Thanks to the many friends who have helped with this work. The second novel was as much fun as the first. I dedicate this novel to my parents, Leo and Doris Shaffer. As the years go by, we only get closer and our love grows. My mother was especially helpful with the editing of this novel. Additionally, Phil Breault, Ed Crawford, Rick Wood, Jeff Freeman, Jim Bostock, J. C. Cheatham, Bob and Linda Adams, Erica Shaffer, Mike and Pam Reeves, Jason (who prefers Thomas) Shaffer, Steve Lay, John Rosenburg, S. La Palme, and Becky Caffee gladly gave their time and help in the review of several drafts. Finally, I must give God the praise for what meager talents I may have.

Please note that the language used in this novel does not reflect true sailor expletives. I felt that it wasn't necessary to describe true sailor language. Everyone can use their imagination here. That way no one is offended and children can still read the novel. In any case, vulgar language never really added to nor detracted from the novel. So I left it out as much as possible.

I have included at the end of the novel a set of endnotes. Many readers have requested this. These endnotes are not needed to read the novel. Yet for those who like such things, the endnotes do in most cases add some information not otherwise contained in the novel. Enjoy.

L. E. Shaffer
19 February 1999

PROLOGUE

A sighing wind whispered in woeful moans of the sadness, the dreadful Prophecies⁽¹⁾... The trees rustled in the passing of the spirit. Words were spinning wildly in space. The first fulfilled, the second part to come. The three newly risen stars, a bloody three, shine brightly. And the Seeker⁽²⁾ dreamed and visioned...

Jeff Kenwood⁽³⁾ woke from the dream that was not a dream. He turned slowly to see the computer counting time in big glowing numerals. Sleep returned with eyes open but not seeing. "The Anti-Kale devours and the mountains call," raced through his mind deep in the visioning. Jeff saw bloody battle, all for the cause of the dreaded Prophecies. The threat from without seethed in his mind. He saw his children and his wife. He loved them, such a simple thought filled with cold premonition. Jeff saw his new captain who disdained him and would not acknowledge him as the new Executive Officer. Jeff closed his eyes slowly and peace came for a time, but with a price.

Morrellian pirates⁽⁴⁾ attacked with sword for profit and lives came cheaply. Jeff felt utter hopelessness as his heart slowed even more. He went deeper into something not human, beyond REM-sleep. His wife and children were in danger. The Star Preacher⁽⁵⁾ seemed to speak to him, pleading to save this family. Now Marc of Kale⁽⁶⁾ and the Mountains of Ao⁽⁷⁾ filled his mind frozen with this terrible visioning.

The Anti-Kale searched for prey even disdaining those of Ral⁽⁸⁾. Kale and the Seeker enjoined the Commonwealth⁽⁹⁾ to save itself from the ravening of Montoya⁽¹⁰⁾ and the threat from without. And a sword pierced the body of a child...

Jeff woke up again from deep sleep sobbing and not knowing why. Before returning to this fitful sleep, he thought he had heard Abmar⁽¹¹⁾. Strange those melancholy words of a dead priest of Kale. "And... my children... war thrives..."

CHAPTER 1

The United Nations Star Liner Prometheus⁽¹²⁾ traveled precariously close to the Ral frontier. Captain Schwein⁽¹³⁾ felt confident considering the news of the recent victories near the Etrae⁽¹⁴⁾star system. He wandered about the Bridge of the huge starship marveling at his new job. It was a lifelong dream of his and now he was living it. Even his children shared the excitement, exceptional for his two teenagers. Only one circumstance troubled him. The Star Preacher was aboard making the journey through warped space to Etrae Star Base Five⁽¹⁵⁾, which infected all with dark tensions, holy man or no...

The Star Preacher's stateroom was dark and cold. He lay upon his bunk deathly still, full of visions. His nightmare was full of dreams with brilliant lights and soundless screams. He heard his name suddenly. His name was called repeatedly, pulling him toward the light. Whispering frenzy, "Kyle Joseph Hunter... Be one with this call. Kyle Joseph Hunter, come!"

Kyle moaned in his tormented sleep wanting to move but couldn't. Slowly, he slipped into deep dreaming. The grey clouds were thick around him. He opened his sleep-crusted eyes and streams of light pierced the whitening clouds. Kyle shivered and tried to twist away. Still the call beckoned incessantly. He could not stop himself. A helpless tear touched his face. Then the plains of green appeared and he touched the ground with his bare feet. The ground was warm, vibrant and he wondered what dream was this.

Kyle heard the name of Jeff Kenwood come swimming by, increasing and then decreasing in volume. The sound of the melancholy dreaming resembled a lonesome train whistle lost in a deepening fog. The dream went on its course without regard for time or sense. Visionary face of an alien child, the hills of an ancient and mysterious planet that did not exist in all the galaxies or so it appeared in this fragmented dream. The crying of a child...

"So you want to be president," Mister Chandy⁽¹⁶⁾ sneered. Eight-year-old Kyle felt threatened and ran and ran. Tears of frustration came down his cheeks. Why would a teacher be so mean?

He ran into the woods covered with low fog. Sounds were muted here, a small comfort to a child tormented by endless visions and dreams. Abruptly two big boys appeared on the muddied path. Kyle saw their boots caked with the black mud and was afraid. The bigger of the two boys laughed mouth gaping, but soundless in the gathering dark. The bigger boy pulled out a pocket knife and slowly handed it to Kyle. Kyle did not understand. The smaller boy snorted as Kyle took the knife. The gift had a price...

The dream went spinning on. Kyle opened his college accounting book in a room with no walls. Children's voices tinkled like little bells in the distance. What dream was this? Trying to quiet his rushing heart, he put the textbook down silently and so slowly. He looked up at the stairs reaching up into nowhere and felt coldly frightened. He wanted to escape but knew that it was impossible, because he wanted to be here. A boy came down the stairs calling and calling. The voice without sound tugged at him. Then in terror he saw the boy pull out a pocket knife. Oh, God, when will it end...

