Kahran Ramsus

Chapter One: Down the Dark Path

Josh Gurfinkel

d1a2n3@idirect.com

Recognition Code 0808191- 'Ramses'

Kazzick looked across the room at the giant sphere before him. He felt like laughing. That didn't happen very often. He had never imagined they looked like this. One of the faces portrayed on the sphere spoke.

"What are your thoughts on the matter, Kazzick?" it asked. Kazzick looked over at Krelian who seemed amused by his astonishment.

"Well, um, sir, the idea sounds... if I may be so bold... preposterous." Krelian's expression changed. His amusement turned to anger. He stared at Kazzick for a while, then calmed himself.

"Does it, now," he mused. The sphere rotated so that one of the faces that had been on the opposite side was now facing them. He looked interested, but not in the least as angry as Krelian had been.

"Would you care to explain yourself?" Kazzick hesitated, trying to find the right words to respond with.

"Sir, with all due respect, the way you view them... it's almost sickening. They may not live amongst the Solaris elite, but to use the land-dwellers in such a manner..."

"We cannot go to the surface as much as we once did, commander. That is common knowledge within the military. With Krelian's new plan, we would not have to go below for food as well as other... important... materials. And the scientific research we would gather could only serve to help us survive. Do you see things differently?"

"All I see is a plan to desecrate the bodies of those who live below, and then proceed to feed their carcasses to the masses of Solaris," Kazzick told them, trying not to overstep his bounds, though he knew it was too late. "Not to mention the drugs. People were made to have a will of their own. It isn't something you just strip away." The Gazel Ministry --the entire ministry-- laughed.

"Now I see why you speak so highly of this one, Krelian. Most would not speak their minds in such a manner before their commanding officers. He is brave, to say the least. We will take your views under serious consideration. You are dismissed." Kazzick stood there, frozen. Krelian tugged him on the arm, and almost dragged him out of the room. Kazzick couldn't think of anything to say to the other, so they both walked down the halls of Solaris in silence. Without warning, Krelian opened the door to his quarters, and thrust Kazzick inside. He shoved Kazzick against a wall, and the doors closed as he did so. Krelian put his hands on the commander's shoulders and pushed him hard into the wall.

"Lord Krelian, what are--"

"Shut up. I want you to listen carefully, commander," he said, putting an all-too- obvious emphasis on the last word. "Though the Gazel Ministry might take your ramblings and outright defiance with but a smile, I am not so kind. You went against me back there, Kazzick. You've shown much promise in your career, and that is why I brought you to them. But to speak like that towards the 'M Project', my idea, no less, is call for a demotion. However, I assume you don't like the idea of becoming a third-class citizen. And this is the first time you have done that. So... I will let it slide. It had better not happen again." Krelian released Kazzick and stood back. "It is quite possible the Gazel Ministry will turn down the idea now. When a high-ranking officer like yourself hates an idea, the Gazel Ministry usually puts it aside for a while. They do so to prevent an uproar from the officer, and possible riots from those who follow him. I may be able to persuade them everything will be okay if they go through with it, but that will take time. Which means, if I am lucky, the plan will go through in about ten to thirteen years. That is the product of your misguided words. Are we clear, Kazzick?" Kazzick felt a lump in his throat. He rubbed it with his hands for a while, before being able to speak again.

"C... cr.. crystal clear, Lord Krelian."

"Good. Get the hell out of here."

8 years hence

The quarters were small and uncomfortable. There was a bed to one side, a sink to the other, and to the south of the bed, a small desk with a COMM system installed, by orders of Krelian himself.

The Marksman was the name of the ship Kazzick was staying on and Krelian wanted to ensure there was a secure channel nearby. Kazzick had not yet been briefed on his mission, and all he really knew was that the ship was orbiting over Elrunian territory. Needless to say, the crew felt quite uncomfortable. Still, recent stealth technology advancements helped to keep The Marksman out of sight, which was a welcome comfort. But the only comfort that interested Kazzick at the moment was that of his warm bed back home. He got the hard, cold one The Marksman had provided him with instead. Kazzick made the most of the conditions, though, and fell fast asleep. His slumber was rudely interrupted when his COMM went off. The admiral looked behind him at the flashing light where the incessant beeping had been coming from. He groaned loudly, upset at this interruption, but nevertheless got to his feet and made his way over to the desk. Keying in a few controls, the beeping stopped and the face of a communications officer appeared on the flat screen before him.

