Category: The Three Realms (Book 2: The Rise of Living Metal)

Arsha had slept a little better now that she had Foresna and Gorfanth living with her. As they shared the bed, Arsha was between her lovers. She stirred and felt her stretching be interrupted. She looked at both sides, then smiled as she stroked the Human and Minotaur. They stirred and moved to face Arsha. “Hello Beautiful,” whispered Foresna.

“Good Morning, Foxy,” rumbled Gorfanth.

“Morning, Farm Boy, Hooves,” returned Arsha. The two men then smooched her cheeks, causing her to giggle a bit. “…Much as I wanna stay like this forever,” sighed Arsha, “there’s still a trial to finish.”

“How did your planning session with Lord Benthe go?” asked Gorfanth as they got out of bed.

“Very well, actually,” replied Arsha as she moved to the closet. “We might have a chance to sway Uluntan.”

“I hope so,” muttered Foresna as he grabbed his towel. “He’s a stubborn one.”

“I hope he decides in favor of Mechanica rights,” wished Gorfanth. “She needs more than one group supporting her.”

“Well, we’ve still got today to convince him,” answered Arsha as she laid out her clothes. “I’m confident he WILL see reason.”

---

After breakfast, the last day of the trial began. Everyone was pulling out all the stops as they planned their arguments. Everyone gathered in the amphitheater and took their places. Uluntan then came in. “All rise for the honorable Judge Uluntan!” called the bailiff. Everyone stood up.

“Be seated,” directed Uluntan. As everyone sat down, Uluntan banged his gavel. “Court will now reconvene for the trial of Mechanica rights. As this is the last day, there will be no more requests to gather evidence. I will be giving my decision tomorrow morning. As a reminder, defending Mechanica rights is Mrs. Kalodina Avonamei of the Over-realm’s Chromanian Sea Merfolk Kingdom. Arguing against her is Mr. Thentra Yaltar of the Over-realm’s Drelda Forest. Madam, Sir, are you both ready to begin the proceedings?”

“I am ready,” confirmed Kalo.

“As am I,” answered Thentra.

“Then let’s end this,” directed Uluntan. “Stenographer, please remind everyone what was decided for today’s proceedings.”

“Yesterday,” the Stenographer answered, “the fact that the issue had gained Divine One attention was revealed. It was declared that both sides would prepare on that subject.”

“Thank you,” bid Uluntan. “Let’s get this underway. Defense, your opening arguments, please.” Kalo stood up.

“As I mentioned yesterday,” she began, “I’m a little miffed Arsha and Endea didn’t tell me about their chat with Lady Sentriam and Lord Benthe as we planned for the previous two days of this trial!” She glared at the two to emphasize her point. “However, what’s done is done. Lord Benthe himself assisted in aiding us in our planning. He did mention that the decision to adopt Mechanicas is split amongst the Divine Ones, so they’ve left the decision to us. I urge that the court gives Mechanicas the rights they deserve so they may be considered the Divine Ones’ children.”

“Well said,” bid Uluntan as Kalo sat down. “Mr. Yaltar, your counterarguments?” Thentra rose from his seat.

“I will be the first to say that I will follow the will of the Divine Ones,” he began. “Whatever decision they make, I will heed. I must say, any decision to leave mortal affairs to us is a welcome one, no disrespect meant, you understand. It shows that they are willing to go with our decisions just as we are willing, generally, to go with theirs. The fact that there IS debate on this matter amongst the Divine Ones shows that there are those who believe haste makes waste. As such, I must urge that now is NOT the time to grant Mechanica rights.” He sat down.

“With all the arguments heard,” declared Uluntan, “we must finish this. Mr. Yaltar, you may call your witness.”

“I call Lady Altrek to the stand,” called Thentra. Purple mist then appeared, then formed into a Minotaur lady in purple. with her amulet fastening her shoulder strap. The lady took the stand. “I know this is rather redundant,” began Thentra, “but please state your name and occupation for the Court Record.”

“I am Altrek,” introduced the Minotaur lady, “the Second Divine One of Air.”

“My Lady, it’s been revealed,” recalled Thentra, “that there are those among the Divine Ones who are against adopting Mechanicas.”

“Yes, and I’m one of them,” confirmed Altrek.

“Could you explain why?” asked Thentra.

