II – Devil’s Dance

The energy portal dissipated just off the craft’s bow. Tailz leaned back in his seat and sighed, tapping the craft’s sidewall proudly. The small prototype craft had done much more than he expected it to. Once he had finally figured out the activation sequence to the subspace portals, anyways. And to think… they must have been researching this for quite some time to have developed this craft by now. It would take still the Union years to rebuild another craft to be able to get this far, even if they were able to trace him, and generations by regular flight time. He was finally safe, beyond the grasp of the Union.

Tailz looked down at the small blue planet he was in orbit around. Scanning the planet, Tailz learned that there were indeed Humans upon its surface, with limited radio activity. No one had attempted to contact him yet, so that, combined with the extending range of any existing radio transmissions, cause him to assume that this planet was not advanced enough to have developed a space communication system. He knew there had been a Scout hot on his trail and the craft that contained him crash-landed on the planet. Seeing as this planet was seemingly primitive, it would be a long time before they began rebuilding their technology from Sol. He could leave the Scout there. There’d be nothing he could do.

But, according to the signal still transmitting from the downed craft, he identified that craft as the Terra Prime. Only one Scout would pilot the Terra Prime.

Tailz’ prototype was not armed with any weapons. It’d be impossible for him to kill Cerberus in space. Well, not without killing us both. But, if Tailz didn’t do anything now, Cerberus might follow him and cause problems later, or worse, find way to get word back to the Union.

It looked as if he had limited choices. However, the prospective idea of killing Cerberus once and for all, eliminating any chance of ever being captured or worse… he had to admit, it was intriguing. The question was whether he needed to. That was quite a distance fall. He couldn’t ascertain whether Cerberus had survived on his own from his craft.

The Union prototype craft hung suspended in orbit as Tailz tapped his fingers on the cockpit window. He had to wait for the subspace reactor to gather enough energy for another portal, it seemed, and according to the craft’s diagnostics, it could take days for that to happen. He had time.

Pressing multiple combinations of keys, Tailz plotted a scan of the entire planet’s surface. If the planet did not have long range communications, it might not have phasic weapons either. And, if Tailz was lucky, Cerberus was not stupid enough to have pursued him without taking along his trusty phasic pistol, and quite possibly an arsenal of other weapons, in the Terra Prime.

Tailz thought to himself as he began the scan. All Union phasic energies emit a unique, high pitched tone, a frequency inaudible to Humans, and every Union weapon is manufactured to have the same one. Having that information held in secret by the Union, the Scouts had equipment that allowed them to scan suspect transports of stolen weapons. They had easily strangled the rebels of their arms at Fongen by destroying all crafts that had more intense frequency readings of phasic energy than normal propulsions and thrusters would create.

A soft beep announced a reading appearing on his screen. Tailz glanced at it, a set of coordinates for the planet’s surface, and he smiled. “Got you.”

Tailz punched up the navigation controls and set a course for the signal emitting from the downed Terra Prime. But as he reached for his thruster control, more beeps emitted from the console. Looking again, a number of other coordinates had appeared on the screen. Using his finger, he traced the readings across the monitor… and then his mouth dropped. The first reading showed energy indicative of a standard pistol. The others… he couldn’t explain. They seemed to be emanating from very small areas, but with more energy than a fleet of battlecrafts. From each location!

Leaning towards the screen to examine them, he made a startling discovery. The phasic energies from the five odd readings were, for lack of a better phrase, reaching out towards one another. Instead of just emitting a single frequency from the center of the energy’s source, the energy from each reached into the planet’s atmosphere, split, and floated towards one another. The frequencies were not stable, changing rapidly as it flowed.

Tailz could not explain it. Needing to answer that curiosity within himself, he transposed the readings over a visual layout of the planet’s surface. Looking closely, the five points were seemingly scattered across the planet, but each one had an energy trail that pointed directly at the other four. It nearly seemed like a drawing of a five pointed star with all the points connected to one another. Very odd behavior for phasic energy. He hadn’t seen anything like that since…

Tailz shot straight up in his seat. It looks like I’ll be spending more time here than I thought. Quickly changing his course away from Cerberus’ craft, Tailz decided to visit one of the coordinates nearby instead. If he was right, Cerberus could be taken care of easily when he was done.

* * * * *

The sun had all but retired from the sky when the preparations for the Acceptance had been completed. Cerberus had spent most of the time in the company of various villagers after the terribly awkward conversation with Ternagis. Ternagis didn’t say it, but it was obvious Cerberus had failed whatever test was laid out for him. Which was fine, Cerberus really did not care what the old man thought. Multiple times Cerberus had resolved to go and find his craft on his own, but was held by the fact that he still had no idea where to locate it.

