instantly dove forward into the water so that he was level with Celesta's canoe.
"Whoa! This is high-speed...!"
"That's your signal to leap on his back!"
"Okay...!"
"NOW!"
"What about my boat?!"
"Mine is following us isn't it?"
Celesta looked back to see the boat happily riding the current. "Alright, fine."
"Good."
Celesta dove into the water.
Winter reared up and took off. Anita looked back. "Hold on!"
"This is...!" Celesta's words were lost in the wind.
Anita griped Winter's mane. "Faster Winter! We're almost there!"
"...!" Celesta said as she struggled to stay on."Accelerating. Anita laughed as the wind slammed past her face.
"...Whee...!"
"STOP!" ANita yelled as the docks came in sight. Winter immediately stopped in his tracks.

Celesta got off the plane in Oslo International Airport and looked for Madeline.
Alira looked around the airport, her fingers curled around her necklace.
Madeline lookes at her watch. "Celesta should be here about know, Alira. Do you see her?"
"No."
Madeline caught sight of Celesta. "Celesta!"
"Madeline!" Celesta shouted, her Thai accent noticeable in the Norwegian airport.
Alira took a few steps back.
"Alira!" Celesta exclaimed. "You're here, too!" She hugged both of them. (Celesta VERY happy to see her friends, even though she's away from Thailand)
Alira nodded. "Hi Celesta."
"Of to the headquarters, are we?"
"I'm not sure." Alira looked at Madeline.
"We are...but first to Hotel Madeline..." She grinned. "We needed to get you situated." [Celesta always stay at each other's houses when they are visiting each other's home countries. (part of the reason is because it's cheaper...and it would be safer in Thailand because it's a third world country)]
Alira nodded. "Okay."
Madeline led them out to her car.
Alira followed. (Just arrived)
"I hope you guys packed warm...it's not as warm here as where you guys live. I checked the forecast and it's going to be in the negatives."
Alira shivered. "Brr."
"Don't worry...if what you brought isn't adequate, I have extras!"
"I'm good."
"I hope you are. It's -30 degrees Celsius outside."
Alira nodded.
Madeline got into the car and after making sure everyone and everything was secure, she took off on the highway.
Alira stared out the window, thinking.
Madeline concentrated on the snowy road ahead, but started a conversation: "So, Celesta...how's everything in Bangkok?"
"Good. My brother is starting is sophomore year in high school and his birthday is soon, so he can join us. My sister is starting eighth grade. My parents' rice farm is going good."
Madeline nodded. "What about you, Alira? How's everything in Alexandria?"
"Fine."
"Anything going on with the family?"
"Not really. MY sister is going to have a baby though."
"That's cool! Wish her luck for me!"
Alira smiled. "I'll do that."
Madeline pulled into the driveway of her house. "Well, we're here! Home, sweet home!
Alira grinned.
Celesta grinned. "Too bad it's not as warm as Bangkok...I didn't have to wear a jacket...fortunately, I got some warm clothes last time I was here." She looked at Madeline. "Do you still have what I left here?"
"Yes. It's in the guest bedroom closet."
Alira simply looked around.
Madeline saw her eyes. "What? It's just a frozen landscape just below the Arctic Circle. Can't get much better than that!"
"It's nice."
"I know it is. Why do you think I still live here?"
Alira was silent.
Celesta shivered. "Brrr...would you just open the door...I'm sure Alira is as cold as me."
"Patience, young grasshopper..." Madeline replied "...I'm getting my keys!"
Alira kept looking around.
Madeline unlocked the door and Celesta bolted inside. "Thank the Buddha! It's warmer in here...!"
Slowly Alira followed.
Alira looked around at the house.
Celesta led Alira through Madeline's house. "Here are the guest bedrooms. I'm in this one and you're in that one."
Alira nodded. "Okay."
Celesta ran into her bedroom and put on some warm clothes and then ran out to Madeline's kitchen.
Alira sat down on her bad and placed a hand on her forehead.
"Do you have some cocoa?" Celesta shivered.
"Why? Would you like some?"
"Yes, please!"
Alira closed her eyes.
Madeline grinned. "One cocoa coming right up! Go ask Alira if she wants one."
Celesta ran to Alira's room. "Alira, want some hot cocoa?"
Alira jumped violently and nearly fell off her bed. "What!"
"I asked if you wanted some hot cocoa."
Alira nodded slightly. "Sure."
Celesta ran towards the kitchen. "C'mon then."
By the time they got tot the kitchen, Madeline had made three mugs of hot cocoa.
Alira half smiled.
Madeline motioned them to sit at the table and began to sip her cocoa. Then she got up abruptly and revealed some marshmallows from the pantry. "Anybody want marshmallows?"
ALira smiled. "Alright."
Madeline opened the back and generously added marshmallows to hers and then passed them to Celesta. Celesta passed them to Alira.
Alira added a few and then handed them back to Madeline.
Celesta eagerly stole the back and started eating them out of the bag.
"Hey!" Madeline said. "Don't eat all of them!"
Alira grinned.
Celesta stubbornly handed the bag back to Madeline
Alira looked down at the table.
Madeline put the bag back in the pantry. "You'd better stay out of that pantry, Celesta."
Celesta pretended not to know what Madeline meant. "What? Do you keep chemicals in their? Something like 10 molar hydrochloric acid?"
Madeline glared at her. "Of course not!" (Madeline's actual job is a scientist. Celesta is playing on that fact. )
Alira smiled.
"It's not funny!" Madeline said. "10 molar hydrochloric acid is dangerous. I'm not a complete moron."
"Indeed," Celesta commented. "Only a complete moron would store something that dangerous in the pantry." Her mouth betrayed her by twitching into a grin.
For that, Madeline took her stirring spoon and whacked her on the head. "If you don't believe me, go look in there."
"Oh, I believe you," Celesta replied with joking sarcasm.
"Don't you be sarcastic me, Celesta," Madeline warned her. "You might tempt me into slipping some into your drink...which really isn't that hard..or hide some in the pantry with your name on it."
Alira laughed softly.
Celesta scowled at both of them. "You'd better not!"
Alira took a sip of her coco.
"Well...don't be surprised if I do it. I have plenty of it on hand and if I need more, it's simple enough for me to make." (What Celesta doesn't know is that Madeline is bluffing about having plenty on hand, but she can easily make it. )
Alira yawned slightly.
Celesta rolled her eyes.
Alira took another sip.
Madeline drained her mug and put it in the dishwasher.
Alira did the same.
Celesta dilly-dallyed, but finished her mug.
Alira yawned.
"Well...what do you guys want to do?"
Alira shook her head. "Not sure."

Isis stood in the temple of her namesake practicing spells.
Chione peered around the temple door, watching Isis. She memorized what the priestess was doing for practice later.
Isis felt something watching her through the prescence spell she had cast. "Who's there?"Chione jerked back, turning she bolted back through the garden. "I should have figured there would be spells up!"
Isis heard footsteps running away. "Hey! Get back here!"
Chione threw up a protection spell behind her and leaped over a hedge.
Isis slammed into the protection wall. "Great." She fired spells at the wall for two minutes before it broke. She jumped over the hedge after her watcher.
Chione ducked down a narrow path, spinning an illusion and another protection wall as she went.
"Come out! If you are a spell caster wanting to learn magic, I can help you!" Isis cast a spell to see ahead of her.
"Yeah right!" Chione muttered, sprinting faster. "And I'm a djinni!"
"Then why are you running?"
Chione yelped and sped up, ducking out of the garden and into the trees. "Nabara, where are you!"
Isis ran after her. "Answer my question please!"
Chione threw another Protection Wall behind her. "No chance I'm stopping now!"
"Please!"
Chione leaped over a rock. "I know what happens to slaves who are caught spying! Nabara where are you!"
"I'm not that kind of person. Don't you know that by now?"
"I'm here!" Chione darted into the open. A giant Roc came soaring down out of the sky, picked her up in it's claw and flew away.
"Chione...!"
Chione sighed. "We should be safe unless she has a djinni as well. Then things could get complicated."
"Chione....!" Isis fired a beam of energy at her.
"LOOK OUT!" Chione yelled. Nabara dove to the left but not fast enough. The beam tore through her right wing.
Isis scowled at herself. "I need to practice my aim a little more..."
Chione yelled as they tumbled out of the sky and slammed into the ground.
"Sorry!" Isis shouted as she ran over to them. "That was supposed to be a warning shot, but I have bad aim!"