"What is it Major Reymen?" Kazzick inquired. The major was assigned to the duty of communications for this trip only, as their regular had come down with some small sickness. Medics in the third-class citizen level had noticed a few residents with the same illness. When no proper replacement could be found on such short notice, Krelian basically picked a name from a hat, and assigned the post.

"Kazzick, sir. Incoming communication from Lord Krelian. He wishes to speak with you immediately." The major responded.

"I'll bet he does," Kazzick muttered under his breath. "Tell me. Does Lord Krelian purposely call whenever I'm asleep, or is it just me?" The major smiled. Kazzick deduced that others had probably complained in the same manner, when the major understood so quickly. It was not much of a surprise, however. Krelian's reputation among the military was one of rudeness, and it was well known throughout.

"Shall I patch you through, sir?" The major asked, brushing aside the smile.

"I'm already up."

"Very well, sir." Suddenly the image before him changed from that of a lowly major to the intimidating figure of Krelian, himself.

"Lord Krelian. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Krelian grunted briefly, perhaps detecting the note of sarcasm in Kazzick's voice.

"I apologize for awakening you, Admiral, but I would assume it would be most difficult to perform a mission without the proper knowledge of what it is you are supposed to perform."

"Of course. I meant no disrespect. I take it I am about to be briefed?"

"That you are, Kazzick. But first, are you sure this line is secure?" Krelian asked, sounding a little paranoid. Kazzick studied him for a moment, trying to detect something from the man, but Krelian was much too good at hiding his emotions.

"Positive, Lord Krelian. I oversaw the entire installation. Is this matter classified?"

"Indeed. And it is of great importance it remains that way. No one else aboard can know what I am about to tell you. Do you understand?"

"Yes, of course, my lord."

"Good. As you know, you have been stationed above the nation of Elru."

"Despite the discomfort of the crewmen, yes."

"I have given orders to the captain to move out of that area. Nearby is a small island in Aquavy. On the island you will find an entrance to an underground laboratory of mine. A woman will meet you there. Her name is Mi... Karen. Her name is Karen," Krelian corrected himself. "She will take you to a specific portion of the lab. It is a big area, and you are not permitted to go searching, Kazzick. There is much valuable information within, most of which should only be accessed by a select few. When Karen brings you to the area you are supposed to enter, find the tube marked 'recognition code 0808191'. Inside you will find a child."

"A child? Inside a tube? What's going on here, Krel-- Lord Krelian?"

"The child is a... creation of mine. A mix between a clone and a nanomachine colony. He is severely flawed, but I do have much use for him."

"A clone? Of whom, Lord Krelian, if I may ask so?"

"Ask as you wish, Kazzick, but do not expect answers. After retrieving the child, Karen will take you via landspeeder to the outskirts of a small village called Lahan. You may have already heard of the place... Blackwood Forest?"

"I believe I went there on a few menial tasks when I was a major, yes."

"Good. Then you should be familiar with it. Within the forest, you will come to the Shepherd's Staff. Take that ship back to Solaris. The Marksman will leave upon dropping you off at the island. Questions?" Kazzick smiled. The Shepherd's Staff was his own one-man ship, and therefore, the most comfortable one for him to control. There was ample room to fit a young child however.

"One question, my lord. How will a landspeeder cross the ocean? For that matter, how am I to avoid detection by villagers, when I get to the forest?"

"For the former: Karen's speeder has had many... modifications . It will last the trip. For the latter: Well, you are an Admiral. If you can't stay out of a few villagers' line of sight, I have no idea why you're being paid." Kazzick smiled wryly.

"Of course. I will try not to disappoint you, Lord Krelian."

"You had better not. The child is very important to me. I expect to see him upon your return."

"Yes, Lord Krelian. I assure you, you will."

"Then I have nothing to fear. Good day, Admiral Kazzick." And suddenly Krelian's face was gone, replaced by a black, empty screen. Good day to you too, you sadistic son of a bitch, Kazzick joked to himself. He glanced at his watch. 2:08 a.m. Plenty of time for him to fall asleep again.