It was obvious that he had crawled some distance from his craft when he was found. Judging by the townspeople’s reaction to him, if the Terra Prime had been found, there would be much more talk. He was lucky the two boys found him and not his craft.

Cerberus sighed as his mistake was revealed to him again. Out of reflex he had assumed to go directly to the leader of the small village to assist Cerberus in locating where he had been found. But Xia and Fenix were the boys who found him. Once this Acceptance was over, he was just going to speak to Xia directly, and enlist his aid. Judging by the poor condition Cerberus had been in, once he knew where he had been found, his ship should be not too far away.

Lord Mensch had made his exit from the village earlier in the day, his visit ending in yet another celebration of its inhabitants, thanking him for participating. Cerberus did not really care one way or another, but he obviously did not make a good impression on the Lord. That, and something else that Cerberus could not put his finger on.

A grumbling noise sounded from Cerberus’ stomach, breaking his thought, and alerting him to his now again empty plate. Reaching across the table, he picked up a large cooked chicken and dragged it to his plate. The man Coole, the boy Fenix’s father, stared at Cerberus from across the table with disbelief. “Another chicken? Son, that’s your fourth one!”

Cerberus didn’t look up from his plate as he continued eating. He was consuming more than he usually did.

“Oh come on now, Coole,” Doctor Johens, next to Coole, laughed. “He’s just like your boy Fenix, he eats forever! Plus, this one hasn’t eaten for four or so days.” He grinned across the table at Terov.

The farmer grinned back from his place next to Cerberus. The man reeked sickeningly of the local version of the alcoholic beverage of taste. Cerberus decided it was some type of brandy. “Yes sir, Victor! My chicks are layin’ ‘em much faster than he can swallow ‘em down.” His face twisted with thought, and then looked down to the table sadly. “I got too many vegetables though.” He turned to Cerberus, waving a fat finger, and spoke to him with grave seriousness. “You have to eat your vegetables!”

Cerberus waved off the man’s horrendous breath. Well, HE’s certainly more jovial than this morning. He ignored the man and changed the topic, looking at all the people feasting on the village green. “What exactly is an ‘Acceptance?’”

The three men stopped and looked at him.

Cerberus sighed. “Um… I’m from farther off?”

Victor and Coole looked at each other, unsure how to explain. Coole nodded, and allowed the doctor to speak. “Although I understand you may have other customs,” Victor said, “but I thought Acceptances were used in nearly all parts of the world to pass off their trades?”

Cerberus blinked.

Coole looked at Victor and rolled his eyes. “Let me explain. Each trade is headed by one person in particular, and each head of trade is given a seat on the Town or City Council. I, for example, am the Master Builder here in Tel. Victor here is our Master Physician, and Terov there is our Master Farmer.”

Terov lifted his brandy into the air and sprayed his breath over Cerberus. “Here, here!” He brought his mug down and dumped it down his throat.

“Before too long,” Coole said, handing Cerberus a handkerchief, “we have to make sure we have someone who is trained enough to take over for us when we retire. When someone is selected to become the apprentice Master, they are officially appointed by the Mayor in an Acceptance.”

Terov caught his breath from drinking and slammed his mug down. “And then we party all night!”

Victor smiled and shook his head. He reached out to take Terov’s mug. “I think you’ve had too much.”

The farmer squealed and snatched his empty mug out from under Victor’s hand. “Never!” He sprang from the table bench and bounded towards the casks of brandy on the far end of the Square. Coole put his head on the table, rolling in laugher.

“Well, he IS right,” Victor said, “if you ask me, we do use this as another excuse to celebrate, even though we are already on the last day of Festival.”

“Yeah,” Coole agreed. “Although, since we’re missing a day of Festival for the Acceptance, do you suppose Sam will invoke his mayoral ability to extend Festival by another day?!” Coole laughed at the thought, and Victor joined him.

“May I have the village’s attention?” The call came from the wooden block stage in the middle of the green. Cerberus turned to see the Mayor on it with a cupped horn used to amplify his voice. “How are we on this fine Festival evening!” he called. The villagers’ answer was so deafening that Cerberus had to cover his ears. After a moment, the Mayor held out his hands, but the crowd took its time dying down, and the Mayor did not seem to mind one bit.

“Today, two of our Headsmen have selected their successors.” Riotous applause again. Cerberus felt confused, the Mayor had not even announced who it was yet. The Mayor held his hands up high, and the crowd quieted again. “But that’s not all, for I have, as well, named MY successor.” Cerberus braced himself for the clamoring crowd again, but blinked when it did not overwhelm him. This time, instead of a cheer, sounds of quiet approval came from all around, and many people were simply nodding their heads. It seemed as if they had expected no less.