“When the Fracturing took place,” explained Altrek, “I was under the impression that we would leave the species as they are. We had the Breath sealed away because someone would weaponize it and it looks like Reb had done so. Need I remind everyone about the Galthar Affair?”

“I pray you, no!” called someone in the crowd.

“Your prayers are answered,” joked Altrek. “In any event, with Sentriam and Benthe urging the sealing of that which they created, I see no reason to grant Mechanica rights.”

“Your witness,” Thentra bid Kalo. Kalo stood and approached the stand.

“Lady Altrek,” she began, “you wished for our current number of species to remain the same since the Fracturing, that is what you’ve said?”

“It is,” confirmed Altrek. “I fear that everyone will run out of resources to sustain the newer species, especially Mechanicas and Chimeras.”

“May I ask who agreed with you?” asked Kalo.

“…I fail to see how that’s relevant,” muttered Altrek.

“I just wish to know if there was a definitive ally to your cause,” explained Kalo.

“Well, no, there’s no definitive ally,” replied Altrek. “We decided by secret ballot to let you lot settle this and were under oath to keep our views secret unless asked. I’m confident that the creators of the Breath would agree with me, that your world is not ready for living machines.”

“You’d be surprised, My Lady,” declared Kalo.

“…What’s THAT supposed to mean?!” quizzed Altrek.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I have spoken with Benthe last night and he has announced his and Sentriam’s support for Mechanica rights,” Kalo called to the crowd. Everyone started chattering about this revelation.

“Order in the court!” called Uluntan as he banged his gavel. “Order in the court! Order! I will have order!” Eventually, the crowd calmed down.

“Forgive me if I’m suspicious of your claim, Kalodina Avonamei,” hissed Altrek, “but I need to hear that from one of them!”

“And hear it from one of them, you shall,” promised Kalo. “I call Lord Benthe to the stand!” Altrek left the stand as Benthe in his Elf disguise took it. “Like your colleague, the Court Record needs your name and occupation.”

“I am Benthe,” introduced Benthe, “the Fourth Divine One of Love.”

“Lord Benthe,” quizzed Kalo, “could you confirm, for your colleague, what you said last night?”

“My pleasure, Mrs. Avonamei,” answered Benthe. “Sentriam and I have discussed what possible advantages could benefit the Realms if Mechanica rights were passed. Granted, we had to acknowledge the possible downsides, but we deemed that the pros outweighed the cons.”

“And you find that we can adapt well with Mechanicas in our lives?” asked Kalo.

“Exponentially well,” replied Benthe.

“Mr. Yaltar, your witness,” directed Kalo. Kalo down as Thentra approached Benthe.

“Lord Benthe, did you consider that the mana needed to fuel many of the Mechanicas would run out eventually?” inquired Thentra.

“It had crossed our minds, yes,” answered Benthe.

“Yet, you still see no problem with this?” continued Thentra.

“Not any problems that can’t be solved,” answered Benthe, “either by Divine One help or the innovation you’re all famous for.”

“I fail to see how innovation can help us,” remarked Thentra.

“Then you haven’t heard of your scientists making a device that can replenish mana crystals?” asked Benthe.

“It’s nothing but a pipe dream,” dismissed Thentra.

“So were skyships and now they’re a common sight across the Realms,” reminded Benthe.

“But skyships took the entirety of the First Age of Unity before they became a reality,” reminded Thentra.

“And, after that, other inventions came easier,” countered Benthe. “Besides, if mana-powered Mechanicas want to protect their fuel source, they would aid in inventing a mana replenishing device. With their aid comes a new era of invention and imagination! I believe that their ideas will make the Realms better than they already are!”

“…No further questions,” declared Thentra.

“Will we be hearing any more testimony today?” asked Uluntan.

“I have no more witnesses,” replied Thentra.

“Neither do I,” announced Kalo.

“Then it is time to hear the closing arguments,” directed Uluntan. “Mrs. Avonamei, you may start.”

“Ladies and gentlemen,” began Kalo, “as we have all heard from both Mechanicas and organics alike, it is clear that we can only secure a better future for the Mechanicas if we work together. We must listen to the Mechanica’s view of things and understand them to make this world a better place. The defense rests.”

“Thank you,” bid Uluntan. “Mr. Yaltar, your closing arguments?”

