Wind and Fire

[Krulle]

Fertile Spring sounds like a very .... promising name for an "encounter"....


Also, nice stories.
I can really imagine how the Pipolsid wave their "tentacles" at our Human curiosity.


Thank you very much!

[Snoofman]

Fertile Spring sounds like a very .... promising name for an "encounter"....


Also, nice stories.
I can really imagine how the Pipolsid wave their "tentacles" at our Human curiosity.


Thank you very much!

Well... if the name fits. After all, a Loroi's name shall reflect her/his essence.

Say no more about "tentacles", you naughty thing. I never intended for it to be suggestive, but now that you mention it...

[Krulle]

Didn't put it next to each other to be suggestive....

I just wanted to bring it back to elements I really liked...

See, how it all goes down the drain...

[Snoofman]

Didn't put it next to each other to be suggestive....

I just wanted to bring it back to elements I really liked...

See, how it all goes down the drain...

I understand. How easily we humans take things out of context... and misunderstand each other.

[inxsi]

Enjoying the story - thank you for posting it. I suppose it is good for both Tempo and Greywind that Tempo did not observe what Greywind did in the dream. I wonder if accusing Greywind of being jealous of the mother would go over worse than accusing Greywind of lusting after Ben. On the other hand, it is humorous (and I'm enjoying) that Greywind is always complaining about the loroi females around her Also enjoying what you are doing with the way loroi dream - it is a pretty interesting idea. And nice to see that they are wondering about the human lotai and how to get around it.

Interesting that Fireblade, Beryl, and Alex just vanished - was that part of the fanfiction this was based on? It has been a while since I've read that.

[Snoofman]

Enjoying the story - thank you for posting it. I suppose it is good for both Tempo and Greywind that Tempo did not observe what Greywind did in the dream. I wonder if accusing Greywind of being jealous of the mother would go over worse than accusing Greywind of lusting after Ben. On the other hand, it is humorous (and I'm enjoying) that Greywind is always complaining about the loroi females around her Also enjoying what you are doing with the way loroi dream - it is a pretty interesting idea. And nice to see that they are wondering about the human lotai and how to get around it.

Interesting that Fireblade, Beryl, and Alex just vanished - was that part of the fanfiction this was based on? It has been a while since I've read that.

Thank you for reading and feedback.

Loroi history is one of endless strife. So I think it's a safe bet that there be plenty of blue gals complaining about other loroi or butting heads, and slow to realise their own flaws. I wouldn't call Grey's feelings for Ben 'lust', but you make an excellent point. I may touch on that subject later.

While I'm trying to portray Greywind as ruthless when it comes to wielding power, and she intends to claim what she wants, I am entertaining the idea that she is not without decency or reason. Though she may be merciless against any she suspects try to use that fact against her.

As far as I can tell in "Looking Forward to the Mirror", I found no mention of Alexander Jardin. This fanfic is merely loosely based on it.

[wolf329]

I am really enjoying this story, you've done very well in realizing Ben as a young human and all the issues that entails wrt to his slightly unprepared caretakers. A very enjoyable, ah, fish out of water scenario for all involved, and the humor is fantastic.

[Dan Wyatt]

Waiting for the next update

[Dan Wyatt]

So far so good I'm really enjoying this story

[Snoofman]

Wind and Fire - Chapter 8

-

Greywind did not like surprises.

Even as a warrior and commander-in-chief with over three centuries of experience, Greywind hated the unexpected. Her mother, as vile a loroi as she was, taught her during Greywind’s upbringing that it was acceptable to hate the unexpected so long as she fulfilled two things; to never drop her mental guard and have the competency to deal with surprises. Either with diplomatic courtesy or brute force.

The old Emperor chose courtesy when Listel Cotton returned to Grand Central Nalir with a semi-moist Ben wrapped in a male’s robe, Ben’s armed escort, and two loroi males. The loroi residing at the Nalir, especially the civilians, nearly went hysterical with inflammation upon sensing three males, even if one was human. But Greywind’s warriors kept the aroused loroi in check with a firm telepathic smack.

The old Emperor did not want to drag outsiders into their affairs. But even so, Greywind could not seem inhospitable to her great, great grandson. One of a few. Besides, Fertile Spring was a loroi gentlemen and generous soul. Though they met seldom, the old Emperor was fond of him. She kept up her mental defences while emanating a gracious aura as she welcomed Fertile Spring and Tenth Dusk as well as their protective escort of four guards.

Even while Greywind walked by Ben’s side to get him a change of clean clothes from his room, he would not stop recounting his adventure at the Aquarium. The little boy was jittery with excitement just by talking about the Pipolsid. Even hopped in his bed to emphasize and dramatize the Pipolsid, to which Cotton had to intervene to calm him down. It amazed the Loroi that a child could erupt with so much enthusiastic energy. Greywind was mildly irked upon learning that Ben fell into the water tanks. While she understood that it was an accident, she made it perfectly clear to Listel Cotton that any further incidents would be unacceptable. And not to bring uninvited guests from then on. Cotton timidly assured the Emperor that they would improve Ben’s safety.

After Ben was freshened up, the Emperor retired to her personal suite with Ben and the party of Loroi. While there were bound to be loroi that voiced how inappropriate it was for loroi to dine in the presence of males, Greywind would pay it no mind. She always was considered an unorthodox loroi. Besides, she knew how to deal with ‘court gossip’. Plus sending away two males after dark in a metropolis was most unwise, even with the securities of the modern age.

While Greywind was reluctant to invite the ambassadors, they seemed more interested in entertaining themselves elsewhere much to Greywind’s relief. Ziga had excused himself to tour the streets of Deinar. As did Dermo. Kablon was composing messages to send back to her plutocratic colleagues as well as her family across the buoy network. Cha was content to simply sit in his room and enjoy the waves of telepathic harmony that filled the Nalir. Typical of a Golim.

While females typically had little contact with males, even those born into their families, Greywind was an unusual loroi in the sense that she enjoyed the intellectual company of males. Males could contribute so much more than just mating encounters. Males had a unique culture of their own, each varying depending on which Sister World they were raised on. Even as wards of the state, males engaged in a wide variety of occupations from the pragmatic to the artistic, to the philosophical and spiritual. Menfolk were particularly good at social management, comforting warriors suffering trauma and were generally passionate about the study of Loroities (the Loroi equivalent of the Humanities). During the Great War, Greywind employed males, including members of her own family, to serve and provide support beyond copulation aboard Cry of the Wind. A fact that the Loroi Traditionalists often used to discredit the current Emperor. Many females did not understand the wisdom and brilliance of males and what they could provide for Loroi society.