“Will those who are naming their apprentices please approach the stage?”

The table shifted slightly, drawing Cerberus’ attention to where Victor was rising. “Sorry, gentlemen, that’s me.” He stepped through the throng, making his way towards the stage. From the other direction, Cerberus could make out Captain Ternagis moving up to the stage as well.

Once both men arrived and stood to either side of the Mayor, the Mayor handed the horn to the Captain, who spared no time. “I, Captain Matthew Ternagis, Master of Militia, name Lieutenant Fenix Down as the apprentice to my place.” The crowd roared, and Fenix, now dressed in full uniform attire, similar to the Captain, complete with gold buttons and lace and a tall black hat, stepped onto the stage. Cerberus was impressed. The official uniform better matched his confidence level, Cerberus thought. He eyed Fenix thoughtfully as the young man shook hands with the Mayor, and then, as a sudden afterthought, turned and saluted to the village. Cerberus almost smiled as the crowd laughed and cheered. Almost.

Fenix took a place beside Ternagis as the horn was passed to the doctor. “I, Doctor Victor Johens, Master Physician, name Miss Danni Lants as the apprentice to my place.” Danni deftly stepped onto the stage, in a dress that Cerberus looked twice at. Few women could wear such a dress that revealed nothing and still manage to be beautiful. Almost a gown, the silky pink material glimmered in the late evening torches. She made a small curtsy to the crowd. Cerberus’ thoughts were broken as he heard the frantic cry of the drunken farmer carrying over the crowd from the direction of the brandy casks. “That’s my girl! That’s MY girl!” Danni did a small hop of joy, smiling and waving at the town, and hugged Fenix, before taking her place next to him. Cerberus did smile at Fenix’s surprise and subsequent blush.

The Mayor received the horn from the doctor. “And now, I, Mayor Sam Townsend of Tel–” The rest was drowned out as Xia neared the stage. Stepping onto it, he received a firm handshake from each of the three men on the stage. The Captain and the new Lieutenant Fenix stepped back and saluted Xia. Then, the young man turned and bowed to the villagers. The crowd stood on their feet, drowning out any noise they had made before. Xia blushed visibly, and adjusted his collar.

“There you have it! Our future Masters!” The Mayor screamed over the roaring ovation. Cerberus stood, but he did not clap, crossing his arms and leaning against the table. This whole event made him think back on his own life. Promotions were never like this. Only the Willers would give words of encouragement to the Scouts. Never had people rallied such as this for him. For the first time in a long time, Cerberus felt emptiness as a Scout.

He repressed it immediately, and turned his attention back to the crowd, who only finally started calming down.

“Now, let’s get back to the Festival!” The various people onstage began to clamber down, met by the crowd rushing to congratulate them.

Cerberus turned to Coole. “Is it over?”

“Yes sir. To be honest, I’m still surprised by the Captain’s choice for his apprentice, as that puts my son second-in-command of the entire militia. I’ll never get that image out of my head of the lad, barely knee-high, declaring he was going to be a hero one day.”

Cerberus shook his head.

A call came from over his shoulder. “Hey!!” Cerberus turned in time to see Terov running at them with another full mug of brandy. “Did you see my daughter? Did you?” Too late Cerberus realized that the man was drunk, and not slowing down. Before Cerberus had a chance to react, Terov slammed directly into Cerberus, taking them both down.

The world seemed to flow like thick syrup. As he fell backwards, a dark, blue beam of liquid fire blinded Cerberus, slicing through the space that Cerberus’ head had just been occupying moments prior. Cerberus felt its heat burning his face. As Cerberus hit the ground, the world lurched back into motion, and the glowing fire tore the table apart, scattering charred blazes of wood all around. Coole backed from the table in surprise, his hands up to protect his face.

Dead silence. Then, villagers screamed out in panic. “What was that?” “Fire!” “Did you see that?” “Where did it come from?” “Run!” The villagers fled the green in panic away from the blazing table as if it was evil incarnate.

Instinct and years of training taking over, Cerberus leapt to his feet, phase pistol in hand and whirring. He raised his arm to aim and fired smaller blue shots rapidly in the direction the beam had come from. Seeing nothing there, Cerberus looked frantically around in all directions, aiming at everything, but unable to find anything to fire on. Within moments, he was back to back on either side with Fenix and Captain Ternagis, swords drawn at the ready.

The green was empty save a few villagers downed from the trampling exodus, and the three of them. “Leave and hide,” Cerberus said. “This is nothing you can fight.” The Captain nodded and ran to gather the remaining villagers.

Fenix remained. “We can’t leave him alone like this!”

The Captain looked at Fenix sternly. “Do as Cerberus says.”

“Why?” Fenix scoffed.