Kyle dreamed. His parents chided him from far away. Slowly the blackness swallowed all visions and sounds. Lonely nothingness consumed his entire being; nothing else was left. Ah, now this was familiar. Kyle could escape into to this and never have to return. As he was about to embrace this lovely darkness, a small voice called. "One with life, come, come..."

Kyle could see fuzzy light ahead. Warmth filled him with delight, the rushing stars filled his mind and sparkled his eyes. Through the clouds and again on the plains, Kyle walked drinking in paradise. Off in the distance the calling came again. White clouds with sunlight streaming through them crowned the tops of the mountains, full of promise, full of mystery. The thornier path must be the one, he thought; so he walked without regard for life or time. To the mountains, to the calling, to peace...

Eons passed like angry insects and still Kyle climbed. His hands and feet were bloodied by the unrelenting rocks alive with their own thoughts. He could no longer see because of the light. He could no longer hear because of the sound. No longer able to think because of a presence bursting forth in his mind, he continued. His spirit was drunk with this damnable dream, this cursed calling. Kyle scratched up inch by inch upon this wretched mountain. He reached out for another handhold and grasped air. Over the edge he went and lay there panting while blood trickled out of his mouth from his tortured lungs. Slowly he turned over and looked up with sightless eyes toward...

Kyle's eyes flew open. His heart was pounding as he breathed in the cold air of his small stateroom. Only a dream, he reassured himself. Yet deep down it nagged him. These perpetual dreams were killing him. What did they mean? Slowly, he calmed himself and sat up on his bunk peering into the black darkness. He wiped the sweat from his forehead. He prayed because the fear was back. Something was happening, he finally admitted to himself, and his mind filled with sickening fear. That something was coming too soon...

***

Moorr⁽¹⁷⁾ twisted his red mustache in a nervous gesture. It had been many cycles since the last raid. His crew was getting edgy; some had run out of booty to trade for sex or food. Any longer and the crew would consider deposing him. Yet Moorr was expert in at least one thing, survival. So he intently studied the sensors and then back to contemplating the holographic star charts.

Damn these earthlings! Ever since they had captured the Etrae star system, the easy raids had ended in that area. Even so, Moorr did not want to move on. Somehow he felt rich takings would come soon enough. He had been right many cycles before in predicting the movements of profitable prizes. He smiled strangely and thought how wonderful if they could raid an Earth starship. Retribution would satiate his annoyance at the savage earthlings.

Captain Moorr went back to his command station still relishing his thoughts. Visual screens showed star-dotted space, black and empty. The pirate starship Rell vibrated with a life of its own. Moorr and his crew searched for rich prizes; no matter what prize or what action, only the profit mattered. Recently smuggling mylyn from Etrae had been extremely profitable though dangerous. The mysterious crystals that powered the starships had many interested parties lately, laughed Moorr to himself. Ral paid well for the mylyn. Then raid a Ral supply starship and sometimes steal the very same mylyn to sell to agents of the Commonwealth Imperium.

Then Moorr scowled as his thoughts soured; the earthlings, though, did not deal. Worse, they had stolen the largest deposits of mylyn ever. The mining planet of Etrae was now in the hands of the Earth savages. A rage boiled behind the red eyes of Moorr. He stormed off the Bridge, his mood spoiled. They had to have a raid soon, or he was dead.

On his way to his quarters, Moorr ran into the female called Orree⁽¹⁸⁾. She growled at him. Moorr backed off cautiously, for Orree was one always to keep your face to. "You raise your voice to me once too often, female," he barked roughly.

Orree looked up into Moorr's face and smiled, "So you are worried. That is good."

Was he so easily read, Moorr thought? "I have need."

Orree looked around the empty corridor. She looked at Moorr again and grinned. "Do you not always have need? Let us go to my quarters. They are safer."

They coupled eagerly on the hard surface of Orree's sleeping station. Moorr sought temporary relief from the nagging worry over their lack of contacts. He savagely thrust his organ into Orree. She responded, growling softly. Orree undulated her hips exciting Moorr. Orree thought only of when she could kill Moorr and become captain herself. Yet first she must gain his trust. They orgasmed and rested against each other silently. Each was steeped in their own thoughts. As they started their writhing pleasures again, Orree planned how she could manage to kill Moorr if opportunity presented itself as a gift in the future.

The screeching sound of the klaxon made them stop instantly. Quickly, they dressed and headed for their stations. Moorr hoped it was a large prize as he arrived on the Bridge. The visuals screen rewarded him with a large, strange starship. Moorr became excited and shouted orders as he donned his armor. "Prepare to board. Orree leads the first boarding party. Hurry before they warp to escape."

Comm Officer Umor⁽¹⁹⁾ turned from his station frowning. "The starship orders us to identify ourselves."

Moorr laughed raucously at the ridiculous request. "Fire phaser batteries one and two."

The large starship in their viewers shuddered with the phaser hits. Umor shouted, "They identify themselves as the Prometheus from the United Nations of Earth. They want us to cease and desist immediately, or they will fire upon us." Umor gazed upon Moorr who was livid with rage; then Umor heard activity on another frequency. "Moorr! They are calling for help. An Earth star cruiser has answered."

Moorr cursed. "Raise shields. Prepare to board. Standby to warp space immediately upon our securing the bridge of the Earth starship. Umor, you come with the second wave of boarders. I may have use for you." With that he, Orree, and the boarding party were running to the attack transports waiting for them. Swiftly the transports flitted over to the Earth vessel. Moorr pulled out his laser as his transport attached itself to the skin of the Earth starship. He braced himself for the explosion to penetrate the starship. The transport filled with smoke as the charge went off. Moorr followed his fellow boarders into the passageway clogged with fighting creatures. Moorr saw a strange armored figure pointing a weapon his way and fired his laser at the faceplate. The figure slammed into the bulkhead, dead instantly. Moorr and his group headed for the Bridge to seize control quickly before the Earth star cruiser showed up.