For the next few hours Greywind talked (literally for Ben’s sake) with her great, great grandson and his companion. Talking also helped the Emperor to conceal her secrets more easily. In a circle of floor cushions, they sampled dishes upon dishes of Deinar’s amazing cuisine that was delivered to their room. Even the males' and Ben's guards were permitted to join much to their delight. Link would assist with serving occasionally while being permitted to sample the Deinar delicacies. Ben had been offered a few special plates of foods suitable for human consumption.

Ben was simply having the time of his life. Never had he been surrounded by so much good food or seen such an amazing room and been to so many new and exciting places all in one day. He liked the Loroi very much.

“Ben, how is the food?” Cotton asked as she sipped some Deinar wine. Since Loroi were prohibited from drinking alcohol while on duty, they did have some excellent non-alcoholic wines.

“It’s really really good,” said an enthusiastic Ben as he chewed some meat.

“Well, I’m glad you like it but slow down,” said Cotton. “Don’t forget to chew your food. And taste it.”

“Bu-dd I-em,” Ben muffled through the food in his mouth.

“Ben!” Tempo admonished with stern look and a wave of her finger. Another human gesture she learnt. Even if Ben was their guest, the Loroi would not tolerate bad table manners.

Ben lowered his head a little ashamed. “Sf-orr-ie,” he muffled and swallowed.

Spring simply chuckled. Just watching the little human gorge on Deinar cuisine was entertaining all in itself. Dusk, on the other hand, was more fascinated with the Emperor. And try as he might, Dusk poorly concealed his bashful lust. A fact that more annoyed than flattered Greywind. Even in her old age, there were plenty of loroi menfolk that wanted a ‘piece’ of the Emperor.

“So Ben,” Spring asked, Cotton assisting his English via telepathy. “Are you from Earth?”

“Nope, I’m from Grind,” said Ben as he sipped some juice.

Greywind tensed a moment, as did Tempo. They did not want Ben to give away any sensitive information, but would have to wait and see how the conversation played out.

“I’ve never heard of it,” said Spring, taking a bite out of a steamed veggie. “Pity. I was hoping to learn some things about Earth. I find the human homeworld fascinating.”

“You like Earth too?” Ben asked enthusiastically.

“I do,” said Spring. “I’ve only heard stories, though. And seen some pictures.”

“Me too,” said Ben. “But my Mom and I are going to move to Earth.”

“You mean your mother?” Spring asked, to which Ben nodded. “Why isn’t she here?”

“Ben was kidnapped,” Greywind intervened, thankful that she had an excuse to use spoken words. “And I would prefer that we not force the human to relive his traumatic experience. What I can say, however, is that we intend to reunite Ben with his mother.”

“I understand, Emperor,” Spring said, taking the social hint. Even he knew when it was best to leave certain subjects alone.

“Emperor?” Ben asked. “When you find my Mom, can she come here?”

Though her expression was neutral, Greywind was surprised. “Well… that depends. But maybe we can make an arrangement,” she said, practically sucking saucy meat off a bird bone.

“Emperor, you’re the coolest,” Ben said with a smile.

Greywind accepted the compliment as she licked the sauce from her fingers. She relaxed upon sensing that no secrets were at risk of being spilled in the conversation. Perhaps keeping Ben would not be so difficult after all. All they had to do was find Lagertha.

“Ben, what is your mother like?” Spring asked.

“She’s nice,” said Ben. “But a little scary sometimes.”

Now that was humorous to Spring. “Yes,” Spring agreed with a chuckle. “Women can be like that.” Even when the assembled females were shooting Spring dirty looks, his grin did not falter. “What does your mother look like?”

“She’s tall,” said Ben. “With long blonde hair and blue eyes.”

Dusk could not help but become aroused by this gorgeous description. Without thinking, he asked, “Is she beautiful?”

Ben nodded with a smile. “She’s the most beautiful woman in the world.”

Those words alone triggered some sensual reactions within the males, something that made even the females jittery. Ben had no idea what a telepathic storm he unintentionally was stirring up.

>Fertile Spring and Tenth Dusk!< Greywind sent strictly, trying to bring order to the small assembly. >Control yourselves! Or you will leave.<

>Pardon us, Emperor,< the males apologized, struggling to keep their libidos in check. Even menfolk had to practice abstinence for short periods of time in order to maintain decency.

>Let’s switch the subject,< Greywind instructed. “Spring, tell Ben about yourself.”

“Well, what would Ben like to know?” Spring asked nervously.

>Really? Is that the best you can come up with?< Greywind sent annoyed.

Spring looked back at his great, great grandmother with a dumbfounded expression. >What?! You’re putting me on the spot here!<

Ben just asked Spring, “What do you do?”

Spring answered, “Well, I pleasure women.”

Link nearly spat out her wine, a blush rushing to her cheeks and ears.

>Not that, Spring!< Greywind sent irritated. Some males lacked imagination at times.

>Why not? All loroi boys know about this stuff.<

>Does Ben look like a loroi to you?!< Greywind motioned to the little human, who seemed more confused now. >Humans have stricter taboos concerning sexual activity. Talk about anything but sex!<

“What do you mean you ‘pleasure’ women?” Ben asked confused.

Spring froze, unsure of how to answer without talking about his sexual career. “I… I… mean… I entertain women,” he said nervously under Greywind’s intense glare.

Ben cocked an odd eyebrow. “Entertain?”

“Y-yes-ss, I… I am a composer… in my spare time,” Spring’s words stumbled awkwardly out of his mouth.

Greywind resisted the urge to bury her head in her hands in embarrassment. Tempo could not help but offer an amused grin.

“What’s a composer?”

Fertile Spring sighed as he explained as simply as he could. Spring composed telepathic symphonies. He loved to share music with the loroi he met. The Toridas Monastery was one of the most pristine places on all Deinar and highly palatial. To live there as a male was considered honorary. Males upheld their status and position at the Monastery either by contributing with pragmatic work or entertaining loroi with artistic performance. Performance in the bedroom was not enough to keep a male's position at the Toridas Monastery (a fact that Ben did not need to know). Spring also studied music from alien cultures and shared these with his fellow Loroi. He also managed to collect a few music samples from Earth.

Spring also studied alien cultures in his spare time. Although loroi were discouraged from accumulating material possessions, his habitat was littered with alien treasures and trinkets from every world. Ben was excited to learn that Spring had even managed to obtain just a few items that found their way to Union territory all the way from Earth. Some of these he obtained from a few shops in Toridas that specialized in selling alien objects. While many high-ranking loroi were reluctant to allow their civilian masses to be influenced by Terran culture, it seemed unnecessarily strict to prohibit the import of trinkets and collectibles. While many loroi considered materialism to be vulgar, that didn’t stop a few loroi from wanting some Earth objects. And since loroi civilians would probably never get to see a human, these Earth treasures at least gave the loroi a taste of human culture.