“Ladies and gentlemen,” began Thentra, “as I’ve said at the start of all this, I wouldn’t dream of obstructing the rights of anyone. However, as I’m sure we all remember, haste only brings problems. While the Chimeras enjoy their rights, there ARE those that will do everything in their power to keep them from doing so. Need I mention the now-closed Vorkath Monastic Hospital and their involvement in Chimera experimentation? We need to be assured that such tragedies won’t happen before we give Mechanicas rights. I urge the court, don’t be hasty.” He then sat back down.

“With the closing arguments said,” declared Uluntan, “Court will adjourn for today until I give my decision tomorrow. Let my words be the final words.” He banged the gavel and dismissed everyone.

---

“Well, it’s out of our hands now,” sighed Arsha as she, Endea, Gorfanth, Kalo, Foresna, and Benthe met in the Conference Room. “All we can do is wait.”

“Waiting, the fun part,” grumbled Foresna.

“Now, now, waiting is needed for a rational decision,” chided Gorfanth.

“I thought that you only quote from The Differences of Lust and Love when there’s a relationship going wrong,” muttered Foresna.

“That specific quote can be used in a variety of situations,” replied Gorfanth.

“He IS right,” remarked Kalo. “We can’t do much else.”

“I hope I DO get my rights spelled out as much as you all do,” sighed Endea.

“If not, I will still treat you as a fellow person and give you the dignity you deserve,” promised Arsha.

“As will I,” supplied Benthe.

“And me,” continued Kalo.

“Don’t forget me!” called Foresna.

“Or me,” finished Gorfanth. Endea’s eyes misted as she smiled.

“Thank you, all of you!” she bid as she hugged everyone.

Arsha’s sleep after the trial’s first day wasn’t peaceful. She was haunted by something, but she couldn’t place what. She was a little groggy as she shuffled to Barmek’s in her night gown. “Welcome to Barmek’s Bar and Grill!” called Mr. Barmek. “Let me get you a seat, Captain!”

“Thanks,” muttered Arsha.

“You look like you could use some Under-realm coffee,” observed Mr. Barmek.

“Whatever breakfast dish will wake me up fast and keep me alert for the day,” mumbled Arsha, “I want it.”

“I know just the dish and beverage,” declared Mr. Barmek. “I’ll be bringing it to you shortly.” He then turned to the kitchen. “The Captain at table 3 wants Galdredan sausage, a slice of Galthar Elf toast with Drelda Fae honey, and a hot cup of Haldebor coffee with Rooka sugar!”

“The up-and-at-‘em special for Arsha on table 3, coming up!” replied Jaltor. The dish’s preparation took roughly 10 minutes before Jaltor set it on the counter to be picked up. “Order up! Single up-and-at-‘em special for the Captain on 3!” Mr. Barmek then brought the dish over and Arsha paid for it. Mr. Barmek decided that Arsha wasn’t going to be receptive to talk at the moment, so he just let her eat her meal in peace. As she ate, her communicator went off. She blearily accepted the call.

“Yes?” she mumbled.

“Captain Royana, you have a pair of men wishing to come aboard,” replied Shalvey’s voice. “They’re asking you by name.”

“Permission granted,” muttered Arsha. “Send them to Barmek’s.”

“Aye, Ma’am,” confirmed Shalvey. The call ended and Arsha returned to her breakfast. She slowly ate her food and drank her coffee, grogginess slowing her down by quite some measure. As she continued with her meal, Mr. Barmek greeted a Minotaur and Human. They spoke with him, then Mr. Barmek grinned.

“Captain!” he called. Arsha looked up from her food, then her expression changed to surprise as she clapped eyes on the Human and Minotaur. “I believe you know these gentlemen?” quizzed Mr. Barmek as he grinned. Arsha rubbed her eyes, then looked harder at the two.

“Hello, Foxy,” greeted the Minotaur.

“GORFANTH! FORESNA!” cheered Arsha, her mood now a happier one. She got up and pulled the two into a group hug. “Ones, it’s been too long! What are you two doing here?”

“Oh, just wanted to deliver good news,” replied Foresna. “Guess who got their requests to live on the Endeavor and High Sky approved?”

“You mean…you boys…?!” gasped Arsha happily.

“Are living with you now!” finished Gorfanth. “Malnar and Falnii are living with Lardeth on the High Sky now. Once Lardeth’s done with his tour of duty, they’ll be requesting to live with us and we’ll all be under one roof!” Arsha squealed in happiness.

