The Guardians Book 2: Sorcerer's Duel

SORCERERS DUEL

W. H. Cann

W.H. Cann asserts the moral right to

be identified as the author of this work

Copyright 2002 W. H. Cann

Published by W. H. Cann

Second Edition Revised April 2018

Cover Illustration W. H. Cann & Steve Knight

Produced by Knight-Ware

Copyright 2012 W. H. Cann

ISBN: 978-1-47-616631-5

All Rights Reserved

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, or organisations are entirely coincidental.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Contents

Title

Copyright

Contents

Chapter 01

Chapter 02

Chapter 03

Chapter 04

Chapter 05

Chapter 06

Chapter 07

Chapter 08

Chapter 09

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Other Books

Chapter One

Mabra System, Fazaal Sector, Gaashox Quadrant

Many Guardians in the Ladorran and Gaashox Quadrants were taught there were two astral realms, the primary realm from where individuals drew upon its power and manifested it as magic, and the upper realm, which was usually referred to as the dark realm. However, they incorrectly believed the power emanating from the dark realm was of evil essence, was fed by negative emotions, and was the direct cause for the evil perpetrated by those who willingly utilised its power.

Those who utilised the ‘dark’ magic became known as Megrein sorcerers, named after the Guardian Denaris Megrein. He was the first to develop teachings based on using negative emotions and their use in increasing one’s strength and power.

The energy from the upper realm was of a different intensity to that of the lower, being more powerful and thus impacted on the abilities of a wizard in a more profound way. It increased the power of a spell, and because negative emotions appeared to strengthen an individual, the ability of one adept in magic was enhanced, which in turn heightened the intensity of their magic.

In the days of the Teragon Knights, those adept in the gift spent many years as an apprentice. They studied the art of true magic, the nature of it, and were, therefore, more adept at controlling the power emanating from the upper realm.

When the Guardians arose to fill the void left by the disappearance of the Teragon Knights, they studied the art of magic in a different way. They focussed on using magical power by thought alone, directing the power where applicable through the movement of the hand, and using the power of the mind to sense and feel the emotions and thoughts of others.

This method of using magic opened the mind to more of the upper realm’s influence. As a result, it reduced their capability of controlling its flow and influence. Using this new method, wizards discovered the ability to perform certain acts was made easier. These were prophecy, seeing visions of future events by simply focussing the mind, influencing the thoughts and actions of others, and being able to move objects with greater ease regardless of their size and weight.

The negative aspect was that the magic impacted on the mind and emotions more easily and more profoundly, which often fuelled the individuals more prominent emotions, usually the negative ones. It was also a common problem with those who discovered they could use magic, but received no formal training, making them more susceptible to its influence.

The new principles behind the use of magic also led wizards, now known as Guardians, to forget the old ways, the ancient traditions of wizards, and the art of casting spells by word as well as thought. Many of the old spells were also lost as the generations passed, as scrolls and books were neglected or destroyed, or simply forgotten.

Chapter Two

Mabra System, Fazaal Sector, Gaashox Quadrant

Empress Treyanna Hefrask appeared unexpectedly on the bridge of the command ship Vindicator. The crew became nervous and avoided looking at her, keeping their eyes down and facing their workstations. Considering how great the losses the fleet sustained were, she appeared surprisingly calm and relaxed, but nobody knew if there was an underlying anger hidden beneath that calm exterior.

Admiral Jeffron, how many ships escaped the system? she asked, her voice indicating curiosity rather than frustration or anger. She stood gazing out of the main viewport, her hands clasped loosely in front of her.

Ten, Ma’am: All starfighters. Their course has been plotted according to their final known trajectory. Would you like them pursued? A group of ten fighters was nothing to be concerned about as far as he was concerned, and there was little they would be able to achieve regardless of where they went.

That will not be necessary, Admiral. We don’t know how far they might have travelled, and if my assumption is correct, they would have made several course changes by now. She was, however, intrigued. Their timing had been perfect, and from what she had gleaned from several sources, was because of one pilot in particular: The commander of Kopaz Squadron. There was also no doubt in Treyanna’s mind that this pilot was the same one she had sensed during the battle, the one who possessed some adeptness in magic.

I guess not. Ten simple fighters will not be a threat to the Empire or our Imperial Forces, Ma’am.

Normally I would agree Admiral, but those Mabraantan pilots were far more than simple pilots. How else could they have executed such a smooth and effective escape? Admiral Jeffron agreed. So how many fighters did we lose?