“I fail to see the appeal of weighing yourself down with a hill of possessions,” Greywind commented. “Spring, you shouldn’t be wasting your talents on accumulating junk.”

“One man’s junk is another man’s treasure,” Spring replied. “An old human proverb I learnt at one of the alien shops.”

Greywind raised an odd eyebrow at that. “Of course a shop owner will tell you that,” said Greywind, taking a sip of wine.

“Dusk, what do you do?” Ben asked the other male.

Tenth Dusk avoided a reprimand by leaving out the details of his sexual career and said, “I’m a Chronicler.”

“Huh?”

“I mean I record and keep ancient Loroi history.”

“You mean like Cotton?” Ben motioned to the Listel, taking a bite out of a star-shaped fruit he picked up from a platter.

“Sort of,” said Dusk. “Men like us don’t have the same responsibilities as women. But we still help by making our own contributions. My own mother was a Chronicler and wanted me to uphold our legacy and archives. Both in printed word and in memory. And I’ve done it for one-hundred thirty years.”

Ben dropped the fruit from his hand in astonishment. “A hundred thirty? Dusk, how old are you?”

“I’m one-hundred and fifty years old,” said Dusk proudly.

“No! Way!” said an amazed Ben. “Spring, how about you?”

“Oh, I am thirty-nine,” said Spring.

“But you look so young.”

>Quite a charmer, isn’t he?< a flattered Spring sent out.

The rest of the loroi shared their ages, much to Ben’s amazement. But Ben was dumbstruck upon learning that Greywind was over three centuries old, to which Ben replied with a blunt, “That’s old!”

The men could not suppress their snickering at Ben’s brash observation.

“Yes… it is,” Greywind simply replied.

“But you’re still very pretty,” Ben said to cheer the Emperor up.

An awkward silence fell over the assembly. Even the amused smiles vanished from Spring’s and Dusk’s faces. Complimenting a female's beauty was not wrong, but coming from a male could be interpreted as making a pass. And while the loroi were certain Ben was making no such advances, it still seemed mildly shocking.

Greywind simply gazed neutrally back at Ben and broke the silence, “Thank you, Ben.” She took a sip of wine.

Ben enjoyed his food and drink with an innocent smile, having no idea how he shook the small assembly.

“So… Ben,” Spring thought of something to distract the loroi from the awkwardness. “How old are you?”

“Five,” said Ben, taking another bite out of his star-shaped fruit.

“Five?! You humans seem to age slowly.”

Ben shrugged. “I guess we do.”

“I like you, Ben,” said Spring. He turned to Greywind. “Emperor, if you have no objection, I think Ben would enjoy the Monastery.”

“Monastery?” asked a curious Ben. “What’s that?”

“A Loroi Monastery is a home for menfolk like us.”

This gave Ben new reason to be excited. “Oh, Emperor, can I? Can I?”

That gave Greywind pause as she kept her inner thoughts contained. Truthfully she did not want Ben to wander to too many places. But isolating Ben would come off as conspicuous. And on the other hand, the Monastery was one of the safest places on Deinar. Though it would be wise to increase Ben's protective escort.

Greywind gave Tempo a look. Tempo simply stared back at her Emperor and offered a slight grin. A visual sign that she too was of similar thought.

“Well, I do have some business to attend to at the Capital Complex,” Greywind said firmly. Which was true. The Capital Complex was connected to the buoy network's vast sea of interstellar information. And also linked to the Terran Embassy's information sent to and fro. It was a perfect opportunity for her and Tempo to search for Lagertha while Ben was preoccupied. “I suppose it’s fine… as long as there are no more accidents.”

Ben cheered, “You’re the best emperor in the world.”

Greywind raised an odd eyebrow at such an inconsistent compliment. “I’m the only emperor in the world, Ben.”

“Yeah. And that’s why you’re the best!”

That gave the assembled Loroi reason to laugh. Except for Greywind who was trying to understand a human child’s logic.

-

After the small party finished their meal, the Loroi and Ben retired to their respective rooms. Accommodations were arranged for Fertile Spring and Tenth Dusk until they could return to the Monastery the next day. Along with their guards. Initially the Emperor intended to sleep as soon as possible to enter the dreamscape. But Tenth Dusk’s lust was practically radiating off of him during their meal. And it didn’t require sanzai to know that his thoughts were focused on her. At over three centuries old, Greywind’s facial features had become chiseled with a few wrinkles and bags under her cerulean eyes. Yet many Loroi still considered the old Emperor to be beautiful. While the old Emperor had more pressing matters to worry about than to fret over appearances, it was pleasant to be complimented. Especially when it came from someone as young as Tenth Dusk.

Unable to bear the middle-aged male’s ogling and guilty grin, Greywind rolled her eyes and motioned for him to follow to her bed. While Greywind could no longer bear children and did not have the same urges as in her youth, she was not disinterested in coupling. And it had been many years since she felt a male’s touch. Her skin tingled with sensation even before Dusk actually touched her as he helped the Emperor to strip out of her armor and pull down her jumpsuit. The middle-aged male needed no aid as he eagerly whipped off his attire with lightning speed and hopped onto the bed after Greywind.

Greywind and Dusk had gone several rounds that evening and tried several positions. It was a good thing Greywind’s suite lay a good distance from other guests’ rooms or the whole Nalir might have gone telepathically hysterical. Greywind’s long hair made certain positions and moves awkward. Though that didn’t hinder Dusk’s performance. Dusk would scamper across the room after each round to fetch more water for both of them. As pleasurable as an ‘encounter’ was, it was still work and quite dehydrating. Another challenge of mating was for higher-ups like Greywind to keep their inner thoughts and sensitive information concealed. Fortunately, Greywind had centuries of mental discipline to keep her secrets even when indulging herself.

After spending themselves, Dusk lay content beside Greywind’s left side with his right leg propped up and his arms stretched across the pillows. He sighed with satisfaction. Greywind had no doubt he was going to brag to his friends that he lay with an emperor. Even Loroi males liked to boast about their exploits. Greywind rose from the bed and fetched a towel to dry herself.

Dusk gazed at Greywind’s long purple cape and asked, >Is your hair heavy?<

>What a trivial question,< Greywind remarked as she rubbed her sweated brow and neck with the towel.