The Captain walked up, grabbed Fenix by his collar, and dragged him along. “Rank does not necessarily mean better equipped for battle. You would do well to learn that.” He shot Cerberus a knowing glance as he left, a look that Cerberus felt from few men, the look of being weighed and analyzed.

Alone, Cerberus leapt several feet at a time, from window to door overhang, climbing his way onto one of the rooftops. He ran from rooftop to rooftop, easily clearing the space between each building. He knew his attacker. That was a regulation phase rifle shot.

Suddenly, a feeling of déjà vu washed over Cerberus. Running to the end of the building he was on, he froze. Another blue phasic pulse screamed across the gap. Cerberus threw himself backwards onto the roof, narrowly dodging it. He blinked up at the night sky. That would have hit me…

He looked towards the forest, and where the near fatal shot had been fired from, Cerberus clearly saw the shocked look of the man he had been trailing for so long.

It was all he saw. He was gone as fast as Cerberus moved. Cerberus rolled off the roof and fell to the ground, using his legs to absorb the fall and roll back to his feet. Phase pistol aimed in front of him, he pursued into the forest.

* * * * *

Tailz stood overlooking the town’s gathering from on top one of their primitive houses. It looked like some kind of party. He really didn’t care. Somewhere in this town was one of the energy sources he had picked up in his craft. He wasn’t sure where; this town looked like it didn’t use anything that powered itself with phasic energy. Being out of his craft left him with no tools to detect the energy up close. Fortunately, with everyone out and about, it would probably make searching the place easier.

Tailz began to stand up and dust himself off when he caught sight of Cerberus at one of the tables and froze. What in the–? What are the odds! His mind panicked as he realized what must be happening. He must’ve seen the energy too! He’s here to get it before me!

Tailz unstrapped his phase rifle from his back, and powered it on. The blue lights whirred softly, the lovely sound of his deadly partner. He lowered it down and aimed at Cerberus…

…and pulled the trigger. An explosion rocked the field. Tailz squinted to peer through the smoke. He saw Cerberus on the ground, and the table was on fire. Everyone turned to look, terror filling all their faces. Tailz smiled, feeling their horror….

…until Cerberus got up off the ground and returned fire. Tailz had only a moment to react before Cerberus fired a volley of shots in his direction. He dropped prone, the pulses of energy whizzing over his head. Tailz rolled down the roof side opposite the gathering and jumped down onto the ground, and darted out of town, into the forest. He knew he only had a period of time before Cerberus realized what was going on and came after him.

I have to end it now. Tailz peered from the forest back to the village, looking between the buildings, waiting for a glimpse of Cerberus. Crouching, he waited momentarily, knowing Cerberus would immediately search for him. Standard protocol.

Movement above the buildings caught his eye. Perfect! Moving laterally to the forest, Cerberus was leaping from building to building, looking within the village for his attacker, leaving himself open from the forest.

Quickly climbing into a tree, Tailz fixed his rifle on Cerberus again. This time, I won’t miss. I just have to wait until he makes a longer jump. He can’t dodge in midair.

Sure enough, Cerberus leapt to a building that had a considerable distance to make to the next one. Tailz studied his footsteps, ready to fire at the right moment.

In the instant of time before the trigger was pulled, Tailz felt panic.

And it wasn’t his.

Tailz realized it too late, and fired. Cerberus froze at the end of the roof, enough to jump back from the phasic blast as it burned its way between the two structures.

Shocked, Tailz could only stare at Cerberus. “How?”

The hesitation cost Tailz. Blinking, he realized he was looking directly into Cerberus’ gaze. Panic filled him, and he dropped from the tree, darting deeper into the forest.

As he ran, he could feel Cerberus in his mind, could feel him falling behind as he searched in the dark forest for Tailz. Tailz slowed, and looked back, listening intently, scanning the forest for movement. Seeing none, he closed his eyes, and listened with his mind.

He could feel Cerberus. He was frustrated, unable to locate Tailz in the darkness. Then he could feel… something else…

Tailz’ eyes opened, and he smiled. I’ll be back… He turned and fled away from the village.

* * * * *

Mayor Townsend sat behind his desk, his head in his hands. Ternagis stood in front of the desk, leaning on it with both hands, trying to talk to the Mayor, but Sam just kept shaking his head. Xia and Danni leaned against the far side of the wall, next to the shelves of books, silent. Fenix was crouched next to the door, his sword in both hands, turning it over in his hands, staring blankly at the blade. The soft light of the two hastily lit candles gave enough light to see the faces of all present, unreadable as they were.

The door swung open and Cerberus entered. Fenix immediately rose and pointed his sword at the man. “What have you brought to this village?”