Chione coughed violently and spat sand out of her mouth. She and Nabara flinched backward as Isis came closer.
"I don't mean to hurt you. This injury was accidental. You can ask anyone else who has seen me do magic...they'll tell you the same thing."
Chione glared at Isis.
Isis shivered inside. "I'm really sorry, okay?"
"So now what?" Chione growled.
"I don't know," Isis said. "I can take you on as a sort of apprentice to learn more in depth the magic of Egypt...you can learn along side me. You have talent."
Chione tilted her head. "You aren't going to turn me in for spying?"
"No."
Chione's eyes were still narrowed in suspicion.
"You can trust me and I'll swear it if I have to."
Chione leaped up. "I guess I can trust you."
"Then let's go back and I'll present you to the High Priestess as a new recruit."
Chione's eyes narrowed. "Nabara." The djinni's form shifted into that of a mouse. The mouse crawled up to perch on Chione's shoulder.
"There's nothing to fear."
"I don't know that yet."
"You will find me to be telling the truth."
Chione stared at her. "You might be telling the truth but I know some people who would go out of thee way to see me punished."
"So do I, but that's not my style."
"Hmmm."
"What makes you pensive?"
"The fact that if one of the others finds out I was able to summon Nabara?"
"If you don't in front of them, you should be okay."
"Maybe."
"It's a fact. They don't know some of my powers because of that. They haven't bothered to trace any of it."
Chione didn't answer.
"You can stay in my room until they make room for you."
"Alright."
"Where are your personal belongings?"
"Back at the Slaves quarters."
"Summon them. It would be suspicious if we went back in there."
"What do you mean summon them? The only summoning I've done is summoning Nabara."
"If you can summon Nabara, you can summon your stuff? Call them to you."
Chione glared at Isis. "I haven't tried moving objects yet."
"It's just a suggestion, but if you need me to, I can do it."
Chione nodded. "Please."
Isis summoned Chione's belongings.
Chione glanced at them.
"What?"
"Nothing."
"I hope it's nothing."
Chione didn't answer.
"Chione?"
"Yes?"
"You seemed like you took a mini trip to the Duat."
"Not really."
Isis grinned.
The mouse looked out of her pocket and glared at Isis.

Jasmine got off the train, annoyed in unfriendly. She so hated the Capitol and their Trials, but she had to do this to save her sister.
Chloe sighed as she got of the train.
Jasmine scanned the crowd to glance at the other tributes. Most were chattering with their district partners, but Jasmine paid no attention to her partner, Andrew. Instead, she just reluctantly followed their escort, Norma Heartfellow and their mentor, Harrison Kinkson.
Nia was as shocked as could be when she was getting off the train.
Norma gave a sigh of relieve. "This is where you're going to stay while you are here! They have such lovely furnishings...!" She trailed off when she realized no one cared.
Nia was scared to death. She never wanted to hurt anybody.
Chloe was breathing hard. She was a sort of loner, but didn't want to hurt anybody. Her escort walked her up to her room, and blabbled on about the food, and clother, and makeup, while a thousand thoughts of the games rushed through Chloe's mind.
Nia's escort sounded dull as Nia thought of thoughts she didn't want to think about. Like if she wa going to die.
Jasmine was annoyed. "Can we just get up stairs? I really don't care about the architecture or furnishings of this prison of death."
Norma was shocked at Jasmine's rudeness. "Jasmine! Your manners!"
"No one gives a fish stick. Who cares about manners if you're doomed to die."
Norma glared at her. "If you make another rude comment...!"
"Oo...so scary. What'll could you possibly do to me that's worse than death?"
Harrison cleared his throat and slurred: "Noor...mah...geeve...herrr...ah...braaak....sheee...haaass...ah...point..."
Nia watched silently as her escort showed her through countless rooms as the only thing Nia thought was,Do they fatten us up before butchering us? Like pigs?
Disgusted with his drunkeness, Norma only glared at Harrison and said nothing.
Jasmine smirked.
Finally, the tour was done for Nia.
Norma lead them up to their rooms. "Because you guys are District 25, you get the penthouse!"
Jasmine had to admit, everything was really nice. "Oh, wow."
Nia plopped down on her bed.
Andrew agreed: "I suppose that's the only good thing about our imminent death: we gt to live in luxury before we got to the actual Trials."
Nia wasnt ready to die, she didn't want to leave her friends and family .
Jasmine stared at the entire scene. "I've never seen anything even remotely as luxurious as this in my life."
Nia closed her eyes. She didn't want to go.
"It's...compensation, in a sense," Andrew added.
Nia screamed in anger.
"Well," Norma said. "Don't gape at me...go explore."
Jasmine and Andrew needed not another invitation.
Nia as loud as she could and then fell to the floor sobbing.
The tributes ran to their rooms to explore.
Nia knew she had to stay strong, but she couldn't.
When Jasmine got to her room, she was amazed. It was so luxurious.
Tears kept coming as Nia sobbed.
After they came back,there was a strange man and woman were standing in the room.
Once Nia's tears stopped flowing and had dried on her face someone knocked on the door.
"Jasmine, Andrew..." Norma introduced. "...these are your stylists, Nico and Francesca."
An unfamiliar man walked up to Nia.
The tributes shook their hands uncomfortably with their stylists.
He walked up to her and spoke to her softly,"It's okay."
Nico was calm and gentle. "It will be a pleasure to work with you."
Francesca nodded and spoke similar words to Andrew.
" Nothing's Okay!" Nia cried
The man introduced himself,"I'm Octiavan, I'm your stylist."
The stylists led the tributes away to talk about the tribute parade.
"Come with me." Octavian said
Nia followed him.
Nico spoke. "We have a grand idea for the parade."
"I'm going to dress you for the parade." He said as he led her to a room.
Jasmine rolled her eyes. "Yeah yeah. You're just going to dress us up as coal miners like every other year."
"No...it's even better," Francesca replied.
Jasmine and Andrew were suddenly interested and each raised an eyebrow.
A few new people came in and changed her into a cute little dress with grain-looking stuff used as and belt. And then they put a pound of makeup on her.
"We were thinking of focusing on the fire involved with coal."
Andrew nodded thoughtfully. "That's not half bad."
Jasmine agreed.
"The parade is in three hours so we need to start getting you ready."

Samuel, checking his watch, paced the floor of the situation room as Grace tapped icons on the table. "Grace, where's Jacob? He's late for work."
Grace looked up at Samuel. "I have no idea. I haven't heard from him since late last night. He went out to see A Good Day to Die Hard. Ask Lucas."
Lucas shook his head. "I haven't seen him since ten last night."
Alani looked up. "I wonder where he is."
Grace shrugged. "I'm not my cousin's keeper. Maybe he had a sudden fit of grief and went to see his consoler...I'll go call her..." Grace dialed up the consoler. (Note: Jacob's wife was killed 10 years ago by a fellow cop (turned criminal) when they were tracking him down.)
Ani nodded. "Maybe maybe not."
Grace glanced nervously at the others. "...hello...I'm Jacob's cousin...I was wondering if he was there...he's not...? Well...thank you for your information." Grace hung up. "He's not there."
Samuel looked puzzled. "I wonder where he is...he usually calls if he can't be at work...which is rare..."
Alani and Ani turned away from their computer and said at the same time. "Maybe we should go look for him." Then they glanced at each other and grinned.
Lucas looked up from his phone. "I say we go to his house...that's where I last saw him."
Alani nodded. "Okay."
"What is the problem?" said Max as she and her partner walk in the room.
"Jacob's missing."
"Then it would be obvious that we should find him."
Ani nodded. "We are going to."
"I totally knew that."
"Alright..." Samuel said. "We're wasting time. Lucas, go get the keys to your car...you'll drive the guys and Grace, you'll drive the girls."
Alani scowled and spoke up again at the same time as Ani. "We can drive."
Lucas grinned. "I didn't know you had you license...unlike Samuel. I suppose you couldn't keep up with the awesomeness of my car."
Sam threw his partner a glance. "Very funny, Lucas."
Alani nodded. "We both do."
Grace gave Alani a sympathetic look. "Don't listen to Lucas...he's just trying to comically relief the situation. Besides, if we took two cars, we'd all save on gas."
Ani and Alani both nodded. "Alright."
Grace and Lucas grabbed their keys and ran out towards the cars.