>I’ve done so many warriors and, even when they allowed me entry into their minds (among other places), I just never understood why women put so much thought into their hair.<

>Of course you don’t,< Greywind remarked, wiping her chest and arms. >You're a male and don't have to bear the same burden as a warrior. A warrior’s hair is not just a symbol of her pride and status. It symbolises the length of her triumphs and tozons of survival. A tribute to her legacy. To not take care about your hair would be the equivalent of not caring about one’s legacy.<

>Fascinating,< sent Dusk as he propped himself onto his elbows on the mattress. >But is it heavy?<

>Hush and dry yourself off already,< she threw him a towel, wiping her thighs with her own. >Anyway, yes. It is heavy.<

>How do you avoid straining your neck with all that weight then?< Dusk asked as he jumped off the bed and grabbed the cast towel.

>You get used to it,< Greywind sent back. Upon wiping herself clean of sweat, Greywind cast the towel into a laundry shoot. >Dusk, switch the sheets.<

>Me?!< a stunned Dusk asked as he finished drying himself. >Can’t your attendant do it, Emperor?<

The old Emperor gave him a look, combing her aged fingers through her purple hair. Attendant Link had been permitted to retire for the evening. >You just went all the way with me,< sent Greywind. >Now you get to earn it.< She strode to her wardrobe to fit on a robe.

The shorter male pouted as he tore the filthy sheets off and laid fresh covers on the mattress. All while he marched around naked, grumbling like a pampered boy. It was not uncommon for males to be so cosseted by their caregivers that lifting a small rock seemed strenuous to them. Hence why they were encouraged to engage in occupations outside copulation.

Upon fixing the bed, Dusk hopped back on the mattress, still nude, awaiting the Emperor’s return.

>What are you doing?< a robed Greywind asked as she sat on the bed’s edge.

Dusk was taken aback by the question, as if his actions did not seem obvious enough. >I’m getting ready for sleep,< he answered cheekily.

>Your accommodation lies down the corridor,< Greywind politely informed him. >In the same room with Fertile Spring.<

>With Spring?< Dusk asked confused and disappointed. He really wanted to lie with the Emperor.

>You’re not sleeping with me.<

>I’m not?<

Greywind’s dead serious glare was answer enough.

>I… I’m not!< Dusk took the message and quickly jumped from the bed to pull on his jumpsuit. >By the way, your highness, while not as fascinated as my companion, I can’t help but find it interesting that you seem to be keeping a young human so close.<

>Yes?< Greywind sent simply as she lay in the bed’s center, pulling her long hair up.

>Well… do you like him?<

A mildly stunned Greywind just stared back at Dusk, still and speechless for a few solons. While the Loroi technically have no direct translation for the F-word, Greywind passive-aggresively sent what was essentially the sanzai equivalent of, >Get the fuck out.<

Within a matter of solons Dusk was out of the Emperor’s suite but not before bowing and thanking the Emperor for her company and wonderful sex. In a desperate attempt to save face. Greywind rolled her eyes and collapsed on the bed.

As Dusk walked to his room, he ran into Tempo in the corridor. >Oh, pardon me, Mizol Torimor Tempo,< Dusk sent sincerely. >What are you doing up at so late a time?<

>On my way to the Emperor,< Tempo politely sent back. >That’s all you’re entitled to know, Tenth Dusk.<

>Oh!< Dusk’s eyes went wide with imaginative surprise. >I had no idea the Emperor was so curious.<

A mildly offended Tempo stared back at Dusk, stunned that even a male should have such depraved ideas, and sent, >Get the fuck out of here.<

Tenth Dusk embarrasedly scurried off to his room, wondering why he was suddenly having such rotten luck with the females. Tempo marched to the Emperor’s suite to prepare for her delve into the dreamscape, but not before sending to Dusk, >And don’t you dare go thinking aloud your perverted deviations!<

[wolf329]

Greywind: Well, why don't you two tell Ben about yourselves.

male Loroi:

Greywind:


Also, it would be a funny change of (fan fiction) pace if they met Ben's mom and found her as attractive as most human men tend to find loroi women.

[Quickdraw101]

Dusk is a cheeky little bastard, isn't he?

[Snoofman]

Dusk is a cheeky little bastard, isn't he?

He's not trying to be one...

[Jethreuel]

My gut instinct is that Dusk is actually close to Eternal Endurance or someone else in opposition to Greywind and this is a ploy to find out ways to either discredit her 'rescue' Ben from her.

[Dan Wyatt]

Nice!
Looking forward to the updates.

[raistlin34]

For a three centuries old Emperor, Greywind is begining to act in a significant "mom way" uncommon among Loroi. I wonder if she ever realizes how much Ben is influencing her, and if the mental link is the cause of it.

[inxsi]

I'm caught up now and just want to congratulate you for giving me my best laugh in weeks when Fertile Spring corrects his career from "pleasuring" women to "entertaining" them. Very well done! Greywind should give herself kudos for not burying her head in her hands

I enjoyed the rest of it but that part was the highlight. Thank you for continuing the story.

[Snoofman]

Wind and Fire - Chapter 9

-

Grey wiped sweat from her brow. A few weeks had gone by since the diral were sent into the Perrein woods. After updating the Elders via the datapad, Greenscale was officially appointed the diral leader. After losing one of their girls weeks before, Greenscale had indeed transformed the camp into a small fort. Wooden spikes had been erected and every loroi equipped with a weapon, which were mostly wooden spears and stone daggers. Other amenities like a hut and a stone cooking stove to prevent sparks from being cast around the forest were also built. Greenscale’s popularity seemed only to increase. She was ingenious, resourceful and charismatic. Everyone seemed to love her. Except for Grey.

Greenscale had also split the group up into three teams; one third to defend the base, one to gather resources and the third to hunt stalker nests. Stalkers were solitary creatures that liked to hide their young within large openings within the giant fungal trees. Greenscale’s hunting party ravaged them. It did not sit well with Grey to slaughter young, even if they were predators, but understood that this was a matter of survival. And stalkers were clever but simple predators not interested in revenge. Greenscale’s strategy was to make it clear to the stalkers that it was unwise to make nests in areas where their young were in danger. And it worked. Within the next few weeks, there had been fewer attacks on their camp. Greenscale’s triumphs as diral leader boosted her reputation among the loroi. The few stalkers that remained would scratch at the camp’s piked walls, but sent scurrying back into the woods with arrows laden with poison collected from bioluminescent mushrooms. The toxins of Perein’s wilderness could make effective weapons and a quick way to either stun or bring down predators. The only downside was that certain toxins that entered the animals’ flesh made it unsuitable for consumption. So they had to be careful about which poisons they used.