Ternagis turned to see Cerberus holding Fenix’s sword and leaning back casually against the wall, pinning Fenix’s arms in between. Fenix struggled to get loose. “Let me go!”

The Captain smiled briefly, and leaned back on Sam’s desk. “Cerberus, please release young Master Down. He can be rather rash at times, but he’s normally a sane person.”

Cerberus did not take it so lightly. “I’ll take your word for that, but I’m holding on to his sword for now.” Cerberus stayed put until Ternagis nodded, at which Cerberus leaned forward, depositing Fenix onto the ground.

“…Bastard.” Fenix grumbled.

Cerberus ignored him and placed the boy’s sword through his own belt. Turning to Sam, he said “Fenix is right though. That attack was meant for me and me alone.”

Sam looked up from his desk. “That much is obvious.”

Cerberus put his hands by his sides and shook his head. “I did what I had to.”

“You see our dilemma?” said Ternagis. “We have to decide now what to do.” The Captain paced as he spoke, using his hands to illustrate his speech, but not looking at Cerberus. “Fortunately, no one was hurt in the fire, as it was put out quickly. It was more of a scare and panic for the citizens, but one that will be talked about for some time.” He turned and approached Cerberus. “But now, the only clue we have to what happened is that you have something to do with it.” Standing directly in front of Cerberus, he eyed his pistol and looked back. “Or perhaps, it was directly caused by you.”

Cerberus returned the look calmly. “Very well. You said yourself no one was hurt, and I chased him away, apparently. What kind of penalty do you people use here for that? Hanging?”

Ternagis blinked for a moment. “Well… no, but we have a right to know what is going on, and a duty to our citizens to ensure that everything is being done. The townspeople are scared, and are waiting for us to go out there and calm them.”

Cerberus stood still, silent. It was a delicate situation. His reflexes had caused him to draw his gun, and he could not think of a way to explain it without causing trouble he did not need.

“Very well, then, I’ll tell you what I see.” Ternagis began to pace back and forth again, counting on his fingers as he spoke. “I see a soldier, well-trained and disciplined, and skilled with his…weapon. As young as you are, you must have grown up with and were trained by somebody who also used this…weapon. Scientists in the major cities have been working to restore technology lost in the Disaster, but not in my entire life has anyone come close to controlling an energy flow, much less focus it into a weapon similar to those rumored to have been around back then. And I have served across the world in various military capacities.” Ternagis sat down in a chair, and focused his eyes on Cerberus. . “Now, where did you say you were from?”

Cerberus stood silent for a minute. Their faces were all fixed on him, waiting. The Mayor had finally raised his head from staring at his desk, looking at Cerberus with an expectant look. Xia and Danni were equally entranced, awaiting an answer to explain what they saw today, Danni’s lower lip bitten. Cerberus did not look at Fenix, but he could feel him still seething behind him.

Feel him? The thought left as quickly as it had come.

There was no point in hiding any longer, Cerberus guessed, if they had figured out this much, they could handle the rest. Hopefully. “I am Terra Scout Cerberus, of the Human Union. My craft crash-landed somewhere after I chased a deadly rebel to this part of the galaxy. I was found by your boys, apparently far enough away from the crash that they didn’t realize that it was nearby. Then I was brought here. The rest you know.”

A few moments passed as Cerberus’ explanation sank in. Sam’s head bobbed back down, and he placed it on his desk. Ternagis nodded. “I thought I was crazy, thinking of such a possibility, but there it is. There are other humans out there still, and apparently doing well in the lost technologies. Or were they even lost for you?”

Cerberus looked at the others. Danni’s eyes bulged, and she had a firm grip on Xia’s hand. Xia, who had closed his eyes and was shaking his head, didn’t notice her at all. Fenix had moved to the end of the room as far from Cerberus as possible.

“Well,” Cerberus said, “Many humans were as primitive as this place at one time, especially in the years immediately following the Disaster. At one point, a few of the far-flung Humans made contact with one another through the transponders in their fleeing craft, and settled in large numbers on available planets. A number of surviving scientists and leaders from Sol got together and began reconstructing. The leaders of the Government of Earth brought with them valuable data and information, and the scientists had been equally prepared by bringing scientific data. Together, they recreated a new home for the Humans, and called it Earth Prime, in remembrance of their lost home.

“Eventually new spacecraft were constructed, and the planets finally reached out and visited their neighboring communities. The leaders of each banded together, and formed the Human Union, a unified government based on Earth’s Government, that would vow to find all the Humans who scattered after the Disaster, and bring them together under one rule.”

Cerberus pointed to the insignia that shined on his lapel. “I am a soldier in service of the Union, and have been for most of my life. Terra Scouts are elite soldiers, selected for life.”