(The other 5-0 agents don't know this, but a couple of guys who were angry with what Jacob did to his fellow cops (see backstory in Character Creation) came to his house, drugged him and kidnapped him. They dropped him off at Halawi (I think that's how it's spelled) Correctional Facility, hoping that the cops he had busted would kill him for what he did ten years previously.)
Alani and Ani followed.
They drove towards Jacob's house."
Ani shivered. "I hope he's okay."
Grace shrugged. "I hope so too, but he can be a bit unpredictable in that area. Take the incident ten years ago for example."
Alani nodded. "We heard about that."
Grace looked grim as she concentrated on the road. "Yeah. I mean, you would expect that he'd be really saddened about that, but kill a couple of guys because of it? No way. That's why he still sees a counselor."
Ani grabbed Alani's hand. "Hopefully nothing like that will happen to any of us again. It's bad enough it happened once."
"I know," Grace agreed, thinking of the person she was in love with (she's in love with someone she shouldn't be, but no one else knows it) and pulled up to Jacob's house. "Here we are."
Alani exploded from the car. "Finally!" (Alani doesn't like enclosed spaces.)
Samuel got out of Lucas's car, looking disgruntled...probably because Lucas was trying to tease him. "Alright, be careful when you enter the house. We will enter the front. Grace, since Jacob isn't here, you go with Alani and Ani."
Grace nodded, getting the key she had to Jacob's house from her key ring.
Ani nodded. "We'll be as careful as possible." Alani lightly knocked Ani on the shoulder. "I'll make sure Ani doesn't trip over anything."
The rest of the the team grinned at the thought. Grace cautiously walked up to the front door and unlocked it. "Alani, Ani; we'll go through the kitchen."
Ani nodded. ""Okay."" (The sentences with "" means they both spoke at once.)
Grace led the twins through to the kitchen, wary of possible hidden attackers. When they got to the kitchen, she noticed that the back door was open.
Ani tilted her head. "I don't think that's supposed to be open. Do you?"
Grace shook her head. "No. He always has it locked at night." She examined the door. "There's signs of forced entry...it looks like someone decided to break into his house..."
""That's not good.""
"Nope," Grace replied. She shouted to the the other guys: "Samuel! Lucas! We have a major issue here!"
Samuel and Lucas came running into the kitchen, nearly colliding with the twins. "What?"
Ani and Alani swung to either sides of the kitchen. ""Watch it!""
Lucas grinned. "Oops."
Samuel repeated his question. "What did you find?"
Alani looked over at Grace.
"His door, normally locked, was open, unlocked, and showed signs of forced entry," she explained.
Ani nodded. "Right!"
Samuel groaned. "Grace, are you thinking what I'm thinking...?"
"Yes," she answered grimly.
""What?""
Grace ran up stairs without answering their question and into Jacob's room. His bed was a mess and his phone was still on the table. "I think it's confirmed!" she shouted.
Grace returned downstairs with Jacob's phone. "His bed was unmade and his phone was still there. He never leaves anywhere without his phone." She spotted his keys. "And he left his keys too."
""So what are we going to do?""
"Well...I think it's been confirmed that he's been kidnapped. Alani, go outside and check when someone last entered the house."
Alani nodded. "Will do."
"What does it say?"
"What?"
"What was the last time someone entered the house?"
"About three hours ago."
"Three hours? It would have been about 4 AM."
"I might be wrong but I don't think so."
Grace checked it. "Yep. Whoever messed with Jacob wanted to keep things quiet."
"That's what I thought."
Grace looked at Samuel. "We should go get HPD so they can lift some prints of the door and other places."
Ani and Alani looked at each other and nodded.
"Go call HPD."
(Basically how this will go is that they will find out who the print belongs to, track him down, and get information on where Jacob is. We'll go from there.)
""Us?""
"Yes, you...quickly."
"Okay!" Alani grabbed her cellphone from her pocket and dialed.
Grace turned to the others as Alani dialed HPD. "Hopefully, whoever decided to nap Jacob left something behind for us to follow."
Ani nodded. "So do I."
Samuel agreed. "Based on evidence, I don't think the guys who napped Jacob were exactly pros."
Ani exchanged another glance with Alani.
The doorbell rang and HPD was at the door.
Alani jumped. "That was fast!"
Officer Paiz smiled. "We were in the area."
""What should we look for?""
"What have you found so far?"
Ani looked at Grace.
"Signs of forced entry, his bed is unmade, and a few other things. We wanted you to swab the door and keypad for DNA traces."
Alani nodded.
Officer Paiz motioned for the other HPD officers to do as they had asked.
Ani sat down to watch.
Grace pulled a chair from the kitchen table and sat down to think. What would anyone want from her cousin?
Alani sat down next to Ani and gripped her hand, tapping a series of signals onto the back.
Grace looked at Samuel. "Who do you think did this?"
Ani nodded slightly.
"Someone who doesn't like him, that's for sure. He's caught many criminals in his career."
Alani tapped another set of signals.
Grace looked over at Alani. "What do you think?"
"Not sure."
Officer Paiz came back. "Fortunately, the DNA analysts brought the portable tester. The DNA came back as a match to a Mr. Kyle Behnke."
Ani shook her head. "I don't know him."
"He's one of the guys Jacob has locked up over the years. He's a former cop...turned criminal."
Alani shuddered.
Lucas grinned. "Yes...that's right."
Alani glared at Lucas.
Samuel clapped his hands together. "Alright. Let's get back to headquarters so we can figure out where our suspect is."
Ani and Alani leaped up. ""Alright!""
Lucas needed no invitation to run to his car.
Ani and Alani followed at full speed.
Grace ran to her car.
Alani brushed past Ani as they ran.
Grace started her car and sped out of the driveway. Lucas pulled out after her and tried to pass her. She groaned and called out the driver's window: "Lucas! This is not the Daytona 500!"
""What she said! Slow down!""
Lucas didn't seem to listen.
Alani growled. "Lucas so help me I will force you to pull over if you don't slow down!"
Samuel heard Alani's shouting and notified Lucas. "Dude...slow down! This is not a race....nor the time or place for one!"
Lucas slowed down and shrugged. "Sorry...I thought Grace was shooting that we would...she's been trying to beat me in racing since her go-cart defeat and my hands last summer."
Grace heard him, swore under her breath (in English), and called him something offensive in Korean.
Lucas grinned and wave at her. "Love you too, Grace!"
Grce glared at him and sped ahead, saying more things in Korean.
Samuel glanced at Lucas. "Very smooth."
"You guys wouldn't be able to live without me."
Alani shook her head. ""Just watch the road. If you wrap around a telephone pole I'll sic Ani on you."
Samuel rolled his eyes.
Ani mock snarled.
"Lucas acts like such moron sometimes."
""We know.""
"Good," Grace replied, annoyed with Lucas.
(Samuel rolling his eyes was to Lucas.)
""Are we there yet!""
Grace parked her car. "Yes, we are."
Alani again exploded from the car, nearly mowing Grace and Lucas down it her haste.
"Hey!" Lucas shouted. "Watch it!"
Ani slid out of the car. "Sorry about that."
Samuel shook his head. "I'll go talk to Susana...she's good at facial rec. Grace, you go get Kyle Behnke's recent records."
Ani sat down to wait.
"Alani, come on," Grace beckoned.
Alani whirled around. "Okay!"
"I need you to help me pull up Kyle Behnke's credentials."
Alani nodded. "Okay."
Grace went over to the computer table and started searching through the online files.
Alani sat down.
"Did you find anything?" I saw that he was released from HCF a week ago."
Ani looked at the time and nudged Alani.
Grace looked up. "What?"
Alani looked up. "Was that directed at us?"
"Yes."
Ani nodded. "We forgot to do something back at our house."
"What?"
"Alaula."
"Oh, dear," Grace muttered.
"I'll get her." Ani stood up and left the room.
"Be back quick!"
"I will!" Ani ran out the door and down the street toward her house.
"Well...Alani, did you find anything?"
(Recent location will do, but I can state that if you want. I will also post the conversation Jacob has before he gets napped.)
Alani nodded. "Yes."
"What?"
"Not sure what it exactly is yet."
"Let me see." (His purchases...most specifically, a plane ticket to the mainland for today.)
Alani slid to the side and watched out the window for Ani.
"Ah," Grace said. "Looks like our Mr. Behnke has purchased himself a ticket to the mainland for today...his flight leaves in 45 minutes..." Grace looked up. "Samuel...! Get Susana on the phone, now!"
Suddenly Ani threw open the door. "I'm back!" With a bark a large wolf dog bounded into the room, tail waving.