Despite their adversity toward each other, Greenscale surprisingly wanted Grey to join their hunting party. There were still bitter feelings between the two, but Grey knew that they didn’t have to like each other to cooperate as a team. All that mattered was finishing her trial with what honor she had left.

Today the group had climbed up the giant roots of a fungal tree where they sensed a faint mental presence inside.

>Over here,< Cliff sent out to the hunting group. >Found some kittens!<

The group closed in around Cliff and saw a litter of three small stalkers, hissing and screeching at the Loroi.

>Good job,< sent Greenscale as she eyed the little beasts. She drew forth the diral’s knife and moved into the tree’s opening. The stalkers kittens backed away, their prepubescent screeches intensifying.

Grey could feel their fear. >Wait,< she sent. >This doesn’t seem necessary.<

Greenscale looked back at the former-leader turned subordinate with incredulous eyes. >What’s the problem, Grey?<

>The problem is that we’ve killed enough kittens,< sent Grey. >There hasn’t been a stalker for days. It seems clear that they’ve gotten the message to move on.<

>So what?< scoffed Greenscale, playfully rolling the dagger over her fingers. >They’re beasts. Their needs are trivial compared to our own. Besides, we can always use some more meat.<

>I’m no Listel, but killing off too many predators can disrupt the local ecosystem,< Grey sent out angrily. >And there’s a difference between killing for survival and butchering for the joy of it.<

The whole hunting group stared dumbstruck at Grey for her outburst. Greenscale just non-reactively approached Grey with the knife in hand.

>I don’t think you fully appreciate what I’m trying to do for this diral, Grey,< Greenscale sent with disturbingly calm conviction. >Including for you.<

>Spare me your charisma,< Grey spat. >It may impress the diral, but it doesn’t impress me.<

A dangerous silence descended on the group. Grey and Greenscale locked eyes with each other.

But Greenscale surprised Grey and the diral with a smirk and sent, >You’re still angry about losing the leadership to me. Aren’t you?< Grey did not answer as Greenscale continued, >The leader has to make the tough choices. The success or failure of a diral rests on the choices the leader makes. So…<

Greenscale flipped the knife in her hand, its handle facing a bewildered Grey.

>Here’s your chance to prove that you are a competent leader,< Greenscale sent, before addressing the rest of the diral. >I want everyone to witness this. If Grey here fulfils her duty to protect the diral from predators, I will forfeit the title and restore the diral leadership to Grey. And she will demonstrate the steel of her nerve by clearing out this nest.<

Surprise and shock swept through the diral. There was no sense of deception coming from Greenscale. The loroi could not believe that Greenscale was willing to give Grey back her title if she did what was asked. And Grey was torn. Her gaze switched from the knife to the hissing kittens. Technically the kittens were just animals. Their needs were secondary to the needs of the loroi. They would have shown no remorse or regret in killing a loroi, but stalkers killed for food. Not for the joy of slaughter. Now Greenscale was making it easy for Grey to win back the leadership, but at what cost? Was it right to kill animals just to make a point? Grey did not even bother to conceal her thoughts as she weighed Greenscale’s offer against the value of Grey’s own compassion.

In the end, Grey concluded that sacrificing three stalker kittens was worth reclaiming the leadership.

>Fine then,< Grey sent coldly, taking the knife in hand.

>Get to it then!< said Greenscale with a satisfied grin and stepped aside.

The way to the three stalkers kittens was free now. With a deep inhale, Grey steeled her resolve and reached in to grab the first kitten by its neck. The kitten fidgeted and fought as it tried to wiggled free, hissing and snarling in mid-air, swiping its claws that had not fully developed yet. With a swift motion, Grey thrusted the knife into the stalker’s neck, ending it instantly. The loroi could sense the stalker’s thoughts subside as its brain shut down.

The loroi cheered. Suddenly Grey felt good. The Loroi loved her again. Yes, this was good. She was reclaiming her title and reputation by making a necessary sacrifice. Throwing the dead stalker to the ground, Grey reached into the nest with even less hesitation and drew out the next squirming kitten. A quick thrust of the blade ended the second stalker as well. And Grey tossed it to the ground also.

The hunting party cheered their comrade who was redeeming herself in their eyes. They chanted in unison, >Grey! Grey! Grey!<

Driven with new resolve and joy, Grey reached for the last kitten and held it for all to see. This one showed no resistance. The kitten didn’t even squirm or fight back. Just shrivel up into a ball.

>Shred it! Shred it! Shred it!< the girls all chanted. All except for Cliff who stood with arms crossed. She seemed unimpressed and even disturbed by the butchery, but accepted it.

Grey looked over at Greenscale, who surprisingly had a satisfied grin on her face. Grey paid it no mind and readied her dagger. The kitten, seeing the impending strike, shrivelled into a smaller ball and squealed.

Grey stopped upon hearing its cry, her eyes locked with the kitten’s. While beasts cannot make the same facial patterns or eye gestures as loroi, Grey could see the pleading look in its eye.

>What’s the matter, Seed-head?< one loroi called Stone sent.

>Come on, Grey! Just kill it!< another called Harmony sent.

Even as Grey tightened her grip on the knife, she couldn’t do it. She could sense that the stalker showed no hostile intent. Just genuine fear for its life. Killing the kitten was the fastest and sure way to reclaim her position as diral leader. But this didn’t feel right. The kitten did not place the diral in danger. It just wanted what all living things wanted; to live. Killing something weaker did not seem worthy of a warrior.

>Do it!< Greenscale commanded with a wicked smirk.

>NO!< Grey shouted, dropping the kitten. It scurried back to the safety of the nest, but was stopped as Greenscale smashed an aggressive foot down and broke the kitten’s neck.

>This is exactly why you are not fit to be leader, Grey,< sent a disappointed Greenscale.

>What kind of leader preys on the weak instead of taking on a real challenge?<

The group’s focus turned sourly on Grey for calling out their leader. Greenscale took an authoritative step and came face to face with Grey.

Greenscale’s tone was dead serious as she sent, >The kind that stamps out the weak before it has a chance to grow dangerous. As any competent Mizol would understand.<

Grey’s fists tightened as she struggled to keep her expression calm, but it was hard to conceal her loathing anger toward Greenscale.

>Now pick up the meat, Grey,< Greenscale snorted as she led her loyal diral members back to the camp. Grey could feel the diral execrate in her direction, but she paid it no mind. The heat of their detestable thoughts toward Grey subsided as they walked farther away from her.

All except for Cliff, who stayed behind to help Grey. Ever since losing her position as leader, many within the diral started to despise Grey for her failure to keep one of their sisters safe. Now that she failed to carry out Greenscale’s last command, those negative sentiments were certain to be amplified. At this point, Grey did not know which was worse; living with her austere mother or living with abhorring teammates. Grey blamed herself for her failure and weakness. Her chance to reclaim the position as diral leader slipped from her grasp. All because Grey had a soft spot.