******

The night air felt cold against her skin. She picked up the coat she had earlier tossed aside and pulled it up against her. She slid her arms into the sleeves of the cotton material. It's never this cold up on Solaris. I thought a T-shirt and sweatpants would be enough, but I had forgotten the harshness of winter on the land. How the -lambs- live here, I'll never understand. Then again... I have ample opportunity to understand their lifestyles. It has taken so much longer than expected for Fei's abilities to come forth. I'm not sure what to do with the child. His begging is also becoming somewhat of an annoyance. And to make things worse, this host-body isn't as easy to manipulate as the others. This "Karen" is either stronger than I expected... or her love for Fei is. Miang tossed her head to the side, upon hearing a strange noise from behind. Nothing was there except thousands of dead stars, billions of miles away, leaving white stains as a reminder of their lost existence.

Good god Krelian, why must I remain here, running your errands for you? Surely one of your lackey's would have been sufficient... or have you been hiding the contents of this lab from your fellow scientists... and if that is the case... why? And suddenly, interrupting her train of thought, a huge Solarian ship de-cloaked in front of her. It was a marvelous sight. One moment the stars and ocean were laid out before her. The next, like a water-colour painting come to life, the night began to disappear as The Marksman slowly came into view, each piece being revealed with the gentle stroke of a brush. Miang stared in awe at the image before her. The ship landed quickly, barely a metre away. Double-doors opened along the side of the ship, and a tall man walked out. He had black hair, thick eyebrows, and black eyes. At about 6'0 he was not too much taller than Karen's height of 5'7. But the one thing that had caught her attention was his Solarian uniform. It wasn't that of a regular soldier, as she had expected, but instead the celebrated uniform that could belong only to--

Interesting... Krelian sent me an admiral... then perhaps he has more use for this 'trash' then he's letting on. Which could only mean he doesn't trust I can turn Fei Fong Wong into the assassin he craves. Judging from recent test results, I would have to say I'd do the same thing in his position. Anyhow, now isn't the time for this... I should go greet the admiral. Miang walked slowly towards Kazzick, giving him time to get down the ramp, and onto the damp ground of the island. He looked around a bit, before noticing her to his right. He walked up to her and offered his hand.

"Admiral Siruan Kazzick. Karen, I presume?" Kazzick introduced himself.

"Karen Wong, yes. It is a pleasure to meet you, Admiral Kazzick."

"The pleasure is mine, ma'am. Shall we move on?" Miang studied him over, with a thin smile.

"Of course. It is, after all, rather cold up here. You'll find the lab's conditions to be much more... comfortable."

"Do not make promises you cannot keep, young lady. I have never known anything of Krelian's to be all-too-comfortable."

Young lady!?! I'm three billion times your age you pathe... Miang shook the anger aside mentally, and smiled politely at him.

"All too true, admiral. Or do you prefer Kazzick?" she asked, turning to head towards the underground lab's entrance behind her. She slid an access keycard through a scanner, and the door swung open.

"Kazzick will do."

"Very well, Kazzick. After you."

Interlude

I dreamt last night. It was the first time in my lonely existence, and I found it quite... pleasant.

It was strange to me, as I have never quite felt anything like it. It began without warning, which I suppose is the way any dream would. I had not remembered falling asleep, but my "enhanced" intelligence (as Krelian had called it) helped me understand what it was. I was in the same infernal tube... the one I have so longed to escape. A man stepped up to it, and wiped away some of the condensed water that had formed outside the tube, to get a better look at me. He smiled. It was such a beautiful smile. Unlike the hateful, mocking smile of Krelian and that other one... Karen. His was a pleasant smile. It was comforting... friendly. He opened the tube and the water drained out. I was freed. He outstretched his arms, and in his hands lay clothing that he said were for me. His voice was gentle and soothing. I wanted to hear him talk for the rest of my life. Because his words were not cruel. Not like Krelian. Krelian calls me 'trash', and other such hateful terms. But this man... he was so different. I began to get the clothes on, eager to leave the lab of my creation when the dream came to a close. And now I am back, floating in water, resting in a laboratory. I can only hope it was more than a dream... that it was a vision...

End Interlude

Kazzick walked down the long hallway, trying his best to keep up with Karen, while still catching a few glances around. The hall seemed to stretch on forever, and Kazzick was getting tired.

"Krelian enjoys torture, doesn't he?" Kazzick joked, jogging a little, to get up beside Karen.

"Come now, Kazzick. A little walking never hurt anyone."

"Indeed. But I would not call this a little walking. We've been going for an hour now. You'd think he'd build an elevator or something."

"This far out of the way? Where would he get the necessary electricity? Everything here is run by a generator. There is barely enough as it is. Anyhow, we are almost there," Karen told him, as she pulled her keycard out from her coat pocket. They walked a little further, and then she came to a stop in front of a large door. She slid her keycard in the access terminal, and there was a loud thud that followed. The doors swung open, and inside was a remarkably large laboratory.