"Good God!" Grace said. "Will you put duct tape on that dog's mouth?!"
Samuel ran into the room with Susana on the phone. "Got her!"
Alani bent down to pet Alaula. "No duct tape. Someone actually did that once."
"Well, keep her quite, please!"
Samuel put his phone on speaker so everyone could hear Susana.
Ani tapped a finger against her mouth and Alaula seemed to nod.
Samuel spoke to the phone. "Susana, did you get the picture I sent you?"
'I did and I'm running facial rec now. Any particular place?"
"The airport," Grace said.
Alani looked at Ani.
There was a pause and then Susana responded. "Got a match. He's just arrived."
Ani raised an eyebrow.
Samuel nodded. "Thanks...we're on our way. Notify TSA and other authorities that he does not get on that plane."
Alani got up. "The car again?"
"Yep...let's go."
Alani shuddered.
"Don't worry...I won't drive fast. I'll make sure that Lucas stays under the speed limit."
"It's not the speed that bothers me."
Grace drove off towards the airport. "What, then?"
Ani spoke up. "She's claustrophobic." Alani scowled and whacked Ani's arm. "Hey!"
"Ah..." Grace said. "She pulled into the airport's parking lot. "Don't forget the vests and your guns...they're in my trunk."
Ani whistled and Alaula leaped out of the car and ran to her side.
Grace was horrified. "What did I say about dogs in my car?!" (She doesn't like much to do with dogs other than their uses at tracking.)
Ani laughed. "You didn't say anything about wolves!"
"It was implied!"
Ani laughed again.
"That's not funny!"
"Well she's here now."
"You and that dog are riding with Lucas on the way home."
"No way!"
"Yes way," Grace said, getting on her gear. "It's my car...I make the rules."
"I don't follow rules."
"Then you're not riding in my car on the way home," Grace said shortly. She turned to walk after Samuel and Lucas.
Alani whacked Ani on the shoulder. "Nice going! Now we have to ride with the speeder."
"Only Ani has to," Grace replied. She turned to Samuel. "Where is the suspect?"
"Should be heading for security."
Ani nodded. "Should I tell Alaula to find him?"
Samuel shook his head. "No. Security will get him."
Lucas added: "And we don't want a dog running rampage through the airport."
"She wouldn't run rampant! We trained her better then that!"
"I know...but you'd scare some people."
"True."
"So," Samuel said firmly. "That dog had better be on a leash."
"She hates leashes. Or any kind of long whip-like objects."
"Well..unless you have another way of controlling her, then you must."
"She'll listen to what I tell her. I told her to stay near me and she will."
Samuel gave him a look. "She'd better," he warned. Samuel loaded his sniper rifle.
Ani nodded.
Samuel turned and led the way to security.
Alani flashed a look at Ani.
Samuel led them through the security personnel only hallways of the airport to the TSA security room.
Ani kept walking.
Samuel entered the TSA security room. He spoke to the security guard: "Can you scan the security tapes for this man?" He held up a picture of Kyle Behnke.
"Yes, Lieutenant."
Ani sat down, stroking Aluala's head.
The security guard scanned all of the video tapes with facial rec and got a hit just beyond security.
"That's him!" Grace shouted.
Ani leaped up. "Now what!"
"Hold your horses, Ani," Samuel said calmly. "We go get him, but try not to frighten anyone besides our suspect."
Ani groaned. "We have no fun, you mean."
"Not in an airport, you're not," Samuel chided. "You most certainly will not do what I would allow you to do on other cases. We have a fellow officers life in danger."
Ani nodded. "I still think I should sick Aluala on him."
Samuel gave him a disapproving look. "Very funny."
"Not joking."
"You'd better be or you won't like the consequences."
"I'm not joking but I won't tell her to get him."
"Aluala will do nothing to our suspect."
"Maybe."
Samuel led the officers out into the area just beyond security.
Lucas spotted him. "There he is!"
Grace walked to him, gun in hand. "Mr. Behnke, you are under arrest for the kidnapping of Officer Jacob Kinifima."
Kyle knelt and put his hand behind his back as Lucas handcuffed him. "What makes you think I'll tell you anything?"
"Because if you don't, my friend in charge will let my friend handling the dog release the dog on you."
Ani grinned and lightly tapped the back of Aluala's neck. The wolf fog lunged forward snarled, but was held back by Ani's hand on her collar.
Grace forced him to get up and said icily: "You have a lot of explaining to do."
Ani grinned. "And you'd better explain or I'll let this dog loose."
Kyle said nothing but Grace thought she saw terror briefly flash in his eyes. She lead him out to her care and put him in the back seat. "Ani, you and that dog are not riding in my car."
Ani laughed. "No way are we riding with that speed demon!"
"Only you and Aluala have to ride with Lucas and Samuel. Don't worry....Samuel will make sure Lucas stays on the speed limit...after all, he's the boss."
ANi grinned. "If Alalua gets in your car she won't get out. She likes your car."
"Well...she's not getting in!"
"Oh really." Ani pointed behind Grace at her car.
(The car wasn't open yet.)
Grace whirled around to see Alalua scratching at the door. "Alalua! Stop that!" She turned to Ani. "If there is any damage to my car, it's coming out of your paycheck!"
Ani grinned.
"I'm not joking, Ani!"
"I know."
"Besides, I'm transporting our suspect." She shooed the dog from the door and shoved the prisoner in.
Like lightning Alaula shoved past Grace and leaped into the car.
"Alaula! Out!" Grace was POed.
Alula grinned at Grace and sat down.
"Out! Now!" Grace was not just mad, she was furious. "Don't make me drag you out myself!"
Aluala yawned.
"Ani, you had better get your dog out of my car or I will do it myself!"
Ani grinned. "You can try."
"Get her out! Now!"
"And if I don't....?"
"You don't want to know the consequences!"
"It's your car. If Aluala wants to get out she will. If she doesn't....well."
"Get her out now!"
Ani shrugged. "Alaula. Come." Alula didn't move.
"Alaula! Out now!"

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Character Name:: Jara
Character 2 Name:: Rainbowlily
Aluala gave a strange howl that sounded almost like laughter.

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261 Re: Hawaii 5-0: RPG Edition on Mon Apr 08, 2013 8:48 pm
Madeline26

Courageous Adventurer
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Character Name:: Starlightthunder
Character 2 Name:: Moonlightspirit
"That's it!" Grace said angrily. She forced the dog out of the car.
Aluala leaped past Grace and into the front seat.
"Out! I have to drive home, you idiot!" She continued swearing in Korean.
Aluala barked a laugh.
Grace continued to swear in Korean. "Ani! You'd better get Alaula out or you'll have me to answer to after all this!"
Ani shrugged. "Aluala has a mind of her own. I wouldn't try to grab her though."
"Get her out now!" (Grace is really mad. You can tell because she's swearing in Korean.)
"Let us ride with you and I might."
"No! I told you not to bring that dog in my car and you're suffering the consequences."
Ani groaned. "Fine! But we aren't riding with the Speed Demon!" She snapped her fingers and Alualu made a groaned sound and leaped out, growling at Grace as she passed her.
"This had better not happen again," Grace chastised him. "Don't worry...if Lucas goes over the speed limit, he'll have Samuel to answer to."
"If he goes over the speed limit I'll slug him!"
"Go ahead and slug him, but not while he's driving or you'll kill everyone in the car!"
Ani grinned.
"That's not funny! That's serious! Our boss is in that car!"
"I'd still slug him."
"If you'd like to possibly die, then be my guest. Slug him as much as you want."
Lucas glared at her. "If you haven't realized, grasshopper, I am ranked higher than you...and, I make more than you."
"I know that Mr. Big Bucks...you've worked here longer than I have...but if you haven't noticed, you're older than me and still drive like a complete moron...like a high schooler that just got his permit."
Lucas looked hurt. He proceeded to tase her, but Samuel stopped him. "Enough. If you haven't forgotten, Jacob is still in danger and we need to get him quickly. He's arrested many of the criminals in HCF and they will be bound to recognize him...especially that one he arrested ten years ago. They'll want revenge."
Ani watched the argument with a bored look on her face.
"Alright," Grace said, getting into her car and starting it up. "Come, Alani."
Ani kept glaring. Aluala slunk past her and slipped into Grace's car without her seeing.
(Oops...I forgot Ani was female...I always assumed she was a he...because I watched this show with a character with the same name... [cheeky grin])
Grace got into to the car to start it up and found the dog sitting shotgun. "Get out, Aluala!"