Cliff, however, still chose to be by Greywind’s side. While Cliff accepted Greenscale as the diral’s leader, she preferred the company of Grey. Cliff was as talkative as the moment they met. It was a little much for Grey, but she had to admit that Cliff was nice. Like Grey, she came from a family of influential Mizols. Cliff was more interested in connecting and socializing with people than seeking glory and high status, as was typical of members of powerful familial clans. Grey should know. Her mother was obsessed with it. Especially since the third Emperor had given Rainlash a position within her court.

>How come you didn’t kill the last stalker?< sent Cliff as she picked up a dead kitten.

>I just couldn’t do it,< Grey said simply, looking down at the last, dead kitten.

>You managed to kill the first two,< said Cliff as she picked up the second kitten. >Why the sudden change of mind?<

>I’m not as ruthless as the legendary Tempest,< said Grey bitterly. >If someone or something has to die by my hand, it will be a foe worthy of hatred.<

Cliff arched a curious eyebrow at such a proclamation. >So… is prey worthy of hatred?<

>Oh shut up, Cliff,< Grey snapped as she finally picked up the kitten that fell prey to Greenscale. She didn’t have the time or patience to engage in an ethical argument.

The two of them began their trek back to the camp.

>Phew, is it just me or is it getting hotter?< Cliff said, wiping sweat on her forearm as she carried the two stalkers.

>It seems so,< Grey muttered. While Perrein forests were typically dark all year round, protected from the sun’s intense rays overhead by a massive canopy, the drought had become so bad that the giant trees were shedding bits of their canopy just to preserve their trunks.

>I wonder if they’d consider towing in a comet right before they shred it to bits, just for a little quench,< said Cliff. >It wouldn’t be the first time-<

Pop!

Cliff was more startled than Grey as she leapt with a frightened screech. A dried out mushroom had given its last as it popped, releasing its powder of spores. Cliff was not so bad, just a bit much for Grey. Then again she was not used to Cliff’s bubbly personality.

>Woah,< Cliff snickered with relief. >That was scary!<

Grey just sighed with a roll of her eyes as they trudged on. At times she wondered how of all the ‘true’ friends she could have ended up with, it had to be Cliff. Someone of her demeanor did not seem to belong in the Mizol caste. Then again, no one was perfect.

>Hey, Grey,< said Cliff. >I hope you’re not offended. And I promise that I’m not going behind your back. But since you don’t like to talk about your mother, Rainlash, I’ve asked around a bit to learn about your past. But I swear I’m not trying to be sneaky or spread gossip or anything-<

>Oh, just get it out already,< Grey insisted, a little annoyed how Cliff was beating around the bush.

>Well, I’ve heard how hard your mother has been on you,< Cliff tensed a bit, expecting a backlash for bringing up a sensitive topic.

Grey, while slightly agitated, simply shrugged it off. >I guess news flies even out here in the woods. Is there a point you’re trying to get to?<

Cliff pursed her lips nervously, mustering up the courage of whatever it was she was struggling to convey. >Well… I was just wondering… if you’d like… when our trials are finished… would you like to join my family clan?<

There were a lot of things that Grey was expecting, but not that. She gave Cliff a wide-eyed look at such a bold request. Grey would have sooner expected Cliff to enlist Grey’s help to ask Rainlash for some favors, but not this.

>I’ve told you about my own familial clan,< Cliff admitted. >And once our trials are done, I could arrange for you to visit. I think they’d be happy to receive you. Plus I’m sure you could impress them with your skill and intelligence.<

>Why would your family possibly be impressed by somebody that lost a diral leadership?<

>Well, you seem like a great loroi to me. You don’t have to be a leader to be a good Mizol,< Cliff sent sincerely.

>Why?< Grey asked bemused.

>I like you,< Cliff sent with a sheepish grin. And she meant it.

Grey was flattered by the offer. Her relatives of her familial clan would disown her if she chose another clan if they did not approve. Then again, her relatives were just that. Loroi feeling obligated by blood ties. What did Grey owe them accept gratitude for providing care during her upbringing.

A stranger’s sending broke Grey’s chain of thought.

>Grey!<

A confused Grey looked around trying to see who was sending to her. But saw no one.

>Who calls?< Grey sent back. >Cliff, do you hear that?<

>Hear what?< answered Cliff. >Hear what? Hear what? Hear what?<

Grey was momentarily shocked as Cliff’s form turned transparently fuzzy, her facial features becoming unrecognisably blurry, her form seeming to walk in repetitive motion while not going anywhere.

>Grey,< the stranger sent out again from nowhere.

The voice sounded familiar to Grey as she remembered hearing that voice from several weeks ago. Or was it just yesterday? But that didn’t make sense.

That is when Grey suddenly remembered that this was the voice that sent to her from outside a dreamscape. The same voice that led her to that human, Ben.

>I remember you now,< Grey sent back, paying no mind to the blurry projection of Cliff’s form. She dropped the stalker meat. >I’m dreaming, aren’t I?<

>You are,< the voice answered.

>Let me guess! You want me to find that boy, Ben, yes?<

>Right on!<

Grey did as the voice instructed the first time.

>Ben! It’s me, Grey. Answer!<

Within moments, a reply came. “Mom!”

Grey followed the childish voice, leaving behind the blurry projections of her past. Within moments, she found Ben, calling out for his ‘Mom’ in the woods of Grey’s dreamscape.

“Mom!” Ben shouted.

>Ben, I’m here,< Grey sent.

Ben turned surprised and saw Grey. Grey recalled how scared and timid he was upon their first meeting. But Ben seemed more curious now than frightened and stood his ground.

“Who are you?” Ben asked.

Grey strode slowly toward him. >Don’t you remember me? I'm Grey. We met yesterday.<

Ben seemed more confused than ever. “I… I don’t remember you.”

>I helped you find your mother, remember?<

Ben thought a moment as it seemed to slowly come back to him. “Y-yeah. Yeah I remember now. You were there. The nice girl.”

Grey blushed at that compliment. No one had ever called her nice before.

>Quite a charmer, isn’t he?< Grey sent out to the voice.

>Oh, stop acting like a jittery teenager,< the voice strictly instructed. >You and I are here because we have a job to do.<

>Alright! Geez,< Grey groaned.

“Who are you talking to?” Ben asked, noticing Grey send out to no one in particular.

>Strange how he still does not sense my presence or my sanzai,< the voice sent intrigued.

“Grey, who are you talking to?” Ben asked again.