Jeffron’s face paled and the bridge went deathly silent. All that could be heard was the gentle hum of the computer systems. Reports indicate eight hundred and sixty-two fighters and two battle cruisers, Ma’am.

Treyanna raised her eyebrows in amazement and the crew expected a furious outburst. They were not expecting a calm response. Neither was the Admiral.

Treyanna sensed the tension in the atmosphere and smiled before answering. She wondered whether she should not disappoint them, but she decided against it. Getting angry over something that was beyond their control was not going to make it right, nor achieve anything beneficial. Considerable and expensive losses for one engagement don’t you think, Admiral?

Jeffron nodded. He was too surprised to voice an answer.

Treyanna smiled again. The Mabraantans fought hard, much harder than the Krelathans. It was a very impressive performance from a people who are supposed to be peaceful. Now, Admiral, explain how they managed to destroy two of our cruisers, and has this has ever been achieved before?

No Ma’am, as far as I’m aware, no cruiser has ever been destroyed solely by a fighter squadron. From reports I have read, a group of seven Manta Class Interceptors managed to break away from the main battle. Two of them engaged our fighters that attempted to stop them while the rest targeted the shield generators and engines. They were highly skilled pilots, probably Mabraant’s finest. Two of the three that engaged our fighters were, well, there’s no other way to describe them, above exceptional. That was why we subsequently deployed further squadrons to defend our flank.

Treyanna sighed. It is our greatest sacrifice in the expansion of the Empire, but one we must take action to prevent happening again.

Jeffron nodded. I’ll ensure our top engineers scrutinise the assault and the ship’s blueprints, and come up with a solution.

Excellent. Now, to other more pressing issues; has the bombardment of Mabraant had the desire effect?

Not yet, Ma’am.

In that case, deploy the troops for ground assault, and Admiral, she said turning to face him, inform me the moment they choose to surrender.

Yes Ma’am.

Jeffron turned to gaze out of the viewport and pondered the Empress’s earlier comments regarding the situation with the Mabraantans. They were supposed to be a peaceful people, much like the Fadarans. Even though they had been engaged in a continual fight against the Krelathans, he thought they would have preferred a non-aggressive solution to the Empire’s encroachment into the sector.

Jeffron had seen so many civilisations attacked and countless millions killed in the name of peace and the growth of the Belocian Empire. Now he was witnessing a similar situation. Even though the losses were far less, it made little difference. The purpose was the same. He wondered why the Mabraantans were so adamant in attacking without waiting to hear from the Imperial forces first, and why Treyanna had refused to even consider her normal covert approach.

Something was not right about the situation.

Destroying the Krelathan fleet was unavoidable, the result being a welcome one for the neighbouring systems. He was a military man, and killing the enemy was not an issue, it was inevitable and he welcomed it. During his service in the Belocian Empire, such ethics and honour were thrown aside to ensure one’s survival, but not any longer, not since that Empire crumbled.

In his opinion, killing the Mabraantans without offer of surrender or peaceful negotiation was unjustifiable, and against a warrior’s code of honour. They were not a warring race like the Krelathans or many others Loprass had come across in his years of service. He believed this battle could have been prevented had the Empress acted covertly and subtly as she usually did, instead of relying on the information she received from her agents.

Loprass had truly believed Treyanna was different to the rest, but now his beliefs were being proved incorrect. He considered this engagement to be the Empress’s first major error of judgement, the one that would cause the tide to turn against the Empire. He suspected the rot would set in from this moment on.

It was the beginning of the end of the Hebradon Empire.

He sighed quietly as he gazed at Mabraant from the main viewport. It looked beautiful from space. As he admired it, he felt as if he had been missing something in life, and an unsettling feeling began plaguing his mind and spirit. After pondering the situation for a few minutes, he made the most profound decision in his life. No longer would he be involved in the slaughter of innocent civilians for no other reason than the expansion of a vast and powerful Empire. His only dilemma was how to act on his decision.

For the first time in his life, he felt more at peace with himself, something that surprised him considerably.

Treyanna entered the turbo-lift relishing the silence and wonderment she had created among the crew. When she turned, she smiled at the Admiral who was casually glancing her way. The defeat of the Mabraantan fleet was satisfying enough regardless of the losses incurred by her forces, and she was not overly troubled by the financial cost, which was relatively insignificant. She was saddened by the deaths of so many of her personnel, especially those who served on board the two cruisers, but that was the price of war and conquest.