Alula barked a laughed and nudged Grace gently.
"Get out!"
Alalua yipped and nudged her again.
"Out!"
Alaula growled.
"Out, Aluala! You're preventing me from doing my job!"
Aluala leaped out of the car, ran around and grabbed Ani by the sleeve. Dragging her back around she ran behind Ani and shoved her toward the open door.
"What the [sort of swear word]?"
Ani grinned slightly. "She wants me to ride with you. Not Lucas."

Anastasia (in the lead), Nicolas, Lauren, and Hajo were running from quigs on Second Earth when suddenly, they were whisked away from the territory to a strange new place.
Kara was bounding through the trees of Eelong when she stopped to watch the flume. "Probably nothing today." She thought. "Same as always." She leaped off the tree and walked closer. "Something seems different?" She cautiously stepped forward and poked her head into the flume. Seeing nothing she turned and ran off. Five steps later she was grabbed and dragged off into nowhere.
Hajo got up, rubbing his back from his fall. "Where are we?"
"Not Second Earth," Nicolas said.
"...or any of the Earth territories," Lauren said.
"Not even Cloral," said Anastasia. (They don't know about Solara yet since they are novices...however, they do know of the previous Travelers.)
"AAH!" Kara came slamming down out of midair and crashed into the ground. Instantly she leaped up, snarling.
A young man stepped out of the shadows withother humans and some cat like creatures. "Welcome to Solara. I am Bobby Pendragon."
Kara growled warningly and backed away.
(The other current Travelers are arriving) Anastasia, Nicolas, and Lauren all showed astonished expressions.
"No way!" Nicolas said. "You're my all time hero!"
Kara growled wildly and turned, sprinting away.
Bobby grinned, looking at Uncle Press. "What can I say."
"Why are we here?" Lauren asked.
"You'll find out as soon as Kasha rounds up Kara and as soon as the other Travelers get here."
Kara whirled around.
Kasha halted. "You have nothing to fear. You are in Solara. I am Kasha, former Traveler of Eelong."
Kara shook her head. "I know who you are. But seriously I do not like Solara."
"It's just dark like this because we have a new problem. Solara is basically a spirit world...the collective of all our knowledge
Kara sat down, her ears pinned back. "I know."
"So...come back and listen to what Bobby has to say. It should be somewhat brief...but you never know with him."
Kara looked around, shuddering slightly.
"Nothing will attack you here," Kasha said.
"You don't know that. Do you."
"At least not here, I know that," Kasha replied.
Kara nodded slightly. "alright."
Amber looked around to see if there were any more Travelers.
Bobby looked around to see if all of the Travelers were there and glanced at his watch. "Time to start," he muttered.
Kara tail twitched nervously as she looked around.
"You have been called here to Solara because a new danger has risen and you are the ones to stop it."
Kara muttered something under her breath.
"I know many of you have heard of Saint Dane and his evil, but a new enemy, an old acquitance of his named the Bane has risen."
Kara yawned.
Bobby looked at Kara. "This concerns you, you know."
"The only thing I'm concerned about is getting out of here!"
"Well...if you'd like to, you may, but it would be wise to stay if you want to save your beloved Eelong," Bobby said curtly.
"If I stay there won't be an Eelong Traveler!"
Bobby glared at her. "A territory's Traveler does not need to stay on their territory. There are other Travelers on Eelong. You are called to help us on this quest. If you go back, Eelong has no chance of survival."
"And if I stay here I have no chance of survival!"
"Kara, you, like the rest of us, are a being of Solara. You must put your territory before yourself."
Kara growled. "If I die here...!"
Bobby walked over to Kara and his gaze turned icy. "It does not matter if you die. You must serve your territory. We must have the cooperation of all the Travelers and you are the only one from Eelong who can help us."
Kara growled again. "You don't know what's happening in Eelong! I have my family to look after!"
"I know because we can see all here in Solara. Your family is an illusion."
Kara roared in rage.
Bobby held a gaze with her. "You have a choice: come and save your territory with the others it o back and dwell on your...what's the word I'm looking for...?"
"You mean dwell on the incredibly evil, psychotic, bent on destroying me and my family, person who lives here?"
"Well, I'm pretty sure whoever this psychotic is, he works for the Bane. Now, if you want to save your illusion of a family, you will join us. We can't possibly save all of Halla unless we have everyone's cooperation."
"That psychotic is my father!"
Bobby exchanged a glance with Kasha and the other legendary Travelers.
Kasha whispered in his ear: "Sounds like the Bane has picked up on some of Saint Dane's old tricks."
Bobby nodded.
Kara growled. "What are you talking about!"
"Saint Dane was able to change forms," Kasha explained.
"AAUGGGH!" Kara yelled.
"Calm down, Kara!" Kasha shouted. "We are here to act like civilized beings of Solara!"
Kara growled. "You give up being civilized when you have someone else to care about! I don't care what I do or what happens so long as I get away from here and back to my family!"
Kasha glared at her. "Fine. If you don't want to save our territory as a whole, then that's up to you."
Kara glared back. "You want me to listen! Don't drag me to Solara!"
Bobby glared back. "I do want you to listen. Solara was the safest place to talk."
"Not for me!"
"From what your running from, it is. Only those of us here can ever each this place as it is very hard to do."
"What I'm running from lives here!"
Bobby gave her the ultimatum. "Do you want to save the rest of Eelong or not?"
Kara growled softly, but nodded.
"Okay then," Bobby said. "We must defend each territory. I need a team to go to Denduron with Albij, the Denduron Traveler, to turn the territory in the right direction."
Kara turned away.
"How about Anastasia, Hajo, and....Kara?"
Kasha nodded.
The first two Travelers nodded eagerly.
Kara growled.
Bobby nodded. "Sounds good. If I didn't call your name, go see the Traveler of your territory that's from my time and they will give you instructions on protecting your territory and how to contact us if you need help or something suspicious happens that we need to be notified of."
Kara snorted.
After Bobby talked to Nicolas and Kasha talked to Nouma, they joins Alder with the three younger Travelers.
Kara glanced at them then away.
Alder looked at the three young Travelers. "I will take you guys back to Denduron and Albij can guide you from there. A hint to you is that the turning point for Denduron has to do with the mines again."
Kara looked away.
Alder held out his hand. "It's going to be a bit of a bumpy ride." Anastasia and Albij put their hands on Alder's.
Grudgingly Kara did the same.
After a brief, bumpy trip, they materialized on Denduron.
Kara immediately leaped away.
"Well...we're here! Home, sweet Denduron!" (They materialized outside the flume on the mountain.)
Kara glared around.
Alder removed his gigantic sled from its hiding spot. "Hop on!" Anastasia and Albij followed his lead.
Kara slowly followed.
"Everyone on?" Alder asked.
Anastasia looked at Albij. "I didn't know you had sleds on Denduron."
"Alder does."
Kara glared in a different direction.
Alder started the sled downhill with a grin.
Kara held on.
After a few minutes, Adler expertly skidded the sled (which is a toboggan) to a halt.
Kara immediately leaped off and away, shaking her head.
"Well..." Alder said as he hid his toboggan under some shrubbery. "Welcome to Denduron!"
Kara glanced around slightly then closed her eyes.
Alder looked up at the three suns. "Well, it will soon be night and I'll take you guys to my dwelling to rest up. Then, I'll take you to where you'e needed and you'll guide Denduron to its turning point."
Kara snorted.
Alder glanced at Kara. "Cheer up! Denduron's a great place!"
Kara hissed.
"It may not be as lush as Eelong, but it's home!"
"Your home! Not mine!"
"You'll be here for awhile so get used to it."
Kara hissed again.
"Don't hiss at me...you know it's true," Alder chastised her.
Kara hissed again. "I'll hiss at anyone I want to!"
"No you won't or you'll have to answer to me. The people of this territory know nothing of the existence of Travelers and we are going to keep it that way."
"Which means I shouldn't be here. I bet no one has ever seen a Klee before." Kara hissed again.
"I've taken care of that already," Adler stated flatly.
Kara turned away.
Alder beckoned to others. "Follow me."
Kara hissed slightly but did.
Alder led the other to his modest home.
Kara didn't stop growled and hissing under her breath.
"Please make yourselves comfortable. There are some clothes on the table and I will make you some food since it's almost dinner."
Kara stayed outside.
Alder happily started cooking a wonderful 'feast'.