"This way, Kazzick," Karen said, and began to walk forward.

"All of these tubes are empty, Karen. Where is the child I came here to collect?" Kazzick noted.

"A little further... ah yes. There he is." Kazzick looked around and saw nothing. But he noticed Karen was staring at something, and he followed her line of sight to--

"My God... is that...?"

"It is."

"But... he seems so old... at least 23. I had expected a three year old, or something. Why would Krelian call him a child?"

"Hmpf. The boy is twelve years old. His aging is... advanced." Kazzick opened his mouth to respond, but shut it again. He stepped up to the tube and looked at it for a while. Then, he scraped off some of the frost that had formed on the outside, to get a better look within.

"There is no way this child is twelve."

******

"Captain. Kazzick has entered the... well I don't know what it is, sir."

"Neither do I, lieutenant, but we have our orders, and therefore no time to find out. Krelian wants us back to Solaris immediately. Helm: set the course," Captain Hedrans ordered. The Marksman took off quickly, and the stealth technology enveloped them in a cloaking shield. The Captain slid back in his chair and tried to relax. This was his third mission in four days. Though it was a simple one, he found himself exhausted.

When I get back, I'm taking a week off. This is too much for me to handle. In the past eight weeks I've had 28 different missions. Even the flagship doesn't have THAT many. Suddenly, a strange noise filled the room. Captain Hedrans sat up in his chair, and turned to face the helm.

"Sir, I'm picking up something... out of the ordinary. This sound... I think something is approaching, sir. My... my lord! This sound! Sir, whatever is out there, it's huge!" Hedrans sat silently for a moment. With the cloaking shield up, he would not be able to see what was out there...

"Helm... lower the cloaking shield. But only for a minute. I want a good look."

"Y... yes sir..." the helm obliged. The cloaking shield raised, and there it was. A ship the size of Bledavik.

"What the hell...?" the Captain struggled to get out, with all the shock of the moment struggling against him. And then he saw it. Near the front of the ship. That insignia... no... it can't be...

"HELM, RAISE THE CLOAK SHIELD!" he screamed a the top of his lungs. The helm keyed in a few controls, but nothing happened.

"Sir, we can't! They've got us in a tractor beam, but they aren't pulling us in... what are they doing?"

"Sir!" the lieutenant called. The Captain turned to him. "Sir... I was taught this maneuver at the academy. With the tractor beam locked on us, we can't raise shields... and meanwhile--"

"--they fire off a few shots, destroying us," Hedrans finished for him. He spun around quickly, to face the tactical officer. "Tactical: get a few shots off at their tractor beam. We'll try to break free," he ordered. Turning to face the viewscreen, he waited for the right moment...

"NOW! OPEN FI--" But it was too late. The huge ship fired, and within the span of a few turbolaser blasts, The Marksman was gone.

******

"Believe what suits you, Kazzick, but you still do have a mission to complete. I'll open the tube, and you can carry the child over to my landspeeder." Miang told the admiral. He looked at her for a moment, then spoke.

"The boy is naked, Karen. At least get him some clothes."

"Clothes? The child is comprised of nanomachines... I doubt he will get too cold out there, as long as his body compensates."

"What of the villagers from Lahan?"

"What of them?"

"Don't you think a naked child might draw unnecessary attention?" Miang sighed. She stepped over to some kind of drawer, opened it, and pulled out a "Standard Issue Solarian Guard Uniform". She walked over to Kazzick, and dropped the suit into his arms.

"This will have to suffice."

"Very well, open the tube," he told her, as he pulled the clothes from her arms, and laid them across his. Miang dialed something in on the control panel, and there was a hissing sound. The water in the tube began to drain out through the bottom, leaving the boy, unconscious, inside. It opened up, and the child fell out, and onto the ground. Kazzick kneeled beside him, and lifted him up.

"How long until he awakens?"

"Three minutes. By then, his body should have compensated for his new surroundings. However..." Miang said, grabbing a syringe and walking over to the boy. "I will have to put him under, for the remainder of the trip. The shock of leaving the tube is one that can only be dealt with back on Solaris," she told Kazzick, and administered the medicine via the needle. "Now, get him dressed, and we can leave."

******

Darkness. It was darker than the last time. But Krelian hid his fear, with a thin smile.