Orree and her group raced down the passageway to destroy communications and weapon stations. She felt surprise at how well these earthlings defended themselves. She had already lost two of her group. Yet she really did not care about the two males anyway. More booty all the way around, she thought greedily. Orree signaled Moorr on the Bridge that they were ready to capture the passengers.

Moorr showed extreme displeasure, as the creatures on the Bridge were putting up too good a battle. These earthlings were fierce and did not want to surrender easily. One creature came up to him with weapon in hand. Moorr nonchalantly reached out with his gloved hand and throttled the ingrate. This gave him little enough pleasure, but satisfying all the same. Then he spied the insignia different from all the rest of the earthling armored figures. Moorr rushed to the figure from behind and ripped the helmet off, shattering metal couplings. Through the translator came, "Submit or you all die."

Captain Schwein, thinking that the USS Aldermin would soon be there to rescue them, shouted, "I and my crew submit." All fighting ceased as Captain Schwein relayed the order through the ship's intercom system.

Morrellian pirates, helmets at their sides, streamed onto the Bridge studying the unfamiliar controls. Soon they were operating all the major systems. They had done this often before and were proud of how fast they were. Moorr's crew was famous for the raids they had done. The booty was always valuable and large. Moorr surveyed the Bridge of the Prometheus and estimated the value of the starship to the right buyers. This would be the best haul this season, he congratulated himself.

Umor, operating the Earth starship's communications station, looked up at Moorr in panic. "Moorr, the star cruiser is asking for status before they drop out of warped space. But how can they communicate from warped space? It must be a trick."

Moorr pushed Schwein over to the comm station roughly. "Who cares. We need a ploy and this human animal will be useful. Kill the rest now."

Umor turned with a grin on his scarred face. He drew his sword and started cutting throats with glee. The rest of the pirates started shouting bets on who would last the longest. The screams piercing the air incensed them even more. When the last of the Bridge crew fell to the deck gurgling blood, Umor turned with a fiendish smile on his face and raised his bloody sword into the air. "To Moorr and the rich prizes he brings."

Moorr laughed at Umor. That pirate was always entertaining at the very least. Moorr kicked at Schwein who, terror-stricken, was against the communications terminals. "Now you will call your lovely star cruiser and tell them you have repelled the unwelcome guests, and there is no need for their assistance. That will delay them long enough for us to escape."

Schwein trembled but shook his head no. "I cannot betray my cargo and my passengers. Soon the cruiser will deal with you."

Moorr laughed at the amusing earthling. "That may be as you say, but first you will do as I order or parts of your body will object one by one." With that, Moorr drew his sword and cut off the earthling's right hand.

Schwein screamed holding the bloody stump out away from him as if it offended him. Schwein called the star cruiser as ordered. The confusion that followed gave the pirates time to program the Earth starship for warping space with their own starship. As the Prometheus and the Rell entered warped space, Schwein turned terrified to see Moorr laughing at him. The sword touched his throat and he fell writhing to the deck.

Moorr pushed the body of the earthling out of his way and wiped the blood from his sword onto the uniform of one already robbed of her armor. He ordered at the top of his voice, "Now onto to Morrell⁽²⁰⁾ to divide the booty." The rest of the pirates shouted for joy.

Orree arrived on the Bridge to see how the others stupidly followed Moorr in celebration. How easily Moorr leads them. She calculated how much longer before she made her move. She reported, "Moorr, there are eleven standard units of mylyn among the cargo. In addition, there are many passengers. The children will bring a good price in the slaving markets. The adult females will be good sport, but are useless otherwise. All the adult males are dead except those kept for the female crew's sport. One last thing, Moorr, you must decide the fate of one peculiar male. No one would kill him. Even I could not do it. It is strange."

Moorr listened to the report pleased. The most valuable booty was, of course, the mylyn and the children. Both would bring much on the markets of Morrell, the pirate planet. As to this last thing, he was instantly wary. He knew of Orree's dangerous ambitions. That was why he was so irresistibly drawn to her sexually; even now he had an erection. He snorted, "If you cannot kill this male, then bring him to me. I will have the pleasure," he boasted.

Orree smiled mysteriously and answered, "As you wish, Moorr."

Moorr observed the activity on the Bridge of the Earth starship with only minimal interest. Selling the starship to agents of Ral would result in great profit, of course. Moorr grabbed his sword when Orree entered the Bridge again. A tall human creature came behind her bound and gagged. Moorr's chest constricted in fear as he gazed upon this creature's face. This was no ordinary human; the creature seemed to be glowing with power. The creature was unafraid even when he looked upon the carnage on the decks of the Bridge. Moorr relaxed his grip on his sword understanding why none could have harmed this one. "Remove the gag, Orree; this one is a holy creature protected by all the gods of the stars."

Kyle felt saddened at all the loss of life. He ached for his fellow humans. Yet he could not understand his lack of fear, his unusual calmness among these pirate savages. With the gag removed, he peered intently at the one called Moorr.

Orree grinned enjoying Moorr's agitation, while also sensing that something new had entered the game. So Moorr could be affected by a holy one. How interesting, she thought. She asked cautiously, "What shall we do with him then?"

Moorr's vision clouded and his throat tightened. What effect was this human having on him? Why were those eyes shining so intently at him? Oh, if he could only kill this one, but no, physical restraints emanated from his mind preventing him from doing so. A race constraint inbred in all of his kind averted rash action. Holy ones were not to be harmed or you risked the curse of Morrell and died slowly. What to do with this one, he pleaded with himself.