“You have no idea how much hearing that lifts my spirits!” she cheered. “Did you guys already eat?”

“We did,” replied Foresna. “We wanted to catch you before you plan for today’s trial proceedings.”

“Well, I’m in a better mind to refine our plan now,” affirmed Arsha. “I’ll have to give you a tour of the ship once this is over!” They continued talking as Arsha ate. Once she finished, she led them to her quarters where they would be living together. She ducked into the bathroom to change into her outfit, ready for the day ahead. She left the bathroom and was embraced by her boys once again. They stayed close for a good while before she broke it off. “I need to go,” she sighed. “Endea needs me. I’ll have you two meet her after today’s proceedings.”

“That would be great!” replied Gorfanth. “See you later!” She kissed them goodbye before leaving the room. As she walked down the hall, she met Endea.

“Kalo’s waiting in the Conference Room,” she reported.

“Then let’s make haste,” declared Arsha.

---

The Amphitheater was packed again and ready for the next day of arguments. Kalo and Thentra took their places and waited for Uluntan. He then came in. “All rise for the Honorable Judge Uluntan!” called the Bailiff. Everyone rose.

“Be seated,” directed Uluntan. Everyone sat down and Uluntan banged his gavel. “Court will now reconvene for the trial of Mechanica rights. As a reminder, defending said rights is Mrs. Kalodina Avonamei of the Over-realm’s Chromanian Sea Merfolk Kingdom. Arguing against her is Mr. Thentra Yaltar of the Over-realm’s Drelda Forest. Madam, Sir, are you both ready to begin the proceedings?”

“I am ready,” confirmed Kalo.

“As am I,” answered Thentra in his usual manner.

“Then let’s begin today’s proceedings,” declared Uluntan. “Stenographer, please remind everyone what I directed both sides to do.”

“Both Mrs. Avonamei and Mr. Yaltar,” read back the Stenographer, “were instructed to argue around the potential for violence between Mechanicas and organics.”

“Thank you,” bid Uluntan. “The defense shall give their opening arguments.” Kalo stood up and began.

“As with any single one of us,” she explained, “the potential to fight IS there in Mechanicas. I repeat, as with any single one of us. Life, in some fashion, runs into conflict and must resolve said conflict by either words or actions. We all try to use words, as do Mechanicas, but sometimes words fail us prematurely. To deny Mechanicas their equal rights on that ground would only prove we are slaves to hypocrisy. I argue that ensuring Mechanica rights will keep the violence between new and old species at a low.”

“Very good, Mrs. Avonamei,” bid Uluntan. “Mr. Yaltar, your arguments?” As Kalo sat back down, Thentra stood up.

“I will concede that violence is inherent in all manner of life,” he began, “but we’ve had the time to temper the need to settle disputes with violence. Mechanicas, on the other hand, are not so disciplined. I argue that, like parents, we must restrict their rights until they are ready.” Some of the parents in the crowd then talked amongst themselves, discussing Thentra’s words, until they heard the gavel.

“Quiet, please,” directed Uluntan. “Mr. Yaltar, have you a witness?”

“I do, Your Honor,” replied Thentra. “I call Transhell to the stand.”

“And here we go,” muttered Kalo. Transhell then rose from his seat and took the stand.

“Please state your name and occupation for the Court Record,” directed Thentra.

“Lieutenant Transhell Ulndrar,” introduced Transhell. “Crew member of the Endeavor, registry CRS-2784, Dauntless…”

“Thank you, we all know what type of vessel the Endeavor is,” interjected Thentra. “Lieutenant Ulndrar, it’s come to my attention that you’re the first person to ever get into a fist-fight with their ship.”

“That’s not something I’d brag about, but yes,” muttered Transhell.

“Please, tell the court what happened between you two,” directed Thentra.

“I was working on a bit of maintenance for the ship when I heard a yelp,” began Transhell. “Endea complained that I was being too rough on her. We argued and then she punched me square in the jaw. How did I get out of it? The Captain put me on waste extraction for the remainder of the day! I was the one wronged and Endea got off scot free!”

“So, you feel as if there was preference involved here,” surmised Thentra.

“Yes!” confirmed Transhell. “The Captain should have, at least, given us both the same punishment! All Endea did was sort Marshii’s medical stuff! I was the one called a racist and she was the one who attacked me!”