Once inside her quarters, Treyanna asked her aide if there had been any communication from her sister. There had not. Treyanna sighed. We’ll be taking a shuttle to meet with the Mabraantan Senate once they’ve surrendered. Tell Grizarbuc, Pakrowask and Bruzargat to wait for me in the observation lounge.

Yes Ma’am.

The Empress sat in the armchair and relaxed. Although she was not very tired, she was feeling a little drained after the strain of using her magic to assist her pilots. She closed her eyes and cast her mind back to the battle, thinking specifically about the strange presence she had felt, and the exploits of the squadron that destroyed two of her cruisers. There had been one pilot who was adept in magic among the Mabraantan forces, and appeared to be very strong in the art.

The Empress was convinced this individual was the one who led the attack on her cruisers, planned, and executed the escape of the ten surviving fighters. She allowed her magic to permeate her mind and body, focused her thoughts on the moment she had felt the presence, and waited to see what might be revealed. While she meditated, the concerns she had over this presence returned, but so too did confirmation of her belief. An image of the starfighter appeared in her mind. On its fin was a strange emblem, one she was unable to see clearly, but one she knew was significant.

Treyanna smiled.

Feeling pleased with the results of her meditation, Treyanna went to the control console in the centre of her room and operated the holographic projection system. She then activated the recording of the battle, played it at half speed and watched it carefully, taking note of any ship that stood out from the others. She watched as six fighters broke away from the main battle and headed toward the stern of one of the cruisers.

Treyanna looked carefully at the emblem on the tail fins of these ships, and noticed they were unlike any other in the Mabraantan fleet. Pausing the recording, she zoomed in to get a clearer look. It was the head of an eagle with a gem clasped in its beak and ‘Kopaz-01’ beneath the shield. It was an unusual image for a starfighter squadron. She wondered what it represented, and why this squadron was allowed a different type of marking to all the others.

Resuming the projection, Treyanna continued watching the battle. After the second cruiser was rendered useless and heading for the planet’s atmosphere and imminent destruction, the ships that bore the eagle emblem re-joined the main battle. They appeared to be wreaking havoc among her fighters. She marvelled at their tenacity and skill. The superior firepower was ripping her ships apart with ease, and the lower powered lasers of the Zilon fighters were having no effect on them.

Using the identification marker, Treyanna picked out the one ship she was particularly interested in, the one that bore the designation ‘Kopaz-01’ beneath the emblem. Watching with keen fascination, it was obvious to her that this pilot performed far above the skill level of his comrades. She was amazed at his unwavering persistence against overwhelming odds. It also appeared that even her pilots, whose abilities had been enhanced by magic, had been unable to tail him long enough to get a clear shot.

The Empress was able to determine without doubt that this squadron caused the greatest losses to the Imperial fleet, including two of her prized battle cruisers. She was not surprised when the recording revealed six of the ten fighters that survived the battle bore the eagle emblem on their fins.

He would make a strong ally in the expansion of this Empire, she mused. Treyanna tilted her head sideways, deep in thought. She then opened the comm channel and recalled her aide. He appeared promptly.

I need you to send a communiqué throughout the Empire. All commands are to check every MCI starfighter they encounter for any that have the squadron marking of a green eagle’s head holding a gem in its beak on a blue shield, and the name ‘Kopaz’ beneath it. They are to report its whereabouts immediately on sighting.

Yes Ma’am.

Treyanna took a deep breath and exhaled slowly through pursed lips while calming her spirit. This individual has cost me a small fortune in ships and crew, but he is a worthy adversary. Treyanna was beginning to realise her decision to attack Mabraant without offering a peaceful resolution was a mistake she should have avoided making. She had relied too heavily on her contacts, and her desire to use the fleet’s full potential, without taking time to truly weigh up the potential consequences of direct action.

Admiral Jeffron was correct in being cautious. I should have heeded his unspoken opinion. She laughed at how easy it was to make an error of judgement and do the very thing one sets out trying to avoid doing. She only hoped it would not prove too detrimental to her plans.

The Imperial troops deployed to the planet experienced little resistance from the Mabraantan ground forces. The defenders knew there was little chance of repelling such a large assault force and surrendered quickly, hoping to keep their losses to a minimum. The defeat of their entire defence force had weakened their resolve considerably, thus contributing to their decision.