Suddenly powerful words overwhelmed Kyle's mind. Numbing warmth spreads throughout his body as he fought for control of his mind, but to no use. He babbled, "The sun of Morrell shines even upon you. Yet how long can you go on marauding before you become the prey? See how you scurry like animals. You take your prizes to display not caring, not seeing. One hand takes what does not belong to you while the other gives away what you do not understand. You curse yourselves with your own lips. Fear the evil within you as it will overcome you in the end. So come home to Morrell; it is the only sun left to warm you."

Moorr closed his mouth and glanced around the Bridge at the rest doing the same. They all felt as if they had been struck in the face, but no one dared to move. Moorr knew he had to get this holy one off the Bridge away from the rest of his crew quickly. Danger was here in this human. Moorr took the human by the arm and hurried him onto the lift. They were silent on the way down below decks. Moorr guessed at the quarters reserved for the ship's captain. He entered the plush stateroom and knew he was right. He gently pushed the holy one to a table. Moorr drew his dagger and noticed those eyes studying him unafraid. Moorr cut the bindings from the human's hands and sat across from this powerful and fearful creature from savage and backward Earth. He whispered, "What is your name, Holy One?"

Kyle still could not believe he had said anything. Looking at the creature across from him in fear, he answered meekly, "Kyle Hunter."

Moorr studied this Hunter human. The Morrellian noticed the fear and was confused. This being in front of him was not the one who had spoken so forcefully on the Bridge. What was going on here? "I have heard of you, Kyle Hunter. They call you the Star Preacher. What you said up there was dangerous. I suggest you say no more until I can figure out what to do with you."

Kyle tried not to tremble remembering the blood that had covered the Bridge. "I am not sure what I said, sir."

Moorr frowned. He said in consternation, "I cannot kill you as I would like, but I can get rid of you. There may be a price for you that would be acceptable to my crew. Maybe to Ral with the male children?"

Instantly transformed, Kyle demanded, "You must let the children go. What you do is an abomination. Do you realize what Ral does with its children?"

Now the human was being entertaining. Moorr laughed. "What we do is for profit. Anything else is not important. Anyway, these are only human children. What do we care?"

Kyle, shocked at Moorr's words, exclaimed, "Don't you fear God!"

Moorr hissed, "We fear only lack of profit, fool."

Kyle smiled and whispered, "You fear me?"

Moorr shouted in anger, "You stay here and do or say nothing until I decide your fate. If you displease me in the slightest, I shall slay one of your precious young ones in front of your eyes." With that Moorr stormed out to find Orree.

Kyle tried to slow his labored breathing. He prayed to calm himself, but the bloody scene on the Bridge kept interfering. What was he going to do? He felt so desperate and guilty. He was the only adult to have survived. Why? Because he was a holy man? "Oh, God. Oh, God," he kept saying repeatedly to himself with his eyes closed.

Moorr cursed the human on the way up to the Bridge. As the doors swished open, he heard shouts and was instantly on guard. Stepping out of the lift he had drawn his sword instinctively. Moorr showed no surprise at being challenged, which was part of the Morrellian way. Yet it was the challenger that surprised him. He had expected Orree, but before him with sword drawn in rage was diminutive Umor without his protective armor. Moorr laughed with a twinkle in his eyes and resolved to reward Umor's new courage with the gift of the comm officer's life. Maybe a nasty cut to remind the small one of the folly of challenging him.

Umor was upon him in a rush tripping over the bodies of slain humans. Moorr backed away parrying the sword thrusts laughing even harder. The observers joined in the mirth enraging Umor to greater heights of anger. Moorr poked and prodded the pirate's defense still backing down to the small one's rage. Moorr sucked in his breath when a sword thrust cut his hand deeply. He calmed himself and waited for the little one to tire or make a mistake. The swords clanged as the pair circled the Bridge while the crowd of observers parted to let them through.

Slowly Umor could not raise his sword high enough to defend himself properly. Surprise was to have been his ally. The longer the fight went on the more tired and desperate he became. It was all silliness to have challenged the stronger Moorr anyway. What had possessed him to fight Moorr in the first place? He vaguely remembered Orree badgering and goading him into this unfortunate confrontation. Soon he would be dead and for what? Now Umor was steadily backing down to Moorr's advancing attack. He managed a weak thrust to Moorr's face. Umor felt searing pain across his middle. He noticed the gleam shining from Moorr's face as the sword fight stopped as abruptly as it had begun.

Moorr watched with fascinated satisfaction as the blood stained Umor's tunic. Umor dropped his sword and held his side in pain. Moorr stated coolly, "Umor, there is a lesson here. Your courage has kept you alive. Remember the scar I give you today and we shall go from there. Do what you must do on your own, lest the counsel of others be your undoing after the deed."

Orree tried to keep calm as she inched her hand toward her sword. She knew to whom Moorr was speaking. Her ploy had failed. She went to Umor's aid watching Moorr carefully. "Someone get Medical here quickly," she ordered.

Moorr raised his sword high above his head and yelled, "Does any dare to challenge me! I would welcome it, indeed. No? Then yield your allegiance." Moorr felt delight to see Orree be the first to offer palm upward in a sign of fealty.

Orree's mind raced as she saw Umor carried away on suspensors by the medics. She turned to Moorr who was staring at her expectantly. She weakly offered, "The effect of the holy one is upon us all, Moorr."

Moorr looked uncertainly down at the blood-smeared decks. "Yes, perhaps. I had come to the Bridge to discuss this one with you. I had valued your advice. It seems I must be alert to your upsets."

Orree restrained the tiny smile that wanted to crease her face. Moorr was very wily at moments. Why was she drawn to him so deeply? "Let us go to the Rell to discuss this in depth. Your stateroom would be much more comfortable."

Moorr ordered a transport readied to take them to the Rell, which was traveling warped space with the captured Prometheus to the secret planet of Morrell. Moorr and Orree boarded the transport separately, each trying to keep their distance. Moorr ordered the crew off. Both operated the controls of the starcraft expertly through the haze that was warped space. Soon they were aboard the Rell headed for Moorr's stateroom, where they were interrupted by Rem⁽²¹⁾, a female comm tech. "Moorr, a message from Srom⁽²²⁾ on the captured Earth starship."