"Lacan. It has been awhile." Krelian turned to look around his bedroom. He could not see anyone. The room was silent. Could I have been wrong? Is there just some power-outage? Krelian walked over to his COMM system, but it would not turn on.

"Your power is working well, as usual."

"You didn't answer, when I called. How was I to know you were here?"

"What you did or did not know is of little concern to me, Krelian."

"I'm sure... well? What are you waiting for? Show yourself."

"No. I live amongst the darkness. Amongst the darkness will I remain. You will be rid of me soon, Krelian. As soon as I deliver a message. The ground is damp today. The sky, black..." Lacan waited. Silence came upon the room, and Krelian took awhile to figure out what was happening. Then he finished the sentence for the other, who was waiting patiently.

"...and beware the water, for the tide will rise. Why are you telling me this, Lacan? Our password from the Solaris/Shevat/Nisan war... it was used in a time of crisis. Why do you speak it now?"

"You will know, Krelian. I can see your empire falling. Beware... the false 'Contact'."

"Ramses?" The lights came back on, and Lacan was gone. And suddenly Krelian passed out.

***

Moving away from the panel, Krelian stood in front of his men, a blank expression on his face. He looked around at the others, but they were silent.

"Sir?" a concerned lieutenant asked, breaking through the silence. They looked at Krelian, and it appeared as if he knew something. Something he didn't understand before, but was now clear to him.

"No... this was never his intended destination. It's just like in the vision... I'm not his target. He's after..."

***

Kazzick was holding the child in his arms. No... child wasn't the proper term. No matter how old he really was, the boy looked 20-something. The unfortunate part was that he weighed the same amount as a 20-something man. And despite Kazzick's strength, it was getting harder and harder to keep the boy steady, as Miang, or as Kazzick knew her, Karen, flew the land-speeder across the ocean, heading for Blackwood Forest. But he could see it in the distance now. Soon enough, he would be there, and then he could lay the boy into the Shepherd's Staff, and put his sore muscles to rest. Miang turned her head to look at Kazzick, who was seated right behind her.

"Tell me, Kazzick... where does your first name come from?" she asked.

"Siruan? It was the name of an ancient hero in an old legend of the Nisan Sect. It was said Siruan fought off a vast army of demons, to protect his troops, exhausted from a previous fight."

"I know that. What I was wondering is how you came to receive such a name. Are you a follower of the Nisan Sect?" Kazzick smiled.

"To tell the truth, that story is all I know of Nisan's religion. It was the same case with my parents, but they thought such a warrior's name was one they could put to good use."

"I see. I've noticed a problem with that legend, though. Nisan is a religion founded on peace. Why, then, do they admire warriors, such as Siruan?"

"Siruan fought to protect his army, and the beliefs of Nisan. It may not have been very peaceful, but his intentions were pure. That is something to admire, in my opinion."

"A warrior is a warrior, despite his intentions. Siruan killed thousands of demons. Mother Sophia, a true follower, or as others would call her, founder of the religion, would have tried to save the demons' souls, rather than kill them."

"I suppose. I'm not very good at religious discussions. Such matters usually tend to bore me."

"Me as well. I was just trying to make conversation." Kazzick laughed, and Miang turned back to look in front of her as she piloted the speeder. Land was not that far ahead. Kazzick was looking forward to getting off of this annoying device.

"Are your parents in the military as well?" Miang tried once more to start a conversation.

"My parents... are dead."

"Oh... I'm... sorry. How did it happen, if you don't mind my asking?"

"My father tried to help free a group of 3rd Class Citizens. When he was found, my mother tried to protect him. Both were demoted back to 3rd Class. In time, my father and mother participated in a rebellion, as they tried to break free. Everyone involved... died. I was then adopted by the military." Miang remained silent, unsure how to respond. She changed the subject instead.

"Well... we are... near the drop-off point. You'll be back to Solaris in no time."

But Kazzick didn't answer.

******

When Kazzick stepped inside Blackwood Forest, he realized it had changed much since the last time he had come here. For one thing, there were a lot more trees than before. That would make it difficult to find his ship, without getting lost.

"Up for a little walking, boy?" Kazzick asked of the unconscious child in his arms. I'm certainly not. You're too old to carry around here. I wish Karen would have let me wake you up. Then you could have walked on your own. But Kazzick continued on, ignoring the thoughts. He almost tripped over a twig on the ground, as he stepped forward, but maintained his balance.