“Mrs. Avonamei, your witness,” declared Thentra. Kalo then began her cross-examination.

“Lieutenant Ulndrar,” she pressed, “you said you were the one wronged.”

“I did,” replied Transhell.

“So, how can you explain the racially charged comments of ‘tin can’, ‘garbage scow’, and ‘floating scrap heap’?” inquired Kalo. Transhell gulped as Thentra raised his eyebrow.

“Your Honor, the witness never told me he said any of those things,” explained Thentra.

“Then the question is thus: did you actually say them?” asked Uluntan. “Remember, you’re under oath.” Transhell tried to come up with carefully constructed words, but they failed him.

“It’s true,” he sighed. “I said them in the heat of the argument.”

“The fact is, you still said them,” interjected Kalo. “The heat of the moment doesn’t matter.”

“Objection!” called Thentra. “Your Honor, the heat of the moment wouldn’t have happened if Endea tried a different approach!”

“Objection!” countered Kalo. “Endea DID try the civilized approach and her attempts were met with scorn!”

“I would say I’d need to hear that from her!” declared Thentra.

“She’d be happy to tell you, I can assure you,” replied Kalo.

“Then call her in,” directed Uluntan.

“I call Endea to the stand!” announced Kalo. Transhell sat back down as Endea took the stand. “The Court would like your name and occupation for their Record,” directed Kalo.

“Endea, the living extension of the Dauntless-class skyship, Endeavor,” introduced Endea.

“Endea, could you tell the court what happened during the argument that sparked the fight?” asked Kalo.

“I was telling Transhell to take it easy on the welding torch when he was repairing a bit of paneling,” explained Endea. “He scoffed, saying he wasn’t even touching me with it and I reminded him that I could still feel pain from the ship. He laughed in my face, saying that I didn’t have nerves, thus I was faking it. I told him I could feel just like him, but he dismissed me by saying that there was nothing wrong with his welding. That was when tempers flared and I demanded he treat me better than that. That was when he hurled the aforementioned slurs and I started punching him. A crowd had gathered, then Arsha broke the fight up and ripped into us, sending us off to our respective punishments and snapping at the crowd for doing nothing to stop the fight.”

“Wait, wait, wait, she got angry with the crowd?!” interjected Transhell.

“Zip it!” hissed Thentra.

“No, I won’t!” argued Transhell. “By the Ones, this whole thing is ridiculous! Endea’s warped Arsha’s mind! I’ll bet the Divine Ones won’t accept this!”

“I don’t know, Lady Sentriam and Lord Benthe ARE advocating for adopting Mechanicas as theirs, just as they did with the Chimeras,” replied Endea. That sparked chatter amongst the crowd. Uluntan banged the gavel.

“Order in the court!” he boomed. “Endea, is this true?! You spoke with Lady Sentriam and Lord Benthe?!”

“Both the Captain and I did after the circumstances of my…er…birth, as it were,” replied Endea. “They were both concerned that some of the Breath of Life was still at large and expressed gratitude that we brought it to their attention. They said they would fight to have their peers adopt Mechanicas as their own.”

“Absurd!” scoffed Transhell. “No way will they do so!”

“That remains to be seen,” answered Kalo. “Endea, I’m a little annoyed that you and Arsha didn’t mention this to me.”

“And I must say, the concept of you talking to the Divine Ones,” remarked Thentra, “came out of nowhere. I urge that the court lets both sides gather evidence for tomorrow.”

“I agree,” called Kalo. “This may be necessary testimony to influence one side or the other.”

“Then, tomorrow,” declared Uluntan, “will be the last day of these proceedings. If they wish, the Divine Ones may testify. Court is adjourned for today.” He banged the gavel and everyone left the amphitheater.

---

“And you didn’t mention you actually spoke with them?!” hissed Kalo as she met with Endea and Arsha in the Conference Room.

“We didn’t think that it really mattered so much,” explained Arsha.

“Are you kidding?!” argued Kalo. “Take it from a Sea Witch, the voice of the Divine Ones carries more weight than you think, especially if they are actively fighting for a new species to be recognized as equals!”

“I doubt they’re going to testify,” muttered Endea.

“I wouldn’t be so quick to make that statement,” boomed Benthe’s voice. He then came into the room. Instead of his misty torso form, he was a full-bodied Elf in pink.