Moorr, disgusted with the interruption, took the electronic comm board and read the message. He noticed out of the corner of his eyes the exchange of glances between Orree and Rem. Now what is that all about, wondered Moorr. He had slept with Rem two cycles ago; could they be in a plan together? Orree had no end of plots. To Rem, "Tell Srom to take the wandering Hunter-human to the children's location. Then Srom is to kill one of the children and leave this Hunter with the body."

"Yes, Moorr," Rem acknowledged, giving Orree one last knowing glance.

Moorr turned to his door as it opened automatically and pulled Orree into his dark stateroom. "Before we discuss this bothersome human, let us satisfy our desires." Moorr chuckled as he undressed Orree and laid her on his sleeping station. The stateroom remained silent and dark, sensing the mood of the instant. Only little sounds penetrated the dark bleakness surrounding their naked bodies. These were sounds of gentle coupling so different from the earlier moment of rough pleasure. Moorr wanted to confuse Orree with some subtleties of his own.

Srom read the comm board with pleasure. He would have killed the human outright for leaving his quarters if it had not been for Moorr's orders. Srom did not believe this "holy one" nonsense. Kill all adults except the ones you took for pleasure. Then kill them later. It made everything so much neater and simpler. Of course, sell the children for slaves. That thought angered him again over this Hunter human. Due to this human's disobedience, he would have to torture one of those precious children to teach the human a lesson. The loss of the child for the slave market took out of his share of the booty. Since the value of the human children would definitely be high considering Ral's insatiable thirst for something new and different, his anger grew. "By Morrell, I shall hack the human to death instead of a human child," he growled aloud. He marched down the passageway after Kyle Hunter; Srom was eager to do the job.

Kyle peered furtively around the corner of the passageway gaining more confidence and courage the closer he got to the escape pods. His heart quickened as he heard alien chatter coming his way. Hurrying down the passageway, he looked back at the sounds. Without the tiny translators he could not understand the words floating upon the air. If only he could make it to the escape pods, then he would be safe. At least he had convinced himself of that much. Panic and abject fear overcame all reason. His eyes widened in disbelief as he neared the compartment housing the escape pods for this sector of the star liner; he remembered the silly brief that all the passengers had to attend. Thank God.

The compartment hatch swung open slowly as Kyle stepped through into the large space. The sounds of children greeted him as if from a playground back on Earth, except something was horrendously wrong. The tear-streaked and desperate faces made the children look like caged animals. Kyle's heart ached at the sad round faces; some smaller children were whimpering. The children came up to him and raised their dirty hands toward his face beckoning to him. The children thought like Kyle that he was the last adult. He was as trapped as they were, future uncertain. He couldn't stand the thought of some of these children in the hands of Ral, Ral of the abomination. Kyle went to each child to comfort them as best as he could. The Star Preacher felt the call just below his conscious thoughts, tugging and pulling at him constantly and relentlessly. Tears ran down his face touched by these little ones of Earth.

Kyle noticed one boy whose name was Ray⁽²³⁾. He remembered the father. "Ray, what is wrong?"

Ray glanced up into Kyle's face blankly. "They killed my mom and dad. I saw them. I..." The boy's lips trembled.

Kyle knelt down by the boy and hugged him. Then he saw the controls for the escape pods, all fused into worthless slag. Somehow he had known. How cruel, he thought. Kyle tried to stand, but Ray clung to him frightened at the prospect of losing the only adult left. Kyle ran his hand through the child's hair and whispered to the boy to calm him. Then Srom barged into the space and all was chaos and screams.

Srom kicked at those in his way to get to Kyle. He grabbed the human by the hair and yanked him up to standing. Ray still held onto Kyle's coat, eyes wide with terror. Srom yelled, "So you took a walk? Did not Moorr tell you what would happen?"

Kyle grimaced at the pain and shook his head. "No, he did not--"

Srom adjusted the translator on his wide belt and interrupted, "It does not matter. I had resolved to mutilate you, but I am not prepared to cross Moorr yet. So I must punish you." Srom let Kyle go and began surveying the children with regret at the loss of profit. A female child will do, Srom decided. He turned slowly inspecting this mass of humanity with distaste. Then he saw the male child clinging so desperately to the Hunter human. The human had his arm around the child protectively; this incensed Srom to action without consideration of profit.

Kyle stood there confused. What was going on, he wondered in panic. Ray held onto to him tighter and tighter crying in fear of the Morrellian pirate. Slowly through dazed sight Kyle realized what this beast was about to do. He opened his mouth to protest. He was moved to action against his timid nature; but the glaring red eyes staring out of those sockets filled with hatred stopped him. He numbly watched as the pirate pulled the peculiarly shaped sword out of its jeweled scabbard and neatly inserted the blade to the hilt into Ray's chest and out the child's back.

Srom yanked the sword out of the child and stormed out angry with himself for killing a more valuable male. Before he turned to lock the hatch to the space, he noticed the horrified look on the Hunter-human's face. That look stunned him with foreboding. The Morrellian glanced at the slumping body of the child blood soaking its clothing. The hatch closed with Srom feeling sorry for these humans. Srom shook his head as he could not believe his emotions. He walked slowly through the passageway trying to put these alien thoughts and emotions far away from him. Srom looked around trying to see if anyone had noticed.

On the Bridge Srom eased into the command station trying to mask his raging emotions. If any should notice, they would be upon him instantly. An audio alarm went off bringing everyone to a sudden stop. Srom stared in disbelief as the starship's computer confirmed a contact gaining on them. A visual communication alert, which was blurred with the interference from warped space, beckoned from Moorr. The visual call waited for Srom's acknowledgment. Srom answered the call taking a few moments to familiarize himself with the starship's alien instruments. "Moorr? Do you confirm a sensor reading on a contact?"