After Anastasia had changed clothes, she peered outside and saw Kara. "Come in!"
Albij nodded. "It'll be cold out soon."
Kara growled. "I don't care!"
"Fine," Albij replied. Freeze your butt off out there."
precedes the goal.
Kara hissed.
Albij shivered at her coldness, but ignored her as he walked back in. (Albij is gentle, but not quite like Alder.)
Kara stared out at the trees. I miss my brother. And my home.
Albij went to help Alder cook the meal.
Kara kept staring. Shaki's not going to last long in his condition. I have to get back! She sprinted into the forest.
When they had finished preparing the meal, they sat down and ate it. Anastasia commented that Alder was a good cook, despite not having tasted any of the ingredients before. Alder smiled and said he knew a bit about Earthling cuisine and had wanted to make her feel at home.
Albij went to bring some food to Kara, but she was gone. "Alder! Kara's gone!"
Alder sprinted to the door. "We need to find her."
Kara bounded from branch to branch as she streaked through the forest. I remember the way to the flume from here. I just hope I'm not too late!
"She probably headed back to the flume. The forest is a short cut...although, I'm not sure she'll be able to find her way through it. I didn't take you that way."
Kara leaped up through the branches and to the very top of the tree. Holding onto a sturdy branch she scanned around until she saw the mountain. Leaping back down she headed toward it.
Alder and the other two Travelers ran through the forest, taking the shortest path to the flume.
Kara finally arrived at the Flume, she stood in front of it.
Alder sprinted into the clearing near the flume, breathing heavily. The younger Travelers arrived behind him. "Kara...! Wait...!"
Kara whirled around and yowled, baring her fangs. "Leave me alone!" She stepped backward.
"We need you to help this turning point!"
Kara howled with laughter. "Seriously!" With that she leaped backward into the flume. "EELONG!"
"Kara! You'll have much more serious problems than your family if you do this!" Alder shouted.
The flume flashed, and Kara was gone.
Alder swore. He started shaking his head. "That stubborn klee doesn't know what's more important," he muttered.
Kara went bounding out of the flume back into her home territory.
Hajo looked at Alder. "What are we going to do?"
Alder looked grim. "I don't know. I think we're going to have to do this without her. You may not succeed."
Kara sprang through the trees heading for where her home was, or where it had been. Please let me be correct! Please!
Should we go after her?" Anastasia asked.
"I'm not sure that would be a good idea," Hajo said. "Look at the way she rejected this mission and deserted us. That's cowardly."
(Ideas for the turning point with the mines?)
Kara landed on a branch, she closed her eyes. Her home was gone... but maybe... She whirled around and headed toward another tree, deeper in the forest.
"Don't worry," Alder replied finally, staring at the flume. "She'll have no choice to return. "Let's get back to my house. She knows where to find us."
Kara landed on the ground. "Shaki!" She called. "Shaki where are you?!"
Alder led the other three Travelers back to his home.
There was a yell, and a small Klee came bolting out of the trees and ran to Kara. Kara grabbed him and picked him up. "Shaki!"
...
Kara's ears twitched and she whirled around. "Hold on!" She took off through the trees back toward the flume.
...
Something flashed through the trees next to her. A blurred shape came flying out of nowhere and Kara shrieked as something slashed across her side. She stumbled, but kept running.
...
Kara sprang into the flume. "Denduron!" There was a bright flash of light and she vanished.
Alder opened up his house. "Let's get some rest. You can sleep any where you like."
Kara came staggering out of the flume back onto the mountain. Blood seeping from a deep gash on her side.
...
Kara started backtracking down the mountain to Alder's house.
Alder somehow managed to find every Traveler a place to sleep as the sunset gave way to nighttime skies. He made his way to his room to get ready for bed.
A while from the house, Kara tripped and thudded onto the ground. Shaki squeaked as he went flying. He staggered upright and padded back to Kara. She didn't move, blood leaking from a large gash on her head. Shaki looked around, spotting the lights from the house he ran toward them.
...
He ran up to the door and knocked.

Madeline was fishing at Mikat Creek. She was hungry for fish and the cook at the mess hall had asked for some. It was a win-win.
Valkyrja was sitting on the stream bank, Scorn lying next to her.
Viviana was sitting a few yards away from the creek and was leaning against a thick-thrunked tree, savoring the shade. She didn't seem to see or notice Madeline.
Bangali came bounding up to Madeline. "I got some!"
Valkyrja glanced over at them.
"Nice catch!" Madeline replied. She had Bangalia some of her catch. "Take all of it back to the Mess Hall."
"Nice catch!" Madeline replied. She had Bangalia some of her catch. "Take all of it back to the Mess Hall."
Bangali heeded Madeline's command.
Valkyrja glanced over at them.
Madeline continued fishing, awaiting Bangali's return.
Score blinked awake and raised his head.
Madeline caught another fish and put it in her basket. She packed up her fishing pole, put it in the basket, and lifted the basket atop her head. She started heading back to the compound.
...
Rya sat astride Eurilys, staring off into the trees. Her horse twitched and ear.
Jarico sat perched at the top of a tree.
Andente sat on a flat rock beside the creek, watching the tiny fish flickering in the water.
Viviana blinked awake, hearing noises.
...
Suddenly, a crash sounded behind Rya and Eurilys. The horse reared up with a loud whinny. Rya whipped her head around, her eyes stretching wide. "Eurilys, go!"
...
"What the..." Viviana whispered
Eurilys took off at a flat gallop across the forest, her icy pelt occasionally flickering between the trees.
Adente glanced down at the black and ice blue tiger dozing beside her.
...
Adente noticed Viviana sitting not far off. She stood up quietly, so as not to disturb her tiger, and approached her.
Valkyrja glanced over at Adente.
"Hi," said Adente, looping one arm behind her back.
Eurilys kept running. Rya crouched low over her horse's neck and risked a backward glance. Her eyes stretched wide with horror. "Faster!" she screeched.
Valkyrja heard the yell and leaped up, dashing into the woods. Scorn sprang to his paws and followed her.
...
Viviana looked up at a Adente in curiousity.
Madeline saw Bangali waiting for her as she reached the compound. "I thought I told you to go to the cook."
"I knew you wouldn't be much longer. Let's go together."
Rya leaned forward to give Eurilys a speed boost. She could hear their pursuer crashing through the brambles behind them. The girl shot a wad of brambles between a pair of trees, giving them a few extra seconds.
"Well come on then!" Madeline led Bangali into the compound.
"I'm Adente."
Suddenly, Eurilys broke free of the forest and hurtled straight for what appeared to be the edge of a cliff.
Viviana stood up and said,"Oh hi....."she said awkwardly.
...
Valkyja saw Rya and ran toward her.
Bangali led Madeline into the mess hall's kitchen where the cook was just coming in with vegetables from the fields.
Nalia and Sapphire were already there.
Madeline approached the cook with her fish. "I got it."
The cook was delighted. "Just what I needed. I'm going to whip up the best tasting curry you've ever tasted for dinner tonight."
Banagli glared at Sapphire and Nalia. "What the [word] are you two in here for? Aren't the fire-benders having some fun at Fygarij today?"
"Sapphire injured herself climbing a tree after a bird so we stayed behind."
Madeline licked her lips. "Sounds amazing. You make the best curry ever."
"Then what the [word] are you doing in the kitchen? Shouldn't you be in the infirmary?"
"We just came from there."
The cook beamed. "I'm glad someone likes my cooking."
"Then why the [word] are you here?"
"Sapphire badgered me until I brought her here."
Viviana stood up and started to walk to the compound, ignoring Adente.
Bangali raised an eyebrow at Sapphire.
Sapphire shrugged. "I'm hungry!"
"Hello Hungry." Bangali shrugged and stalked off.
Sapphire growled.
Bangali turned around. "Just joking with you."
Sapphire glared at Bangali.
Bangali returned to Madeline's side.
Sapphire snorted and looked away.
"What's for dinner?" Bangali asked. (It's aroun mid afternoon)
      "I have no idea."
      (Bangali's talking to the cook.)
Viviana had just entered the compound, silent and not in the mood to be pestered with.
Crystal watched her from the wall she was sitting on.
Sapphire looked away.
The cook shook her head. "Do you even listen? I said curry."
Sapphire's ears shot up.
Bangali shrugged and raised an eyebrow. "What do you think? I'm waiting for the day I get fresh meat for dinner."
The cook slapped a stirring spoon across her back. "That's not happening any time soon, and you know it."