Everyone was staring at Cerberus, entranced by his tale. “So, this Union, it’s made its way and found us?” Ternagis asked.

Cerberus shook his head. “The Union has not arrived in this area of space before. You would all have been converted by now, and the Union would already be handling all of your society’s needs. As a matter of fact, if what I believe to be true is correct, they won’t be here for a few hundred years, at least.”

“Then how did you get here?” Danni asked. She obviously hadn’t meant to speak aloud, as she squeaked as Cerberus’ attention was brought to her, but she was obviously unable to hold in her curiosity.

“I’m chasing after a dangerous fugitive, a renegade Terra Scout, and he stole a new spacecraft, one that travels faster than light itself. Unfortunately for me, it worked, and I was thrown out here in my pursuit. I have not been able to work out exactly how far away I am from Union space, other than that its not close.”

The Captain nodded. “This man, he is dangerous?”

“Yes, very much so. You see, Scouts are the most highly trained elite soldiers of the Union. Only certain Humans have the aptitude and ability to become a Scout. I am the Commander of these soldiers, and Tailz was my second.”

Captain Ternagis’ voice turned flat. “You command the most powerful soldiers in this Union? You? A boy of not even twenty?”

Cerberus nodded, and continued, ignoring the skepticism. “He turned on us one day, and killed three of my Scouts. Then, he stole that spacecraft out from under the nose of the Union, and killed four more of my men to do it. Because of him, seven of the twelve Scouts of the Union are dead. So now not including Tailz, that leaves only four of us. It takes years of training to replace even one Scout. And, out here as we are, separated from the Union, I’m the only one who can stop him and kill him.”

“Kill…” Sam sighed. “If that’s true, that means that he is going to try to kill you first, because obviously he must know that as well.” Sam said, still sitting behind his desk.

Cerberus nodded.

Xia spoke up. “Um, excuse me?” The gaze of everyone in the room swung to Xia. Danni squeaked again as everyone looked in their direction, looking away and squeezed his hand harder. “I’m having trouble understanding something.” The stares from everyone pierced the young man. “He knew where you were, without ever coming into town. We’re not such a big place that we would’ve not noticed if he was walking around.” Cerberus recalled the reactions of the villagers to his own presence and nodded. “If his… craft…” Xia’s mouth worked around the unfamiliar word, “crashed like yours, then wouldn’t you think he would also be injured, or take more time than he did to find you? And, according to what you say, since you were following, he would’ve crashed first.”

Cerberus looked to the Mayor and the Captain, and back. Cerberus shook his head. “So… most likely he didn’t crash. His craft was equipped for the type of travel it endured.”

“That’s what I’m saying,” Xia said. “It doesn’t make sense that he crashed as well. So, that means he didn’t. He was still in his craft.”

Everyone looked at each other confusingly. Cerberus sighed. “We got that already. What is your point?”

Then, Fenix gasped. “I see it!” The room’s gaze moved to him. “Don’t you see? He came down AFTER you! He chased you to the planet!”

Xia nodded. “That’s the part that makes the most sense, but at the same time, not. If he watched you crash on the planet, he probably would be able to follow you and kill you before you got too far away. You probably would not have survived. Why did he only attack you NOW, and not when you crashed days ago?”

A light of acknowledgement lit in Sam’s eyes. He nodded, “That is odd… how is he able to know where you are?”

Cerberus thought about it for a moment. “My craft WOULD send a signal out; he might have just searched outwards from there…”

“Your craft?” Fenix asked.

“Yes, it has a transponder in it that sends out a signal to notify others of its location.”

Everyone stared at Cerberus.

“Sorry, I’m not sure what’d you’d call it. Like a radio or something…?”

“A Radar.” Ternagis chimed in. “The Landing had one of those.” The others nodded agreement. He explained to Cerberus. “The Landing is the vessel that brought the first Humans to this planet. We’re not completely ignorant of the lost technologies… it’s just been hard to rediscover it all. It’s said that there were not enough experts to put on every escaping starcraft from the Disaster.”

“Ours had none. Ours was a squabbling group of disgraceful people fighting amongst themselves to leave Sol. And so, our new home has been subdivided into Nations again, each with their own lords and Kings, just like it was before the Great Peace of Earth. Scientists work diligently to recreate the lost technologies, but are hindered by the system of government we have setup here. Some nations have radio transmission capabilities, and we are building new ways to use that for communications.”

Cerberus nodded. “Well, all this means is that my craft may be partially undamaged. Whether or not it’s enough to get it running again, I don’t know, but I may be able to use it to find Tailz’ craft.”

“That still doesn’t explain how he found you here.” Xia said. “We’re almost a day’s travel from where we found you, and we don’t know how long you had been wandering before that.”