Moorr could not hide the shocked worry showing on his face. "Yes. I was calling to order you to speed the transfer of the mylyn and the human captives. We believe it is that Earth star cruiser that the star liner was calling to, before we captured her. How they can follow is something we must consider later. Srom, hurry with the-" Srom's visage faded into a million pixels of random light.

Moorr turned to Orree confused at the loss of communications. Orree looked up from a computer console the light still gleaming on her face. "Moorr, we are being jammed. Sensors are probing us now!" Her voice rose steadily in her amazement. These humans were something to reckon with, she realized. Orree glanced up at Moorr and wondered what the commander of the star cruiser pursuing them was like.

The Executive Officer of the USS Aldermin felt his heart pounding in his ears. He had just reported aboard a few weeks ago and now they were chasing a pirate starship through warped space. Impossible, thought Jeff Kenwood. Yet Captain Carl Murata⁽²⁴⁾ calmly continued firing off orders. As the fuzzy holographic image of the unknown starship and the Prometheus grew closer, Jeff began to hope they could recover the mylyn and the passengers. Jeff was a little chagrined at himself for thinking of the mylyn over the passengers. Yet losing the mylyn to these pirates would be a greater disaster, he concluded.

Captain Murata ordered brusquely, "Steer zero niner six mark one zero three." He glanced at his new XO bending over a weapons console. He didn't like this Kenwood, not at all.

Helmsman, "Steady course zero niner six mark one zero three, sir."

"Very well," answered Captain Murata perturbed at having a woman at the helm.

Jeff heard a disturbing report through his tiny battle circuit attached to his right ear. He turned to Captain Murata who was scowling at him. Why was Admiral Montoya always getting him in these predicaments, he asked himself with a sigh. "Captain, Engineering reports that Number Two Star Engine's mylyn is exceeding nominal stress readings."

"Damn," Murata exclaimed. He couldn't keep this up very much longer. What were these damned pirates doing attacking an Earth star liner anyway? He cursed at himself for allowing the Prometheus to stray too far from the star frigate Gemini.

On the Bridge of the Rell Moorr was berating the crew to finish the transfer of the booty from the Earth starship. He had already killed two who had not moved fast enough; he was now considering Srom's throat. "Standby all star engines. Prepare to cease warping space."

Orree stayed clear of the raging Moorr. Her own fear was increasing as the Earth star cruiser edged closer and closer. Through the confusion of this deathly crisis, she felt amazement at how these Earth savages could do all this in warped space. Then Orree received a report from Srom from the aft cargo hold. She rushed to Moorr with the news. "Srom reports that the last of the mylyn, the best female children, and all the male children have been loaded."

Moorr was livid with rage. "We have lost the Earth star liner and Srom presumes to transfer only the male children and the best females? What profit in that!" Moorr put his gloved hand around the female's throat squeezing until her eyes began to roll back. He released his cruel hold and shouted, "Orree, you personally ensure that the Hunter human is aboard and the rest of the adults and female children are killed. I will deal with Srom's stupidity later."

Orree rushed off to act on her orders thankful she was still alive. Srom had made a mistake in leaving some female children and the Hunter human behind. As Orree rushed the dazed human adult aboard, she planned how Srom might be useful against Moorr. Moorr's anger with her would definitely be his last insult. Others in the crew would not be pleased with this misadventure. She contemplated how to use that displeasure before it dissipated. She followed the worried Srom to the Bridge; it would be interesting to see if the pirate would survive Moorr's mania.

Srom reported, "The Hunter human is secure with the male children. I had to leave some female children behind as we did not have enough--"

Moorr knocked Srom to the deck with the flat edge of his sword. "Srom, calculate several jumps to lose the Earth star cruiser before we all are captives."

Srom could not believe the order he had heard; it made him forget the humiliation of being struck by Moorr's sword. To warp space in several jumps would overly stress the mylyn crystals and then oblivion. "Moorr, it cannot be done so soon together. We risk critical fissuring."

Moorr stalked the larger pirate. As Srom backed down, Moorr could feel the insaneness of the moment reeking from his tortured mind. "If we do not escape, what do you think the earthlings will do, idiot!"

Srom moved to the navigation terminals quickly. A few moments later he nodded to Moorr who was still shouting orders about shield and weapons stations. Pirates in various forms of dress scurried about sure that this was the last instant they would remember before the crystals went critical. The pirate starship Rell shuddered as it dropped out of warped space. Since the Earth star cruiser was so perilously close, they had to warp space immediately in another direction to try to lose the starship.

Captain Murata saw the peculiar distortion on the screens that showed a disturbance in warped space. He ignored the Prometheus as it continued into the nothingness that comprised warped space. Soon the star liner's computers would drop it out of warped space so they could easily locate the starship later. The pirate starship was the one he wanted. He gave the orders calmly and in rapid succession. The Aldermin dropped out of warped space appearing large and dangerous next to the sleek and smaller Rell.

Moorr sucked in his breath as he observed the Earth star cruiser. It was so big and looked like a ravenous predator about to devour its prey. He had not expected an Earth starship to affect him like this. Moorr trembled in panic and noticed his crew stunned to inaction. As he screamed his orders, the Bridge heaved throwing them all to the deck. Moorr felt the blood rush to his mouth. "We have been hit. Warp now. Warp-" Another phaser struck the Rell full on the forward shield knocking it out. Then the pirate starship warped space as another phaser hit rocked the shield next to the shield that was out. How lucky, Moorr thought as he picked himself up off the deck. The Bridge was in a shambles. Next jump, he vowed to himself with clinched teeth covered with blood.