"Not even for my birthday?"
Sapphire started to drool, listening to all the talk about food.
"Maybe for just you...but if I fed it to others, they'd get sick."
"Not me!" Sapphire yelled.
Suddenly, Eurilys crashed to the ground, sending Rya sprawling.
Valkyrja came running up to them.

"Brandon, prepare to the Fortitude to jump to hyper-speed," Madeline, the captain of the USS Fortitude, said.
On another ship, Alaula and her friend Kitra were running for their lives along the corridors of the Unseen Millennium. "Head for the Teleporter Room!" Aluala yelled. "Maybe there's someplace near we can escape to!"
Brandon nodded at the young captain and tapped buttons on his control panel. "Jumping to hyper speed in five, four, three, two, one!" There was pulling sensation on the ship and the Fortitude was in hyper speed.
Kitra skidded to a halt in front of a pair of doors. "Here it is!" Alaula forced the doors open and they scrambled inside. Alaula then welded the doors shut with the blaster she had snagged. A few seconds later there was a loud banging on the door.
Aman was pacing just behind Madeline. "Those [word], Romulans. Why must they be so keen on causing trouble."
Brandon, withoout looking back, replied: "Who knows? They sure hold huge grudges."
Alaula scanned the control panel! "There's a ship in range! Kitra!" The Catian leaped into the Teleporter. She cast a nervous glance at the door, which was beginning to buckle. "Hurry Alaula!" Alaula punched in the coordinates and pelted across the room, leaping in beside Kitra just as the door flew open. The other officers piled into the room just in time to see them vanish.
Aman paced past the security officer's screen and saw something on the video. "Um...Madeline...how many people are supposed to be in the cargo bay?"
"None right now. Why?"
"There's two people in there right now."
Madeline got out of her chair and looked at the video. "Finoi, shut down the doors to the cargo bay and send security down there to bring those intruders to me."
Kitra looked around, stepping closer to Alaula. "I don't think this is any better." Alaula shook her head. "It was the only thing close enough." Kitra held up her arms. "Just hang onto that blaster. Cuffed like this I can't fight very well." Alaula nodded. "I know."
Finoi nodded. "Copy that." He typed on his keyboard a set of commands.
Alaula jumped as she heard the doors lock. "Great! we're locked in!" Kitra mewed softly, moving even closer to Alaula.
A few security guards were sent down to the cargo bay.
Alaula readied the blaster. "Stay behind me Kitra!"
The first security guard passed the security measures and entered the cargo bay. He spotted the intruders. "You there! You're coming with us!'
"Move Kitra!" Alaula bolted, firing a warning shot over the guards shoulder. Kitra leaped forward, bounding up and pile of cargo and somersaulting through the air. She landed in front of the door.
"Get them!" The first one shouted.
Kitra and Alaula bolted through the open door.
"Sir," a second security guard said. "We should chase them to a dead end."
"Good idea," the first replied. "Contact Finoi to lock all doors except the ones that create a dead end."
Alaula looked left and right. "Through there!" They ran through a door.
The security guards pursued the intruders.
Alaula saw a door closing and dove through it, grabbing Kitra and yanking her through just as the door shut and locked.
"[word]!" Another security guard swore. "That's the door leading to the command!"
The first guard replied: "Call up to command to unlock the door...we need to get them."
Alaula and Kitra streaked down another hall Alaula blasted another door open and dragged Kitra through it. Alaula sighed as she glanced back through the door. "I think we lost them.... oh." Her words trailed off as she looked into the room and saw exactly where they were.
Just as Finoi got the message from the security guards, two unfamiliar girls sprinted into the control room through the door Madeline had propped open momentarily (and had forgotten to shut). The security guards burst in a few moments later.
Madeline drew her laser gun. "Hands up, both of you." At her cue, everyone except Brandon pulled their guns.
As if on cue Alaula and Kitra dove in different directions. Kitra did a handspring and flew lightly through the air, landing crouched on a control panel. Her hand depressed a button as she leaped again. With a low hum, everything powered down, the cabin went pitch black.
At first, there was a whole bunch of swearing.
Madeline's voice cascaded over the shouting and swearing. "Get them! Everyone: enable flashlights!"
Alaula peered through the darkness. "Kitra! Where are you!" She yelled over the voices.
Madeline peered around for the female intruders. She shouted to Aman, "Go turn on the power with the emergency control panel!"
"Yes, ma'am." Stumbling, Aman bust out of the room into the further chaos beyond.
Kitra was still leaping around, dodging security guards and everyone else. "Over here!"
Finoi shone his tiny flashlight beam and caught Kitra briefly in its light. He aimed a punch at her and swung a neat right-hook.
Kitra leaped over him and kicked him on the back, sending him flying.
Finoi let out a sound of pain.
Madeline punched at Kitra.
Kitra yelped as the blow caught her on the shoulder. She whirled away, vanishing into the darkness.
Madeline moved carefully after her.
Kitra ran around behind her and almost crashed into Alaula, who grabbed her and yanked her into a corner.
Madeline skidded to a halt and raised her weapon, blind in the dark. "Surrender now."
Alaula pushed Kitra to the side, sneaking around Madeline, they took off toward the door.
Brandon punched blindly in the dark and felt his blow make contact.
Alaula yelled as she was knocked off balance and sent toppling. Her head smashed into the side of a control panel with a sickening crack.
Madeline peered at the girl. "What have I just done?"
Kitra let out a sobbing shriek, dropping to the ground beside her friend. "Alaula! Alaula are you okay! Please!"
Jaka, the senior medical officer, also knelt next to Alauala and examined her. "She'll...be fine in awhile. She'll have a huge head ache when she wakes up, though."
Kitra hissed. "Get away from her!" She lunged forward and slashed her claws down Jaka's shoulder.
Jaka cried out in agony. She tried to stand but stumbled forward, off balance. Brandon caught her before she fell, though.
"She's just trying to help. It's her duty to do that, no matter who it is," Madeline chastised the young girl. The attack had snapped her out of her thoughtful/ regretful moment.
Kitra hissed. "Stay away from us!" Just then a ship drew up next to the USS Fortitude. A face appeared on one of the monitors. "USS, Fortitude, this is the Unseen Millennium. We have reason to believe two of our prisoners may have teleported onto your ship. They would be a human girl of about 25 and a strange looking Catian of 16. They are deserters and we were bringing them back to our base when they escaped."
Madeline hit the com button to respond. "Unseen Millennium, this Captain Madeline E. Nivorik of the Fortitude. I believe we have your prisoners. One is knocked out and the other is not quite under control. You are welcome to retrieve them at any time. The sooner the better. To whom am I speaking? Over."
Kitra shrank back, shivering. The visual switched off. "Who we are is none of your concern. Permission to send men on board to retrieve the two renegades. Over."
"Not until I know how you are. I can't have complete strangers aboard this ship. We are on a very important Starfleet mission. Now answer my question."
Kitra spoke from behind her. "They're bounty hunters!"
Madeline pressed the com a third time. "Do you read me? What are you? Over."
-Norman T. Vale
"I said. That's none of your concern. We just want our prisoners and we'll leave."
"I cannot let you in until I know who you are. You guys will need security clearance to be on here or you will be recognized in our sensors as intruders. It's Starfleet protocol. Over."
There was a growl. "Fine. We're bounty hunters like the cargo said. Can we come and get them now? Over."
Madeline paused for a moment. "Yes, but no funny business. If there is, you'll have to answer to me and the Starfleet's authorities. You will not like the consequences if you double-cross us, I promise. Permission granted to board. Over."
There was a brief flickering and three people appeared in front of Madeline.
"Here they are," Madeline said, ever wary of the foreigners. "Take them and leave with haste."
Kitra shrank back. One of the med smiled coldly. "We'll take them alright, after solving a few problems." He drew his blaster and aimed it at Kitra.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! What's going on here?! I thought this was just a pickup, not an execution!"
One of them smiled coldly. "Can't take the risk. The bounty didn't say we had to deliver them alive. They were causing problems and we were about to finish at least one of them off when they escaped and managed to jump to your ship. We might as well finish them here. Less problems if the cargo isn't alive." Kitra's eyes dilated in fear and she hissed.
Madeline was angry. "If they are deserters, then they must be taken before Starfleet authorities and be punished appropriately!"
One of the hunters snorted. "Who said anything about Starfleet? They deserted a working ship delivering supplies. We're just bringing them back. Why do you care anyway?"