“Lord Benthe!” yelped Arsha as she knelt.

“Rise, please,” directed Benthe. “I have taken a corporeal form to assist you tomorrow. I have news that you need to hear.”

“Then let’s discuss what you’re going to say tomorrow, Lord Benthe,” declared Kalo.

After she was deemed calm enough by Marshii, Endea was told to report to the Conference Room. She made her way there and entered to see Arsha and Kalo talking. She cleared her throat, attracting their attention. “Got a more level head?” asked Arsha.

“Aye, Captain,” replied Endea.

“Then come join us,” directed Arsha. Endea sat down. “Kalo, this is Endea, the living extension of the Endeavor. Endea, this is Kalo Avonamei, the defense lawyer arguing for Mechanica rights.”

“So the trial is soon?” asked Endea.

“In two days,” confirmed Kalo. “Right now, the debate is still ongoing. The trial will determine whether or not you get treated better than a few hours ago.”

“We need your testimony,” continued Arsha, “of your work over these three months.”

“Somehow, I think the opponent’s going to use my fight against me,” muttered Endea.

“I think we can come up with defenses for that,” replied Kalo. “Now, let’s start planning.”

---

The trial was held in the Morgonthor Trench’s Great Amphitheater. While the Endeavor stayed outside, Endea stepped inside and noticed how many people were attending to watch the trial. The prosecutor was a male, yellow-skinned Fairy named Thentra. His wings were oddly still as he observed the crowd with great scrutiny. Because the prosecutor was an air-breather that had a vital piece of biology that would be affected underwater, the main stage of the amphitheater was surrounded by an air bubble. Kalo took her position at the defense’s seat and observed Thentra. Just then, a Siren bailiff glided into the bubble in a water chair as an old Cecaelia man took his place at the judge’s seat. “All rise for the honorable Judge Uluntan!” called the bailiff. Everyone rose.

“Be seated,” directed the judge, Uluntan. Everyone sat down as he banged his gavel. “Court is now in session for the trial of Mechanica rights. Defending said rights is Mrs. Kalodina Avonamei of the Over-realm’s Chromanian Sea Merfolk Kingdom. Arguing against her is Mr. Thentra Yaltar of the Over-realm’s Drelda Forest. Madam, Sir, are you both ready to begin?”

“I am prepared,” replied Kalo.

“As am I,” answered Thentra in a cool manner.

“Then, as per tradition, the defense shall begin,” directed Uluntan. Kalo rose and began her opening arguments.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” she started, “there is precedence for us to welcome a new species with open arms. While our start with them was NOT smooth, we still address the Chimeras as friends and fellow people. Their obtaining of rights was too long and, as many Chimeras have stated, Mechanicas should not need to suffer for those rights. I urge that Mechanicas be given the same rights at a rapid pace.” She then sat down.

“Thank you, Mrs. Avonamei,” bid Uluntan. “Mr. Yaltar, your arguments?” Thentra then stood up.

“Far be it for me to deny anyone their rights,” he began, “but is haste truly the best way to make everyone equal? Unless I’m misremembering history, that’s what ended the First Age of Unity with the War of Stars when we tried to quickly introduce Chimera rights to the Realmfleet Constitution. To date, that was the bloodiest war we’ve ever had and I speak for those of us biological immortals who fought in that war when I say we cannot be hasty. I submit that now is not the time for Mechanica rights.” He then sat down.

“With the opening arguments having been said,” declared Uluntan, “we shall begin.” He banged his gavel. “Mr. Yaltar, you may call the first witness.”

“I call Mrs. Gronsar to the stand,” called Thentra. An Orc woman in a business suit then took the stand. “Madam, if you would state your name and occupation for the Court Record, that would be splendid,” directed Thentra.

“I’m Mrs. Galya Gronsar,” introduced the Orc woman, “manager of Under-rail.”

“Tell me, Mrs. Gronsar,” inquired Thentra, “what do you foresee if your fleet of engines were to come alive?”

“Honestly, a lot of lay-offs,” replied Mrs. Gronsar. “With engines talking and thinking as we do, being able to move or stop under their own power, there would be no need for them to have drivers, or firemen in the case of steam engines.”

“And if the engines were the ones to get paychecks instead of the workers you’ve hired?” asked Thentra.