Jeff passed the star coordinates as the Aldermin warped space following the stricken pirate starship. On their screens they saw debris spinning crazily in space before they warped space with a jolt. "Captain, we knocked out one of their forward shields and damaged two others in the same area. Engineering reports that the mylyn stress indicators on both star engines are very--"

Murata kept on giving orders without acknowledging his XO's reports and those other reports that kept coming in from all departments. He knew he couldn't keep this hopping from one point to another up much longer. Damn these mylyn crystals anyway. Got to make this next drop point count. He ordered his missiles readied. He wanted these animals very badly; his nephew, Ray, and family had been aboard the star liner. Captain Murata hoped they were still alive. Deep down, without his realizing it, he had already started mourning; he knew how these pirates acted. The pirate starship wavered on the energy sensors, so close but so far.

Orree held her arm limply while studying the sensors. "Moorr, the Earth star cruiser is falling behind, but not far enough. The next drop point for the next jump to warped space will still put them within range." She looked up at Moorr shocked at how scared the pirate appeared. Were they that desperate, she thought in a panic.

Moorr firmed his resolve and ordered, "Srom, let us give these Earth savages a little surprise. Ready the forward masers and phasers."

Srom smiled. At last, to fight back, he thought. It wouldn't matter, but the gesture would raise everyone's spirits surely. Srom gave the orders and sat at a weapons station himself. Better to die at a weapon than idly watch destruction come after you.

The Aldermin and the Rell appeared together. A salvo of missiles streamed toward the downed shield of the pirate starship. Captain Murata was considering his next move into warped space when the overhead of the Bridge collapsed upon them. He vaguely heard the cries of the injured. Through the fogged vision of his armor he saw Jeff Kenwood bending over him. He tried to read the man's moving lips. Suddenly, he snapped back and growled, "Mister Kenwood, why is your helmet off?"

Jeff replied, "It was crushed when we were hit, sir. I'm surprised I am alive frankly."

Murata got up and shook the little pieces of metal off his armor. "So am I. Did the pirate starship get away?"

"Yes, sir. They warped space just after they fired their forward masers and phasers. They hit us just as one of the shield generators failed."

"Did we hit them?"

Jeff shook his head confused. "I think so, sir. The debris from their starship may have been why the shield generator dropped out. I just don't know..."

Moorr groggily got up off the deck. He saw Orree and Srom through his armor-vision circuits. Everyone else was dead it appeared. Moorr tapped an indicator on his command console. The atmosphere was gone. He asked, "What happened? I do not remember any phaser fire, do you?"

Orree answered weakly, "I think we got away."

Srom was talking with Secondary Command Center. Afterward, he reported, "Orree is right. Sensors show we are alone. Damage Control reports massive damage, but repairs are underway. Moorr, we made it."

Moorr sat and replied, "Just barely, Srom, just barely. These earthlings..."

Just as they completed the repairs to the Rell, the Morrell planetary defenses hailed them. Moorr gave his personal code through the secure comm link and then stepped back so Srom could send his code. Moments later the Morrell authorities gave them orbital coordinates and permission to begin transport operations for cargo and crew. Moorr ordered Orree to get the mylyn and the Earth captives ready for selling at the appropriate markets. Moorr instructed Srom to contact the agents planetside necessary in the sell or trade of all pirate plunder. Moorr secured the crew except the watches so the traditional celebration could begin. Moorr smiled as the eager crew took some Earth captives for sport. The shares of the plunder would be divided after all had spent themselves in wild revelry.

Srom stiffened as he prepared to enter Moorr's stateroom. He had narrowly missed Moorr killing him twice; he touched his dagger concealed against his backside. The door opened slowly and Srom walked in ready for anything. He saw Moorr relaxing near a video screen watching a favorite program. "Moorr, we may begin off-loading our mylyn now. The captives may be sold at any slaving market. I could not find any interest in the Hunter human. No one wanted anything to do with a holy one."

Moorr said gruffly, "Begin the unloading of the mylyn making sure we do not get cheated on the sale. I hold you personally responsible for the distribution of the shares from the sale. Have Orree divide the Earth captives among the most deserving of the boarding crew. I want the two best of the male children and the Hunter human."

Srom watched Moorr carefully and inched toward the brightest spot of the room to be harder to see. "Yes, Moorr, it shall be done as you order. Yet what are we going to do with the holy one, if he brings no profit?"

Moorr was suddenly alert. He noticed how tense Srom was. Feeling confident with his laser near, he answered, "Strange you should ask that question. Has Orree been influencing you? Or are you just stupid? I know of a buyer for earthlings. Wanting to know more could be your undoing."

Srom nodded his head and left quickly. He cursed himself, but it was not his moment to seize command. Besides, Orree was not to be trusted as demonstrated with unfortunate Umor recovering in Medical. Stopping by a ship's intercom, he ordered the transports loaded with the captured mylyn. Then he walked to the aft cargo hold to find Orree.

Orree prodded the two Earth males along while keeping a watchful eye upon the holy one. She stopped by Moorr's door and initiated the call signal. She entered the stateroom trying to console one of the males who was crying in fear. Orree was not too successful and feared Moorr's wrath. She was thankful when the holy one bent down to comfort both of the males. "Moorr, your personal transport is ready. I hope you find these two Earth males suitable. I am sure they will bring a high price at the slaving markets."

Kyle rose up in anger at what he was hearing from the translator Moorr had left on. "Abomination! Children are God's precious--"

Moorr got up calmly and hit Kyle across the face knocking the holy one to the deck and silencing the outrage. Moorr roared, "Our laws say we cannot kill you, but short of that I can do many other unpleasant things. The sooner I get rid of you the better, earthling. Keep those two males quiet or I shall hurt both of them."

Orree backed out of the stateroom watching the holy one cower. She knew Moorr had reached his limit of patience. Conspiracy would have to wait for a better moment. She rushed off toward Medical to talk to Umor. She needed another plan since Srom had backed down earlier. As she walked slowly down the passageway, she wondered what Moorr wanted with the holy one. What price could that one bring except grief and pain? It worried her very much as it did with the rest of the crew. This holy one was having too much of an affect upon their mental and moral state, she realized.