Treyanna, her disciples, and numerous squads of Eloran Commandos arrived on the planet soon after they received the proclamation made by the Governor. She and her three disciples proceeded to alter the memories of those gathered as soon as they were able to have an influence on them. Much to their frustration, the sorcerers found their magical powers and abilities were even more inhibited on the planet surface than they had been in orbit. Unfortunately for the inhabitants, it did not prevent the Imperials from pursuing their sinister task; it merely increased the time it would take to achieve it.

On landing, they were met by ten government officials, two senior military officers, and several squads of soldiers deployed in a protective ring around the landing site. Treyanna sensed they were there for the protection of the Governor and his associates only.

Governor Framp welcomed her to Mabraant, introduced those who accompanied him, and then led them to the Senate offices. By the time the party was seated in the secondary audience chamber, the governor and senators had had their minds altered sufficiently enough to be malleable to Treyanna’s proposals.

Governor Framp, I must advise you that our military action was not taken lightly. Can I assume that by deploying your battle fleet, you had no intention of welcoming us to your planet, or even considering any offer we might have presented? asked the Empress.

The ensuing silence in the chamber was ominous. Governor Framp swallowed hard, feeling extremely uncomfortable. Admiral Yurgat glared at him, his eyes boring deep into Framp’s soul, adding to his discomfort. The other senators avoided looking in his direction.

You assume correctly Your Highness, he stammered. However, we now see that decision was erroneous. Alternative arrangements were being considered moments before your fleet arrived. We expected some form of communication from your fleet commander prior to the engagement of our forces. When we did not receive any, we assumed hostile intent and took the only action deemed necessary.

Admiral Yurgat’s expression softened a little, but he remained angry with both the Empire and the Governor for the way the situation had played out. Despite this, his current thoughts were of reconciliation and acceptance. He also wanted to restore the fleet to its former glory, but under the overall command and service of the Empire. He was perplexed why he felt so accommodating toward the Imperials, having been a staunch opponent to any possibility of accepting Imperial Rule over Mabraant.

Believe me when I say the decision to engage your fleet was indeed an error on my part. I see now that we could have avoided an aggressive confrontation.

Treyanna sounded sincere, but her disciples knew it was only an act. They knew perfectly well that even had contact been made, the Mabraantan Governor would have refused an audience. Not one single Imperial agent had been able to manipulate and arrange a meeting with any official.

Now then gentlemen, what has happened, has happened and cannot be undone. Perhaps we can put the past behind us and forge a new peaceful transition to Imperial rule. There is still much to be gained from a union with the Hebradon Empire, even after such a display of aggression on both sides. We will gladly welcome Mabraant into the Empire with no repercussions, and we promise a peaceful and prosperous future.

The Governor discussed the situation with his senators, all of whom knew there was no choice regardless of what they decided. The future was already set out and nothing would change that now. There was no hope of deliverance by the forces of the Ladorran Republic, so they accepted all of the terms and conditions of Imperial rule. The memories and ideals implanted by the sorcerers had done its work, and so the last of the dominant systems of the Gaashox Quadrant was ensnared into the mighty Hebradon Empire. If her sister had been successful in her campaign, there would be only one more system left to conquer: Breolis.

Her ultimate ambition was to bring the Hefrask family immense wealth, power, and the rule of the entire galaxy, something she was well on her way to achieving. She was, however, about to make the same mistakes other Imperial rulers had done in the past: Expand her Empire beyond the comfort zone and stretch her forces too far and too fast.

Would this act of aggression against Mabraant bring her ultimate victory and stability, or would it be her downfall? Only destiny knew the answer.

The senators left to carry out their required tasks to bring order to the planet, and Governor Framp excused himself momentarily, leaving the Empress alone with her disciples for a while.

She instructed Bruzargat to contact the Vindicator and have the garrison equipment deployed, along with the special devices required to complete the subjugation of Mabraant.

Bruzargat, Pakrowask, and Grizarbuc were the three remaining sons of Klapozan, a former Senator of Krelath who met an unfortunate accident at the hands of Senator Kegrassio and his accomplices. The other two children were killed with the father, but the three managed to escape and fled the system, eventually settling on Hebradon. Many years later, Empress Treyanna Hefrask encountered them by chance and discovered that all three were adept in magic.

The three Krelathans became her disciples, trained in the art of the magic with the emphasis on utilising the principles of Megrein, and the discoveries the two sisters had made themselves. They studied everything with eager willingness, soon becoming a great asset to the Hefrask sisters and the Empire.