“Tailz continues to pose us questions, Xia.” Cerberus replied. “He has a habit of making it difficult on everyone.” He sighed. “However, Tailz isn’t known for not taking the most direct route. He has to have a reason for what he’s doing.” Cerberus turned to the Mayor. “I would like the assistance of Fenix and Xia, since they found me, to bring me back to the area where I was found, so I may find my craft. At the very least we can use it to find out what exactly is going on.”

Ternagis looked at the Sam, who shook his head. “With this man out to kill you, anyone with you is in danger. You’ll just have to do this on your own. I’m sure they can give you approximate directions before you leave.”

Xia spoke up again. “Then you condemn him, and possibly the villagers, to death, Father.”

The air grew cold. The Mayor stood up and leaned over his desk, staring at Xia. He spoke sternly. “Explain, young man?”

Xia did not shrink away from his father’s gaze. “If he stays here, he will be attacked again, possibly killing him or innocent villagers or both in the incident. We know that, if we believe what he says about that other Scout is true. If he leaves by himself, he’ll not know where to go, and he won’t be able to find his way around. He would probably die, since I’m assuming Tailz has a way to view the landscape with his… radar?… like the Landing can.”

Cerberus nodded. “He probably has already created a map of the surrounding area. I would be in the dark.”

The Mayor grew angry. “We HAVE maps.”

Xia shook his head. “None as accurate as a…radar…could make, and that could put him off course enough to kill him.”

“It’s just a road! He just has to follow the road!”

Xia smiled. “And that other Scout probably knows that.”

Sam threw his hands up and looked at Ternagis, who simply shrugged. “Well,” the Mayor said, “I suppose we don’t have an option. Xia, Fenix, get ready to go. And you,” he looked at Cerberus, eyes focused, “I will hold you fully responsible for their lives. Their last day will be your own.”

Cerberus nodded impatiently. An empty threat, at most.

* * * * *

Danni stood against the wall, hand in hand with Xia, baffled by the entire conversation. She had to be witnessing history. Everyone knew the stories of the Disaster, when technology reigned over all living things on Sol III, which was then called “Earth.” People used advanced technology for everything, powering their communications, entertainment, travel, commerce. Everything was run by machines. Even the people themselves were fitted with mechanical parts, to improve the body’s performance, to cure and prevent diseases, to make themselves stronger and to live longer. It was a Paradise of Human knowledge.

Then the Disaster happened. “Earth’s Sin,” it was called. A group of scientists studying the core of the planet found ancient ruins buried deep within the planet. It was shielded from the immense heat of the planet’s internal workings, cool enough for Humans to walk around in, by an unknown technology. An expedition was set out to dig down and explore the ruins to see what kind of technology or data could be collected.

As the expedition team got deeper in the planet, contact was lost with them. This was an expected result, being so deep in the planet. Everyone waited to see the relics and artifacts and technology that their return would bring. Debate fired all over the planet, discussing the wondrous new things the scientists would bring back with them.

Weeks went by with no response. Then one day, the scientists still above ground noticed something in their readings. The ruins had collapsed, and were no longer detectable. The planet’s core began getting hotter and hotter. Scientists predicted that the planet would completely combust within the year.

Panic ensued. The United Government of Earth built as many self-powering starcrafts as possible, and set them up for launch. They had used all the resources available to the flailing planet to rescue as many Humans as possible. It was estimated that less than one quarter of the Humans on Earth had actually escaped, those that had left early. Everyone else was taken up in the explosion of the planet. When Earth gave out, the blast affected nearby planets, and, in a so-far unexplainable chain of events, they in turn exploded. The explosions of the planets affected the run of various meteors and comets in the vicinity of Sol, drawing them into Sol’s star, and that then too winked out in a huge explosion of fiery energy.

Sol’s energy obliterated any starcrafts still in the locale in the explosion, and set off other stars in its wake. Alpha Centauri’s star detonated second, and it too caused others. There simply was no estimate to the amount of damage caused by Earth’s Sin. All communication was cut off as the different crafts were obliterated, and those on the outskirts of the explosion were too far away to pass along messages any longer. And thus began the story of Tel’s ancestors, one of the crafts that lost contact with all the others.

Danni jerked out of her thoughts as something tugged her hand. She blinked, and turned to look at Xia, who was looking at her, concerned. Danni jerked her hand back, blushing, and took a step away from him. Xia looked disappointed for a moment, and then turned back to the conversation.

“It’s pretty late,” Xia said. “Wouldn’t it be a good idea to wait until morning?”

Cerberus shook his head. “No, he’s already waiting for me to come. If I delay, he’ll only be more prepared.”