Kazzick walked for an hour, before stopping to rest. He laid the child out on the ground. Well, isn't this fun? he thought. Suddenly, he heard something. It wasn't that far ahead. But there were voices. He listened carefully, but the words were distorted.

"We... ound... a.. Sol... ian... vessel. It... as.. camof... with... ealth... echnology."

What the hell? Did they just say they found a Solarian vessel? Camouflaged... my ship! The Shepherd's Staff! But how do they know about Solaris? Kazzick walked forward a bit, quietly, until he was close enough to hear them more clearly. He could barely see them through the trees.

"A Solarian vessel? This close to Dazil? You don't think they know, do you?"

"Of course not. Kahn put this whole plan together. There is no way they could have found out."

"Well... Kahn will be back soon. We can ask him what to do with the ship. Something doesn't feel right about all this, though."

"You're too paranoid, Cliff. Lighten up. Solaris makes its rounds all over the place. I suppose they were just checking in on Lahan, or something." Suddenly another man joined them. The two stood in attention, saluting him. Must be their superior, Kazzick noted. But who are these people? He listened carefully once more.

"Admiral Kahn, SIR!" They both said in unison.

"At ease, men. What's this I've been hearing from other troops about a Solarian vessel?" Kahn asked.

"Sir! We found a vessel marked Shepherd's Staff inside the forest. It was camouflaged, sir!" one of the two said.

"What do you suggest we do with it, sir?" Cliff asked. Kahn looked at them for a moment. Kahn seemed to notice something. He drew in a deep breath, walked a little bit past them, and suddenly called out.

"Well? Are you going to come forward, or will I have to send a search party after you?" Is he... talking to me...?

"State your names. Who are you people? From where do you hail?" Kazzick called back. The man the two had called Kahn, hesitated, probably from the surprise of Kazzick's response. Kazzick could see a definite sign of surprise on the faces of Cliff and the other.

"I am Admiral Kahn Fong Wong of the Shevat Military. These are my subordinates, Raichek and Cliff. I suppose you are the Solarian whose ship we are now holding?"

WHAT!? Shevat troops... here... but... why? And his last name... Wong? Like Karen Wong... what is going on here?

"I am Admiral Siruan Kazzick of the Solarian military. I demand the return of my ship, and safe passage out of the forest."

"We will see about that. First I must ask what your intentions are. What brings you here?" Kahn requested. Apparently, Kazzick's ranking didn't seem to intimidate the other as he had hoped.

"That information is classified. I demand the return of my ship, and safe passage out of here," he repeated.

"Are you here on business with Dazil?" Kahn asked, ignoring the demand.

Dazil? Why do they keep mentioning Dazil? What the hell is going on?

"I demand the return of my ship, and safe passage out of here. You have no right to hold me."

"But we are not holding you, Admiral. I merely wish to know what you are doing here."

"Why? What is this nonsense about Dazil?"

"You don't know, then?"

"I tire of this. I am on an important mission to Solaris. I have neither the time nor the patience for your questions."

"Step forward, please, Admiral."

"I will do nothing of the sort, until you agree to my demands."

"I would hate to have to force you out from your hiding spot." Kazzick let out a loud laugh. He wanted Kahn to take notice of it.

"Is that a threat? I am a Solarian Admiral. Do you really think you could defeat me in combat, Kahn?" Now it was Kahn's turn to laugh.

"You have no idea... nevertheless, to bring you forth, I needn't lift a finger. The forest is swarming with Shevat troops. Are you powerful enough to take all of them out?" Kazzick hesitated. Damn... he's right.

"Am I to be a hostage, now? After just moments ago you told me you were not holding me?"

"No, of course not. Admiral, you have to understand... relations between Solaris and Shevat have seldom been... pleasant. So, you'll forgive me if I'm a little paranoid. Step forward, Admiral... please. Just give us the answers we want, and you will be set free."

"Unless my answers speak of a threat to Shevat. In which case, I will most likely be killed."

"Do your intentions threaten Shevat?"

"No. As far as I know they do not."

"Then what do you have to fear?" Kazzick breathed deeply, then turned around and picked up the child. He walked back, 'Ramses' in his arms, and stepped out to where Kahn could see him.

"Is that your son?"

"No. This is what I am going to deliver to Krelian. Lord of Solaris," he told the other, emphasizing the word 'lord' in an attempt to scare Kahn. It didn't work.

"I see. What use does Krelian have for a child?"