While Bruzargat relayed the orders to the Vindicator, he was advised that Roweyna had been successful, and everything was proceeding according to plan. The Aloshix and Rhyma Systems had been subdued without bloodshed, and the few uprisings that formed following the conquest had been dealt with effectively.

Treyanna was pleased with her sister’s performance, proving her decision to give Roweyna command was a good one. That now left only the Breolis System. Everything had proceeded more perfectly than she could have ever imagined possible, despite the few military engagements. The first phase of her dream was almost complete.

Chapter Three

Breolis Seven, Breolis System, Fazaal Sector, Gaashox Quadrant

The Mabraantan pilots of the MDF and Kopaz Squadron remained subdued as they headed toward Breolis Seven. After passing through the atmosphere, they flew over the seemingly never-ending sand dunes of the equatorial region, and then set their heading toward a large mountain range situated in the lower area of the Northern Hemisphere. Vegetation remained sparse at the lower fringes of the mountain area, but it increased the farther north one travelled.

After flying over the mountain range, Grogaan decelerated, turned to face south and stopped in front of a sheer cliff face. He then hovered on the thrusters as he removed a control pad from a small compartment on the left side of the cockpit. Keying in a code he waited patiently.

Grogaan had not told them anything about their actual destination on Breolis Seven, only that there was an old installation that was left by a race long forgotten, one they would be utilising while on the planet. The pilots were perplexed at the fact that there was no sign of that installation anywhere. They had not seen one, nor had the sensors detected anything that indicated there was a base anywhere.

The rest of the group were curious about what Grogaan was doing, and whereas Kopaz Squadron knew better than to question him, Parrin, who was still unable to trust him fully, was unable to remain silent.

What are we doing hovering in the middle of nowhere? he demanded.

Grogaan did not respond.

This is beyond . . .

Shut up Parrin, retorted Doraant. Just shut up and wait patiently like the rest of us.

Before Parrin was able to snap back, the rock face began opening, revealing a hidden cavern. Eldaan gasped. How the heck did you come across this place?

I’ll tell you all about it while we have some refreshments in the canteen, replied Grogaan.

Zaack was the only one who knew what Grogaan was doing, and why. He had divulged a few secrets after apologising about the issue over his adeptness in using magic. He revealed where he had been disappearing to, where and how he obtained the money to fund their ships, and what he had prepared for the future. Zaack promised not to divulge any of it to the others; it was not his secret to tell.

Once inside and the main lights had flickered on, the sheer size of the cavern was revealed. After shutting down all systems, they climbed out of their ships and followed Grogaan as he headed for one of the doors to the side. He led them through a maze of corridors before entering the canteen. Once inside, Grogaan took out a large bottle containing a blue liquid from the cold storage cabinet and poured everyone a drink. He sensed Parrin was angry, frustrated, and still possessed little trust in him, so he went to the next room to switch on the air conditioning, making him wait for a further explanation.

Lusiana was close to tears, relieved to be alive, and could hardly believe they had made it to safety. She was saddened over the loss of so many Mabraantan pilots, many of them friends, but most of all she was heartbroken at the thought she might never see her mother or sisters again.

Joeen sat close to her, feeling both elated and dejected. She was also relieved to be alive, for having survived the battle, and concerned over the fate of her family. She was desperately missing her cousin Julienna, the friendship and the companionship they shared, and hoped she was safe.

Doraant and Eldaan were delighted to have survived the battle, and thankful that Grogaan had given them an escape route, thus saving them from certain death.

Three of the MDF pilots were grateful to be alive. They owed their lives to Grogaan, felt guilty for being alive when so many had died, and were filled with regret at the circumstances behind their departure. Parrin, the fourth MDF pilot, sat stony faced, revealing his anger and dislike at being so far from home.

They were the ten fortunate ones to survive thanks to Grogaan’s forward planning: Zaack, Eldaan, Doraant, Joeen and Lusiana, the pilots of Kopaz Squadron; Parrin and Solarn, from One-Four-Three Squadron; Arron and Marck, from One-Five-Two Squadron.

Grogaan returned to a silent canteen, sensed how everyone was feeling, and knew it was going to be a long uphill climb for them to come to terms with what had just happened.

I just can’t get over this place. When were you ever away long enough to find it? asked Eldaan, speaking before Parrin had chance to voice his unwanted opinions.