“Nonsense,” said Ternagis. Cerberus crossed his arms and looked at the man. “If he is waiting for you, then stepping out into the dark is the last thing you need to do. You won’t be able to see him coming. If you wait for morning, then he has to come back to town to get to you, and I doubt he’s willing to do that when you know he’s there.” Cerberus blinked, and then nodded.

“In that case, I should wait until daybreak, so I at least will be able to see farther.” He turned to Xia and Fenix. “You two get some sleep. This is dangerous, and I need you at your best.” He thought about it for a second, then continued, weakly, “…y-you don’t have to go, you know. I already owe you enough… I really shouldn’t ask you to endanger yourself again.” Cerberus frowned and then looked at Xia, then looked up at the ceiling.

“No way!” Said Fenix. “This is too great an opportunity to pass up!”

Xia shook his head. “I don’t know about that, but I do know that we’re not going to leave you to it, I mean, it would be wasted, saving your life, then.” Xia smiled.

Cerberus frowned back at the response. “But…” He blinked. “You don’t have to…” Danni suddenly felt pity for the boy. He doesn’t understand why we’re helping him, poor boy.

Danni blinked at the thought. We? Since when We? THEY’RE the ones helping. She looked at Xia smiling at Cerberus, and she smiled herself. Who am I kidding? “I’m going too.”

Five pairs of eyes swung in her direction. Five men’s voices spoke simultaneously. “No.”

Danni put her hands on her hips. “Nonsense. I’m going.”

Sam gave her a level look. “As Mayor, I forbid it.”

“And why is that?” Danni stomped her foot.

“It’s dangerous.”

She growled. “That’s a dumb reason. What if they get hurt? Who’s going to help them out there?”

Cerberus broke in. “I am trained in basic medical care.”

Danni rolled her eyes. “Really? Obviously our care is still primitive compared to yours,” she emphasized the word sarcastically, “but I bet you still don’t have what it takes to make do with what we have here. You’ll be whining for whatever medical thingy you need and you won’t get anything done in an emergency.”

Cerberus looked at Danni, and then turned to the Mayor. “She has a point… I don’t know much about your local plant life or medicinal herbs, in case we do get injured.”

Sam threw his hands up. “Oh for sake!” He shook his head. “Fine. Is there anyone else who wants to go?”

Cerberus shook his head. “He only has a limited time to attack me. He’ll want to do it swiftly and cleanly. If he tries and fails… Now that I think about it, she’ll come in handy after all.”

Danni nodded satisfactorily.

“But you will follow every command I give you.”

Her jaw hit the floor. “You? I’ll? Listen here you…”

Ternagis butted in. “It’s required. He still knows more about what’s going on than you, and he only needs you for a specific purpose. If you’re needed, I’m sure he’ll defer to your advice. In the meantime you follow his direction to the letter to keep all of you from getting killed.” He turned to the others. “That goes for you two as well.”

Xia nodded. Fenix saluted. “Yes, sir.”

“In that case, lets all go get some sleep.” Cerberus declared. “Do you have a place I can sleep for the night? Ternagis told me of your ‘Inn,’ but whatever your currency is, I certainly don’t have any.”

“Of course,” Sam said. “I have one or two rooms reserved for important guests from the other villages at the Inn. I’ll speak to Master Glandon and allow you to use one.” The Mayor turned to the others. “All of you, it’s been a long night. You all need sleep. Go on now.”

Cerberus approached Ternagis before he left. “Captain… I have a… request… of you.”

* * * * *

The large mansion made entirely of brick and stone looked out of place surrounded entirely by forest, with the exception of the dirt path that traveled south from the mansion’s front gates, and the darkness of night made it an ominous sight. The wooden carriage rolled out of the forest into the clearing surrounding the mansion, its wheels creaking as it went along, up to the long black gate.

Its driver set down the reins on the hook provided and leapt from his seat to the ground. Using a long black key, the driver turned the lock to the chains holding the gate until it sprung free, and unlooped the chains. He pushed open the long gate enough to allow space for the carriage to pass through. The driver turned around, knuckling his back, and had no time to react before his head was grasped and twisted in the opposite direction.

Tailz leaned down to the driver’s body, stepped over the dead body to the carriage, and stepped up to its door, wrenching it open. Inside was a startled Lord Mensch, who immediately began to yell. “Who the hell are you? Explain yourself!”

Tailz quietly unstrapped his rifle from his back, and pressed several buttons on it, causing it to light up a soft blue and hum quietly. He pointed away from Lord Mensch, towards the trees that the man could see from the inside, and pulled the trigger. The tree he aimed at was sheared through from the blast, and the tree fell sideways, landing on the wall that surrounded the mansion.

“You,” Tailz said quietly. “Are going to help me.”