>Oh, I… I…< Grey nervously thought of something to say. Since she and Ben were linked, it seemed unwise to lie and lose his trust. >I’m speaking to a friend.<

Ben tilted his head even more confused. “But there’s no one else here.”

>It’s… a friend you can’t see.<

Ben tilted his head curiously. “Like an imaginary friend?”

Having an imaginary friend was a very alien concept to a Loroi who interpreted life more literally than any other race, but Grey nervously sent back. >Yes. Something like that.<

Ben eyed Grey down skeptically, as if evaluating her. “Are you like crazy or something?”

>What?! Absolutely not.< Grey felt a bit insulted.

Ben just shrugged, taking her word for it. “Okay. But what do you want form me? Are you going to help me find my mom again?”

>Yes, Ben,< said Grey.

>Alright then,< the invisible voice sent to Grey. >Follow my instructions…<

-

Grey did as the voice commanded and instructed Ben to think about the Delrias that kidnapped him. Since Ben did not really know what a Delrias was, Grey had to describe its appearance. Upon naming fur and four ears, Ben recalled the aliens that possessed those traits. Following Grey’s request, Ben thought back and opened a pathway to his memory lane. Hand in hand, Ben and Grey followed the path. A small room materialized before them where eight humanity children were being held. The room was relatively clean, but its scent was aired and metallic. Certain surfaces and areas appeared blurry and fazed out, likely because Ben’s memory could not capture every detail of this environment where the Delrias held him captive. Discounting Ben, Grey counted three boys and five girls of different ages and different skin colors. Some swung their limbs around in boredom. Others seemed to be playing hand games. Some of them huddled with their legs tucked in, crying and weeping. Grey could not help but pity these poor humans.

>Is this the place where the aliens kept you, Ben?< Grey asked as she looked down at Ben, who was huddled in a corner of the room on a floor cot. That must have been where the little human spent his time as the Delrias’ captive.

“Yeah, this is the place,” Ben answered, the emotional turmoil of the memory seemed to weigh on him.

>Truly amazing how you can see into his memories,< the voice said. >Try to explore the environment. We need to find something that will help us to identify the ship.<

Grey tried to leave the room. The door was locked. It was frustrating how even in a dreamscape there were obstacles to overcome. Grey asked Ben to think of a time when the Delrias entered the room. Ben thought and the surrounding environment shifted and warped only slightly. The projections of the eight other human children flashed away and instantaneously reappeared in new locations. A Delrias entered carrying a box, likely containing food for the children. Judging by its short stature, it was likely a male. The children scurried away from the seemingly fearsome biped. Before the Delrias sealed the door, Grey slipped out. Naturally the Delrias projection paid Grey no mind since she was not part of Ben’s memory. But Grey could go no further upon seeing nothing outside. Just a blank slate.

>There’s nothing outside the room,< sent Grey.

>Naturally,< the voice admonished her. >How could Ben possibly know what lay outside the room while he was holed up? Try to go to a moment when he was outside the room.<

Grey relayed the instruction, Ben all the while having no idea about the invisible voice Grey was conversing with. The little human thought and the surrounding environment flashed and rearranged itself to a point in time when the Delrias returned with another. The two Delrias began binding the children’s wrists and herded them out of the room, including Ben. As much as Grey wanted to reap vengeance on these Delrias scumbags, she knew that inflicting harm on a projected memory was pointless. She simply followed the Delrias out along with the herded humans. Scanning the area, Grey looked for something, anything that could be a clue to identifying the ship. An insignia, a ship name or portrait. They passed by a third Delrias that seemed to regard the little humans with cold indifference.

>I can’t find anything,< sent Grey. >There’s no logo or brand on the walls. And how am I supposed to identify these Delrias.<

>There has to be something,< the voice assured her. >Keep trying!<

The children were shuffled into an umbilical cord leading to another ship. The surroundings started to fade out into a blank slate as Ben walked further away.

Grey called out, >Ben, wait! Stop!<

The figures of humans and Delrias seemed to freeze in place as Ben looked back at Grey.

>Ben, come back! Think back to when the Delrias took you out of the room.<

“You mean like a rewind?” Ben asked.

Grey seemed to understand Ben’s reference. >Yes, like a rewind.<

The figures in the room seemed to move backwards as the memory in the dreamscape played back several moments and then resumed forward motion. Once again, Grey watched as the Delrias marched the children down the corridor and passed the third Delrias. This time, Grey focused on the third Delrias as Ben walked past it. The towering hulk of fur’s blurry features manifested into more minute details as Ben walked by and looked up at the stern looking Delrias. It muttered something indistinguishable, which struck Grey as odd until she realised that Ben could not possibly have understood a Delrias dialect. Grey used this moment to look for anything on the Delrias that could be a hint before Ben moved on. Within solons, she saw a symbol imprinted on the chest of the Delrias’ EVA-suit.

>I see a brand that seems to be a lightning bolt behind a winged Delrias figure,< sent Grey.

The voice was silent a moment as Ben passed by the Delrias, its distinguishable features blurring away.

>House Rubon,< the voice said with recognition. >A prominent family of Delrias plutocrats engaged in interstellar trade. That could be our clue. Well done. Now let’s see if we can see what happened to Ben’s mother.<

>Got it,< Grey replied before calling out to the boy. >Alright, Ben. I know where to find your mother. Think about the last time you ever saw her.<

The dream dissolved away and a new subconscious projection materialized in its place. Grey stood in the corner of a dark room with only a single lightbulb lighted, illuminating Ben as he lay on a cot with back pressed against his mother with her arms encircling his smaller frame.

Grey sneered as she watched the same crone speak to her son. She could not help but feel the tinge of something spiteful. An angry, stinging feeling in Grey’s chest. Could it be bitterness? Was it jealousy? But what was there to be jealous about? These feelings inside her did not make sense. Loroi were discouraged from feeding these thoughts.

“I can’t believe we’re really going to Earth,” Ben said with a smile on his face. “Mommy?”

“Yes, sweetie?” Lagertha answered.

“You said you came from Sweden, right? Are we going there?”

“Y-yes,” Lagertha answered, though Grey could have sworn that she sensed some hesitation in her voice. Grey paid it no mind as the memory played out. “Yes, Sweden was my birthplace… long ago.”

“I can’t wait to see it,” Ben said excited. “Are we going to dance around that weird pole like you used to during the summer?”

“It’s called a Maypole, Ben,” Lagertha gently corrected him. “In Sweden we call it Midsommarstång.”

“Why?”

“It’s a pole we erect once a year to celebrate the longest day of the year,” said Lagertha, gently rubbing her child’s golden locks. “It’s a special holiday where we celebrate the warmth and comfort of summer after the long, dark winter.”