"I am not sure. May I go, now?" Kazzick asked, sounding impatient.

"Soon." Kahn turned to Raichek, and asked him something in whispers. He turned back to face Kazzick, as Raichek said something into a walkie-talkie-like device.

"It is rude to whisper in front of company."

"A thousand apologies. If you don't mind, Raichek will take a blood sample of the child now."

"What? Why?"

"There have been rumours in Shevat of a project that Krelian has been working on. I would like to check if this child is it." Cliff pulled a gun out, as did other Shevat troops who suddenly appeared from different parts of the forest.

Raichek must've called them. Damnit! This just keeps getting better, doesn't it?

"You will allow him to take the sample, won't you Admiral?" Kazzick smiled wryly.

"Of course." Raichek walked up to the boy, and stuck a needle into his vein. He pulled out some blood, removed the needle, and emptied the blood into a strange container. The container began to buzz, and Kazzick assumed it was analyzing the sample.

"Admiral Kahn. It is as you suspected. This child is comprised of nanomachines. But... I am detecting something else in his blood. Some sort of sedative," Raichek reported.

"Yes. The sedative was meant to keep the child unconscious," Kazzick told them.

"Ah... I see. Admiral, we will be taking the child, now. After you give him to us, you will be allowed to leave."

"I am afraid I cannot comply. I have strict orders to bring this child back to Krelian."

"I am sorry, Admiral, if you got the impression you have a choice. We had hoped the existence of a nanomachine colony was naught but a rumour. Now that I know it exists, I cannot allow Krelian to keep it. Despite the consequences." Kahn motioned with his hands and three Shevat soldiers advanced towards Kazzick.

I am sorry boy... but for the moment, I must give you to these men. I will return. Kazzick kneeled down and laid 'Ramses' on the ground. He took a few steps back, and waited for the Shevat troops to pick him up and carry him into a cabin in the distance. Kahn turned to face Kazzick once more.

"I am sorry. I am sure Krelian will be most displeased with this failure. But... I can't let you keep the boy. Try to understand." Kazzick kept quiet, a look of contempt on his face. Kahn sighed.

"My men will escort you back to your ship. Take it, leave, and we will all try to forget any of this ever happened."

"What are you going to do to the child?" Kazzick asked, his hateful glare still showing.

"He will... be placed into a deep coma. The power he could unleash... it is too much of a risk. We cannot allow him to awake... ever. Now go, Admiral. Leave us." Six soldiers stepped up to Kazzick and led him away.

******

Kazzick was only twenty meters away, when he put the cloaking shield up, and turned the ship back around. He keyed in his COMM as he flew back towards Blackwood Forest. A communications officer appeared on screen.

"Get me Krelian. Immediately."

"What shall I tell him?"

"Tell him that Admiral Kazzick wishes to speak with him. That it is urgent."

"Very well, sir." The communications officer disappeared for one minute. And suddenly, there was Krelian.

"What is it, Admiral? I trust all is going well?" There was something about Krelian. Something different... he looked pale, sick... possibly... scared?

"All is not going well Lord Krelian. I want to know just what kind of power this boy harnesses."

"We all want something, now don't we, Kazzick?"

"I'm in no mood for your stupid games, Krelian. You will tell me everything about this child."

"Perhaps you are forgetting your rank. No one speaks to me--"

"I will speak to you however I wish to speak to you," Kazzick interrupted. "Shevat troops took the child from me. They claimed it's power was not safe in your hands. That would leave one to wonder, just what it is you want this boy for? So I will ask you one more time, Lord Krelian... what power does this boy have?" Kazzick stared at Krelian, feeling only fury towards the man. He had been used. Used to deliver some kind of living weapon into Krelian's hands. He wanted to know why. Why was Shevat so afraid of Krelian getting 'Ramses'?

"You realize such talk is call for a demotion."

"Demotion? You truly are pathetic, Krelian. Always threatening me in that manner for crossing you, instead of puckering up and kissing your ass like everyone else. I am flying above Blackwood Forest right now. If you want me to land and try to take the child back, you will stop wasting my time and ANSWER THE GODDAMN QUESTION!"

"Always sympathizing with the land-dwellers. Just like your father. If that is why you are so afraid... if you think I plan to use him against the -lambs-... I assure you you can put your fears to rest." Kazzick didn't speak for awhile. He just sat there considering those words.

"Very well, Lord Krelian. For now that is enough. I don't always trust you, but I sense you are sincere. So I will get the child for you. But I expect many more answers upon my return to Solaris."