Moorr watched the holy one keep the two young ones quiet as the vibration of the transport increased when they entered the atmosphere of Morrell. Moorr contemplated how much the two males would bring. He saw how good the holy one was with the children and felt a faint twinge of guilt. He smiled at himself for such foolishness, but still he felt something for these savage earthlings. What kind of influence was this holy one having on him?

Kyle kept praying as the transport landed. For some strange reason fear escaped him. He was willing to accept whatever might come next. He felt the welt on his face from where Moorr had struck him. These pirates had no sense of right or wrong. All was profit. What profit would he and these two boys bring? He gazed at the terrified youngsters and his heart ached. He could do nothing for them except pray. The Star Preacher wiped away a solitary tear away from the cheek of the youngest. Kyle hadn't bothered asking their names; he did not want to know. It would only make everything harder to bear.

Moorr herded the three earthlings out of the hatch onto the streets of the slaving markets. He went straight to slaver Morax⁽²⁵⁾; Moorr knew the filthy slaver would give a good price for the two males. Moorr watched as the slaver old with age inspected the two males. He noticed Morax raise five fingers suggesting five thousand units for each male. It was more than he hoped. While his specie card was updated with the ten thousand units, he tried to put out of his mind where these two younglings were going and what might happen to them. Soon he was on the streets headed for a booth where he knew the Ral agent, Neyr⁽²⁶⁾. There he could unload the holy one and clear his mind of these confusing thoughts.

Kyle could not understand all the talk as Moorr had turned off the translator. He did comprehend one thing; this creature in front of him was of Ral. Kyle watched Moorr hand the Ral creature a card. His heart raced and fear filled his throat, as he realized he was being sold into slavery to evil Ral. Kyle felt his destiny surge through his mind. He was meant to be here now, at this place. His quest started here...

***

Across the galaxy, Tese⁽²⁷⁾ from the planet of Tesetz⁽²⁸⁾ stepped out of the transport onto the marbled stairs leading to the Commonwealth Imperial Senate. An emergency had forced Tese to cut his visit home short and call for the meeting of the full Senate. As Tese easily scaled the ornate stairs, he acknowledged the reverence paid to him by the crowd. The grand portico stretched into the distance shimmering with the heat of the high suns of Akinu⁽²⁹⁾. As Tese topped the stairs, he calmly walked through the crowd to the immense double doors of the Imperial Senate. Walking through the stiffly uniformed set of guards, the senators all rose in respect to the Senior Senator. Tese seated himself at the head table facing the august assembly. The Senate all settled in for a momentary silent prayer of tradition.

Afterward, Tese rose to speak; the Senate chambers grew expectant. "As the Senior Senator of the Imperial Senate, I must announce that the position left vacant by the hero's death of Admiral Thsi⁽³⁰⁾ must be filled quickly. Admiral Montoya, the Commander of all Commonwealth-Earth military forces, has requested we do so as the plight of the Imperial Star Fleet⁽³¹⁾ continues in peril and requires bold leadership.

"Admiral Montoya has recommended the commanding officer of the Imperial Cruiser Suruas⁽³²⁾, Captain Naekiev⁽³³⁾, Admiral Thsi's former executive officer. As you know, Captain Naekiev has been the only Imperial officer to give us victories. The Commonwealth Imperium needs the elixir of a hero. I believe Captain Naekiev is the logical choice. Discussion." As Tese slowly seated himself, he knew Oysan⁽³⁴⁾ would object. She always did; such was the politics of the Senate. Tese sighed.

Oysan rose as expected. Old and haggard, her voice was scratchy and low requiring the chamber amplifiers to compensate so all could here the nemesis of Tese. "Yes, the need is clear. Yet we know this Naekiev as ruthless. He is the like of those of Ral and even our ally called Earth. Our mythical friends of Kale are supposedly concerned with this savage. Does this fill the need? Think. What shall we invite into our hearts with this Naekiev?

"Earth is amused over this new hero of ours. Is he the hero we desire? Shall we drink of this bitter fruit for victories? Shall we become the like of Ral? Shall we be the amusement of Earth? Ah, Tese weaves such a drunken excitement. Think! What danger do we invite into our homes?

"So Earth boldly captures Etrae. We reward such behavior with naming Admiral Montoya as the Commander of all Commonwealth-Earth military forces. Consider the victories of both Montoya and our Naekiev. Know why they admire each other as animals, as savages. Yes, Ral trembles and is afraid of the likes of these... heroes. Ral schemes the death of us all, particularly the demise of our two heroes. Think. Have we fallen in love with these young animals who fight Ral with the spirit of Ral?" Oysan heard a few mumbled agreements but knew the Senate was relieved to have a hero to bless. Yet she still felt that her words were necessary. She continued firmed in her resolve.

Tese listened to Oysan rumble on and his mind wandered. His thoughts troubled him. He remembered the labored dreams of last night. Before his eyes the bodies of the other senators became liquid, and frightening scenes of Morrellian pirates and Earth starships flitted about. His mind numbed, his heart beat rapidly, and his hands trembled slightly; yet no one noticed his distress. Suddenly his mind was riveted with the power of one from Kale, the mysterious planet that really didn't exist. The supposed advisers, Tese thought before his constant attention was required beyond his will, beyond even time.

The mind of the child of Kale who was Ky filled his mind. "I am Marc from the Council of Kale⁽³⁵⁾. You are free creatures in fact, but to ignore us entirely is suspect. Now the mystery deepens as the Seeker is sought and the Anti-Kale follows. My friend..." Tese felt the tears of a child run down his face; still, not one senator noticed this moment of time frozen in terror. "My friend, Jeff of Earth, has suffered a loss. Beware, children of the Commonwealth, for the Anti-Kale must not devour the Seeker before he reaches the Mountains of Ao, or we all shall perish..."

Tese took a breath and looked around dazed. He needn't have worried, for Oysan droned on...