Grogaan sat down between Zaack and Joeen and took a sip of his drink before answering. It was about four and a half years ago after one of Collatin’s visits. He brought some microdisks with him that contained very interesting information. There were plans and details of settlements established by a race called the Buthalans. A large colony of them had left their homeworld of Shaqua in the Ladorran Quadrant about five thousand years ago, settling here on Breolis Seven. They eventually adapted to the desert conditions, but around half of their colony died during that time. It was those descendants who created the whole complex, utilising many natural caves and tunnels and enlarging them gradually over the following centuries.

So how did Collatin come across those data discs? asked Doraant.

"About twenty years ago, he fled to Shaqua to escape the Imperial Forces. He found a similar complex to this one deep in the mountains, and that is where he found the microdisks with details of this complex. Of course, Collatin had never heard of Breolis Seven, nor in fact had anyone else he knew. He tried everything except exploration, but then had a breakthrough. One of his computer experts stumbled upon an encrypted file that took weeks to decipher. It contained space charts showing the entire Ladorran and Neaffrox Quadrants, as well as the Fazaal Sector.

He decided to be adventurous and investigate. He had to be careful naturally, not knowing who or what he might run into. Apparently, the whole expedition had taken over five months.

The other pilots looked at Grogaan with amazement. A whole new realm was opening to the young pilots, one they thought had never existed. Zaack already knew a lot, but Eldaan and Doraant began linking a few facts together, and then realised just where their friend had been disappearing to. They looked at Grogaan and smiled. Grogaan nodded in confirmation at what he sensed they were smiling about.

Parrin remained sceptical about Grogaan and didn’t really believe what he was saying. Even so, he refrained from making any further comment, knowing one of his friends would retaliate.

Solarn sat upright and placed his drink on the table. Hey Grogaan, you seem to know more of what’s been going on, so tell me, who the heck did those battle cruisers belong to?

The Hefrask sisters, if you really want to know. They are the rulers of the Hebradon Empire, which now includes the Mabra System and probably every other system in the quadrant.

How did they get hold of them? I thought they were only found in the Ladorran Quadrant you told us about, asked Arron.

They used to be, but a large part of the fleet disappeared after their Emperor was defeated. Shortly afterward, several were seen passing through the Breolis and Mathea systems. That was about ten years ago.

So how do you know all this Grogaan? There was disdain in Parrin’s voice.

Grogaan took no notice of the man’s tone. Collatin possessed a large collection of microdisks he had built up over the years. They contained details of most of the events that had transpired over a twenty-five year period before the collapse of the Belocian Empire. He told me of the most important events and allowed me to view others from the discs. They told me a great deal about his quadrant and the events that shaped it to what it is today. You can view some of the microdisks sometime if you wish.

Maybe I will one day, said Parrin.

If those battle cruisers escaped to our region of the galaxy, why didn’t the Ladorran Republic forces pursue them? asked Marck who was intrigued by what he heard.

Probably because they had more important issues to attend to, and they were short of ships that could engage them with any chance of victory. They suffered considerable losses in the battles against the Belocian fleet. Of course, not knowing what was beyond their quadrant’s outer regions made it a dangerous and risky course of action to undertake.

I see your point, conceded Marck.

Shouldn’t we fly over to Breolis Primar and inform the Governor of what’s happening? suggested Arron.

That wouldn’t be a good idea. It’s a high probability that Breolis Primar has already been conquered or will be too soon for any good to be done. Besides, we wouldn’t have much hope of surviving another battle, and the Breolan fleet is too small to be of any threat.

So, what do we do now? asked Parrin with undertones of scepticism.

There is only one thing to do. We travel to the Ladorran Quadrant, try to find our senators, and inform them of the tragedy before they return to Mabraant.

And how are we going to do that? These fighters may have lightspeed drive units, but there is no way we could travel that far in them. Not forgetting there is also one major obstacle between us and the Ladorran Quadrant: The Mantoa asteroid belts, said Parrin rather too smugly for comfort.

Grogaan stood up. Follow me.

The others followed him as he made his way through several short corridors and sturdy metal doors, finally ending up in a cavern at least four times the size of the one they had landed in. The pilots were astounded at the sheer size of it, and equally surprised by the medium sized transport ship that was parked in the centre of it.

Where did that ship come from Grogaan? asked Doraant. And all that equipment and supplies? he added when