"I will provide you with all the answers I can, Admiral. So long as you do not cross me, ever again."

"We shall see." Kazzick keyed out, and turned his gaze to what lay before him. The cabin. No doubt, 'Ramses' was still there. Keeping his stealth shield up, he prepared to land.

He put his hand to the doorknob. Bracing himself for a full attack, Kazzick turned it and pushed the door inwards. But no one was there.

"What in the--" Kazzick stepped inside the cabin, and looked around for 'Ramses'. Suddenly, he saw it. In the corner of the room a man was seated on a chair. He was flicking a quarter with his thumb and index finger, catching it every time it came falling down into his hands.

"We of Shevat are not as primitive as you Solarians believe," the man said.

"Kahn... you detected my presence, even with the stealth shield?" Kazzick responded, identifying the man before him.

"It wasn't difficult. One of our scientists came up with the cloaking shield you're using. I knew what to look for."

"Where are your soldiers?"

"Gone. I told them to leave. I expected you would return for the child, as soon as I took him."

"Why did you tell them to leave?"

"I wanted to test you. As an Admiral, I assume you were highly trained by Solaris. Just how well Solaris trains its officials is a question that has always interested me."

"You... you want to fight me?"

"Indeed," Kahn got out of his seat, tossed the quarter aside, and walked over to Kazzick. "How about for the child? If you defeat me, you can take him."

"He's still here?"

"In the back room," Kahn told him, motioning with his head to the door behind him. "What do you say, Kazzick? Up to it?" Kazzick wasted no time with a reply. He smirked and went for a punch straight to the gut of Kahn. But he had underestimated his opponent. Before Kazzick's hand even started moving, Kahn was up in the air. He did a back flip in mid-air, and landed on the ground at the other end of the room. Kahn pulled his hand up, then smashed it into the ground. Without warning, the floor split. Kazzick toppled over, but before he could fall into the hole Kahn had just made, he rolled over and jumped back to his feet.

"How did you--" he stared at the other in bewilderment.

"Years of practice in martial arts. That's only a fraction of what I can do," Kahn replied, smiling.

"Is it? Then I suppose fighting you would make for quite a challenge. Perhaps I should look to other options, than hand-to-hand combat." Kazzick pulled out his blaster and fired at Kahn. Kahn jumped out of the way, but this time Kazzick expected it. Just as Kahn reached the ground, Kazzick ran up to him, and planted a kick into his stomach. Kahn fell down to the ground, and Kazzick aimed his blaster at the other's head.

"You lose." Kahn smirked.

"You Solarians are so full of pride. It's never over, my good friend, until it is actually over." Kahn kicked Kazzick hard against his hip, and the blaster went flying. It, to the dismay of Kazzick, landed right into Kahn's hands. He broke it in half, threw the pieces to the ground, and punched his opponent across the face. Now it was Kazzick's turn to go flying. He landed hard against the opposite wall, and fell to the ground in immense pain.

"Are you ready to submit, Kazzick, or will I have to kill you?"

"LEAVE HIM ALONE!" Kahn turned around abruptly and found 'Ramses' standing in the doorway, a look of anger on his face. A ball of energy began to form around the boy's clenched fists. He held it until it grew large enough, then released them at Kahn. He was sent flying through the wall, and landed outside, covered in blood. Struggling to get back up, he noticed, far too late, another ball of energy that was coming right for him. He landed too far away for anyone to see.

"Wha...t...?" Kazzick tried to ask through all the pain.

"You... you're the one from the vision... you..." 'Ramses' fell to the ground, unconscious. Kazzick got to his feet and walked over to the child.

"Why would you... save me?" The question received no reply. Kazzick looked around, but could not see Kahn coming back. He heaved the boy up on his soldier, and tried to take him out of there.

Yes... I will definitely require answers upon my return. Is the power that this boy exhibited truly safe in the hands of Krelian? What could he want it for? And Kahn... have I seen the last of him? I should count my blessings and leave, rather than tempt fate, and allow Kahn a chance to get back here. Kazzick started to run, as fast as he could with 'Ramses' on his shoulder, and what felt like a broken back. He kept running until he found the ship his cloaking machine was keeping camouflaged. Shutting the cloaking machine off via remote, he opened the cockpit, and laid 'Ramses' inside. Pulling himself up, he sat down inside, and prepared to lift off and return home to Solaris.

For answers...

End of Chapter One