It was undeniable that Grey found this alien holiday fascinating, even though she could not fathom what it was like.

“Can we dance around the pole?” Ben asked again.

“S-sure, when it’s summer,” Lagertha seemed to hesitate in her response again. “Solklart, min älskling.” Lagertha tightened her embrace around her son. “You’re going to have a new life, Ben. I promise you’re going to be happy.”

“I’m happy as long as I’m with you,” Ben said as he placed a hand on Lagertha’s forearm.

Grey’s glare lightened as she watched the affectionate display. >He really loves her.<

>Indeed, he does,< the invisible voice said analytically.

“Oh, Ben,” Lagertha said with a quiver as she kissed Ben’s golden head. “Listen. I know I’ve been rough for a while now. But what I do now, I do for you. Life takes you to unexpected places. Love brings you home. So no matter what happens, remember that. And be brave.”

“I will, Mom,” Ben whispered.

The bond between Ben and Grey allowed the Loroi to understand the import and feeling of Lagertha’s words. Many Loroi regarded spoken words as tools of deception, and yet Grey seemed to feel how this masked woman’s words carried her motherly compassion. Grey’s view of Lagertha softened. Suddenly the crone did not seem so bad.

A wailing sound suddenly shuddered through their ship followed by a clank, as if something had clamped onto the vessel. Lagertha rose from her lying position.

“What’s that?” Ben asked.

“The ship has stopped,” said Lagertha. “They’re here.”

“Who’s here?” Ben asked as he also sat up.

“Ben, get up and come with me,” Lagertha instructed as she jumped from the bed.

“Where are we going?”

“Just come on! I promise everything’s going to be okay.”

“Go where? I thought the trip to Earth was going to take many days.”

“Please, don’t argue and just come on,” Lagertha insisted.

A confused Ben simply rose from the cot and followed his mother out of their room. Grey followed them through the airid corridors of their ship. The Loroi was in for another surprise as more children were led out of other rooms by other adults, whom Grey could only assume were their own respective parents. Within moments they came to a small cargo area. The children were herded together, waiting for whatever was going on.

A door leading to an unknown section hissed and slid open. Eight Delrias, including the one bearing House Rubon’s insignia, strode into the small chamber with blasters in hand. Two of them carried a sealed crate in. Ben saw his mother place a firm hand on the firearm at her side. A few of the human adults also had guns.

That struck Grey as odd. What was happening here? And why would Lagertha bring the children to this showdown?

>I can vaguely sense what you are seeing,< the voice sent to Grey. >This seems most strange.<

The Delrias of Rubon stepped forward. Lagertha did likewise until they were within a few paces of each other.

“Dew-u-ha-fem,” the Delrias mumbled. The speech sounded garbled. Likely Ben did not clearly hear what was being said at this time.

“Ve-haf-vad-u-ant,” Lagertha answered. “U-got-fe-goos?”

“Uv-kurs,” the Delrias mumbled back. It motioned toward the two Delrias bearing the crate and placed it before Lagertha. They popped the lid open, revealing layers upon layers of golden bricks.

>It looks like gold,< said Grey astonished. >Maybe the Delrias and humans are trading.<

>Trading?< the voice said bemused. >But what could the humans have that the Delrias would trade for?<

But Lagertha said something to the Delrias that even Ben seemed to understand at that time: “The mine is yours.”

>The ore mine!< the voice said upon audibly recognizing what Grey was relaying through her link with Ben.

“Done,” the Delrias mumbled. “Dime-to—gif-us-fe-shil-ren-also.”

“Wait!” Lagertha shouted. “This isn't everything! You promised more!”

“Lagertha, what are you doing?” A human male called out. “Just give them what they want!”

Lagertha took an aggressive step toward the Delrias, her grip tightening on her pistol. “Jävla utomjordningar! No deal! Get the kids out of here!”

The humans hesitated, but keep their hands protectively on the children. The towering, furry biped roared some outrage. Several of the armed Delrias gripped their weapons in anticipation.

Ben dropped to the floor, cradling his troubled mind in his hands. >I can’t watch,< he cried. >I can’t watch this again!<

Even while Lagertha was shouting some indiscernible profanities at the Delrias who were raising their weapons, Grey lost interest in their feud and moved over to Ben.

>It’s alright, Ben,< Grey sent trying to comfort him. >It’s just a memory.<

The chamber and images of aliens began to shudder and fade. Ben was losing his hold on the dreamscape.

>No, wait!< the voice called desperately. >We’re not finished. We still need to know-<

>Ben, calm down,< Grey futilely tried to sooth him.

“I don’t want to be here,” Ben kept crying as his world crumbled around him. “It’s too much!”

Grey reached for Ben as the dreamscape fell apart. >Ben, wait!<

-

“Ben!”

Greywind’s eyes shot open as her mind emerged from her subconscious state. Tempo knelt by her side. The old Emperor’s wakening was not intense as the first few times. Greywind huffed with frustration as she sat up on her bed.

>Damn it,< Greywind cursed. >We were so close to seeing what happened to Lagertha and the other humans aboard that ship.<

Tempo could sense that Cotton was still resting in the nearby room. Which suggested that Ben was also still slumbering. No doubt he was still sleeping.

>Emperor, perhaps we could put you under again while Ben is still-<

>That won’t be necessary,< Greywind sent to Tempo as she lay back down. >Ben seems to be unwilling to relive that particular moment. But at least we found another clue. It seems Ben’s testimony was truthful after all. I suspected that the Delrias violently boarded the humanity vessel. But it seems they were allowed aboard to barter with the humans. I believe the humans intended to sell their ore mine on Grind to the Delrias in exchange for gold.<

>I vaguely saw the details based on what you sent me,< said Tempo. >That must have been the moment before the Delrias took Ben and the children. But what happened to Lagertha and the other humans? Did the Delrias kill them? Were the humans double-crossed?<

>Possibly,< Greywind replied. >The Delrias seemed to draw weapons as Lagertha’s feud escalated with their apparent chief. But I have not seen enough to confirm that Lagertha was killed.< Greywind sighed as she rubbed her temples. >We’ll try again tomorrow night. Now we have a suspect that we can track.<

>A Delrias associated with House Rubon,< Tempo nodded as she caught on. >Aboard a ship making visits to the Great Wastelands.<

>Well done, Sentinel.<

[Krulle]

Well done.
I like both parts of the dreams.
Greywind's own past, and the change into Ben's past.

Very nice, thank you.

[Dan Wyatt]

So, an interstellar child trafficking organization.
Someone's going to get suicided inside the prison cell!