Madeline's eyes narrowed. "I figured they were deserters of Starfleet. Besides, I'm not having their lives on my conscience because I didn't try and stop some bounty hunters from killing two girls when they deserve a fair trial. Heck, I'm not even sure if your bounty hunting is legal anyways. Where are your permits?"
The hunter shrugged. "Back on the ship. I don't exactly carry them with me. Just let us deal with the cargo and we'll leave."
"Not on my ship your not," Madeline retorted.
Alaula's eyes flickered open and then snapped into focus as she saw what was going on. She tensed, waiting. The bounty hunter turned to face Madeline. "And who's going to stop me?" His gun wavered away from Kitra for an instant.
"Not anyone on that ship of yours, that's for sure. As long as your on mine, I or one of my crew will be the one to stop you."
"YAAAHH!" Alaula lashed out and grabbed onto the bounty hunters ankle, she yanked hard, pulling him off balance. With a screech, Kitra leaped vertically into the air and landed on one of the others, Her hind paw knocked his gun flying as her front claws tore into his shoulders.
Suddenly, the main lights were switched back on and everyone scrambled for their stations.
Someone fired a blaster and Kitra shrieked.
"Cease fire!" Madeline shouted.
Alaula grabbed the Bounty Hunters dropped blaster and with a few well aimed shots, disabled the hunters.
"Stop!" Madeline shouted again. "No bloodshed will be on my ship. If you must, take it anywhere but my ship!"
Aluala tossed the blaster onto the ground. "I don't like it either! But I'd rather they not shoot me and my friend thank you very much!"
"And how exactly do you want me to explain this to my superiors? Two stowaways beaming to a Starfleet ship and shooting their captors? Sounds like trouble for you two."
Alaula glared at her. "Self defense I think, note I didn''t actually kill them, the blaster was set on stun. Also, as you pointed out, these guys are probably illegal. And I don't really care. I just wanted to make sure they didn't kill Kitra."
"The unauthorized beaming to this ship is enough to get you in some sort of trouble, especially you. And as long as you're on my ship, you'll follow my orders, or you won't like the consequences. And what did you say your name was?"
Alaula gave her a look. "I didn't but my name is Alaula."
"Finoi, check the database for her...she seems familiar."
Alaula turned and walked toward Kitra, who was standing next to the wall.
"There's a hit on the name. She was part of the USS Starseeker before it crashed. It says she's presumed dead."
Madeline looked back over at Aluala. "That's odd...there are no reports of survivors from that crash. I remember the funeral ceremony they had. If you survived that crash, then why didn't we find you at first and why and how are you a deserter?"
Alaula glanced at her. "I was captured by the people who shot my ship down. To answer your first question."
"And what about my second?"
"I escaped and got a ride on a cargo ship. Unfortunately, I was made to work on the cargo ship. I got tired and wanted to leave. They threatened to throw Kitra off if I tried. So, we just jumped ship next planet."
"Hmmm. Then how does Kitra get involved?"
"She was a captive on the same ship I was. I took her with me when I escaped."
Madeline nodded. "Okay, but if you want to stay on this ship until we reach your destination...and it may be awhile...you will have to follow the rules like everyone else. Understand?"
Alaula nodded. "Understood." To herself she muttered. "Nothing stopping me from jumping ship again."
Madeline had got part of the mutter and raised an eyebrow. "And I mean it."
Alaula nodded. She walked over to Kitra, who was leaning on the wall with a slightly sick look on her face.
Aman ran back into the room.
"Nice timing."
Aman nodded. "Thanks. It was hard trying to run when the whole ship went dark."
Alaula reached out and rested a hand on Kitra's shoulder. "You okay?" Kitra turned to face her, opened her mouth, then staggered and fell forward. With a shout of alarm, Alaula caught her. "What in the world!"
Jaka, who was leaning against Brandon, walked over. "Need a hand? I have medical supplies in my office."
Alaula nodded slightly. "She must have got hit with a blaster bolt."
Jaka signaled to a few other medical officers to go fetch what she needed.
Alaula waited.
Alaula watched everything slightly suspiciously. "Kitra gave you those gashes I'll bet."
Jaka nodded, but continued on with her work silently.
Alaula was also silent.
"Done. Have her come see me every day so I can check the wound."
Alaula nodded. "Thank you."
Jaka got up and went back to what she had been doing before the mayhem.
Alaula waited.
Alaula was thinking about a plan to escape.
"Aluala, what was your job on the Starseeker?"
"Why do you want to know?"
Alalua returned the look. "And if she wakes up alone on a strange ship with people she doesn't know you'll have more pressing problems to worry about.
"Not unless you leave her a note or something and put her in solitary confinement. Jaka will be there, but I suspect that she may not like that." She signaled for Jaka to continue.
Alalua stepped in front of Kitra.
Madeline gave Alalua a hard look. "May I remind you," she said softly. "I am the captain, not you. You will be under my command until you get off this ship at your destination."
Alalau glared at her. "May I remind you, that we are not on this ship of our own wishes! We are not part of your crew."
"You may not be of this ship, but everyone has to pull their weight...even you."
Alalua glared at her.
Madeline glared back. "Now, you will go help Aman. Soon enough you'll be off this ship."
Alalua turned away, muttering under her breath. "Oh we'll be off this ship alright, first chance we get.
"Don't you dare try any funny business," Madeline said as she turned away, sitting in the captain's chair and returning to her job.
Alalua growled softly.
Brandon checked his screen. "We're pulling out of hyper speed into Romulan airspace in two minutes."
Alalua's eyes widened
Madeline nodded. "Sinra, send out a com telling everyone to report to their battle stations in case we intercept hostile Romulans."
Kitra blinked a few times and raised her head.
Sinra nodded. "USS Fortitude, this is Sinra your com officer with a message from Captain Nivorik. We have entered Romulan territory. Please report to your assigned battle stations in case we intercepted hostile Romulans. That is all. Over."
Alaula reached down, grabbed Kitra's arms and pulled her upright.
Sinra turned to Madeline. "All clear. We should be ready for any hostile Romulans we encounter within a few minutes."
Madeline nodded. "Good."
Alaula waited.
Madeline observed the space ahead from her chair.
Alaula started edging toward the door.
Brandon looked up from his controls. "Romulan ship ahead!"
Aman glanced at Aluala. "Where are you going?"
Alaula froze. "Nowhere."
"Then stay here. We have work to do."
Alaula growled softly.
The Romulan ship turned and fired upon the Fortitude.
Alaula's eyes widened.
"Fire the phasers!" Madeline shouted.
Alaula's eyes narrowed. "Need any help with that?"
Janom, who had control of the weapons, turned back. He shot the phasers rapidly. "You sure you can handle this? You said you were first officer, and they don't normally mess with the weapons of the spacecraft."
Alaula nodded. "Normally yes. But not in my case."
Janom nodded. "It's always good to have another set of hands. I hope you are as experienced as you are implying that you are."
Alaula stepped forward.
Janom let her take control of the plasma cannons.
Aluala aimed and fired, scoring a direct hit.
"Nice one," Janom commented as he himself scored some hits.
Aluala continued firing, striking her mark every time.
Janom did the same.
Suddenly, the Romulan ship jumped into hyper speed.
Alalua's eyes narrowed.
"Brandon!" Madeline ordered. "Follow that ship!"
Brandon nodded vigorously.
Kitra watched with wide eyes.
Brandon maneuvered the ship and started up hyper speed abilities. "Jumping to maximum warp in three, two, one!"
Kitra's ears pinned back and she covered her eyes.
There was a pulling back sensation as they were pushed back into their seats as they jumped into warp.
Kitra staggered back into the wall.
Brandon glanced at the ship's radar for the Romulan ship.
Alalua did the same.
"We're a few hundred meters behind them. It looks like they're headed either to the Lauretian or Cait system."
Both Kitra and Alalua's heads shot up.
Madeline raised an eyebrow. "What the [word] is with you two? What's your problem?" she inquired.
Alalua looked away. "None of your business."
"You sure about that? Because if you have anything you aren't telling us that you know about these [word] Romulans, you'd better talk quickly, or you will face some serious punishments later if I find out."
Alalua glared at her.
"Well...?"
Alalua looked away.
"Answer my question. Do you or don't you?"
"No! How in the world could we?!"
"It's possible."
Alalua snorted.
"You might be able to tell me what the Romulans are doing in Cait space."
Kitra shook her head. "I haven't been near Cait in years."