“They’ll circumvent the need for me to pay for their repairs,” answered Mrs. Gronsar.

“Mrs. Avonamei, your witness,” declared Thentra. He sat down as Kalo approached Mrs. Gronsar.

“Mrs. Gronsar, this may seem like a trifle,” she began, “but how much are your workers making on average? Per year, let’s say.” Mrs. Gronsar looked up as she calculated how much her workers earn in a year.

“Let’s see,” she mused, “engine drivers get roughly 50,000 golds per year, firemen for steam engines get 52,000, repairmen earn 60,000…that’s all I can think of as of now without a calculator and worker table in front of me.”

“And repairs to any of the engines,” pressed Kalo. “How much are they per year?”

“I’d say roughly 700,000 golds per year,” replied Mrs. Gronsar.

“So, if one of your engine drivers decided to pay for it,” surmised Kalo, “they would need to put away 14 years of paychecks to pay for the repairs to their engines. But, most of them have families to consider and I’m willing to bet that they would rather put the money to their families instead of their engines.”

“Mrs. Avonamei, forgive me for interrupting,” called Uluntan, “but where is this going?”

“Where this is going,” explained Kalo, “is that, if engines were paid the same as their drivers, they would need to do the same. I have every reason to believe that Mechanicas, much like us, would want to start families and provide for them. They wouldn’t see the logic in hoarding 14 years’ worth of paychecks to pay for one bit of repairs or maintenance.”

“Did any Mechanica say so?” asked Thentra, assured in victory.

“As a matter of fact, yes,” replied Kalo, “but not the Dauntless-class skyship that’s parked outside. No, this is an engine from Mrs. Gronsar’s fleet.”

“I beg your pardon?!” boomed Mrs. Gronsar. “One of MY engines?! I only have two living engines! Who’s testifying against me?!”

“I believe his engine number is 67456,” answered Kalo.

“…Hansar,” hissed Mrs. Gronsar.

“Is this engine here?” asked Uluntan.

“He is, Your Honor,” confirmed Kalo

“Let us see Engine 67456,” rumbled Uluntan. As Mrs. Gronsar left the stand, there was the puffing noise of a steam engine moving slowly. The engine then came in. Much like the engines in Galthar, he had a humanoid upper torso coming out where the funnel would be and he dressed in a repair person’s clothing. He had eight wheels connected by side rods, two side tanks for his water, and a coal bunker behind his cab. Somehow, he was making his own rails so he didn’t ruin the floor of the amphitheater. His driver, a female Leaf Elf, and fireman, a male Minotaur hopped from the footplate. The driver patted the engine’s side.

“Good luck, old boy,” she bid. Mrs. Gronsar was confused as she saw the crew sit with Kalo. Kalo then began.

“Please state your name and occupation for the Court Record,” she directed the engine.

“I’m Hansar, Engine 67456,” introduced the engine. “I’m the station pilot for Under-rail’s headquarters at Realmgate City.”

“Mr. Hansar, tell us,” inquired Kalo, “did you even think about leaving your crew behind?”

“I see no need to,” replied Hansar. “They’re too valuable to me.”

“Too valuable?” muttered Mrs. Gronsar.

“Yes, I can make myself go or stop whenever I wish,” continued Hansar, “but I’m the more reckless of Under-rail’s two living engines. I need other voices to get me to think before I act and my crew does just that. On top of that, my driver, Jalme, can see whether or not I’m functioning properly. When my fireman, Kuljur, was doubting his own importance to me, he asked me if I could reach my bunker. As I can demonstrate,” he twisted his torso and tried to reach back, “no matter how hard I try,” he grunted, “I can’t even reach my cab.” He stopped twisting and returned to giving testimony. “Without him, my fire wouldn’t burn and I can’t refuel it. As you can see, my crew is essential in my life. I see no reason to go anywhere on the rails without them.”

“Which explains another point of mine,” interjected Kalo. “I’ve heard fears of Mechanicas no longer needing organic life to help them. As we’ve all just heard, there’s still a place for us in keeping Mechanicas alive. Since they need us as much as we need them, I must urge the advancement of Mechanica rights!”

“And how would that prevent violence from occurring?” asked Thentra.

“…Pardon?” asked Kalo, caught off-guard.

“They’re similar to us,” continued Thentra, “who’s to say that there won’t be violence between organics and Mechanicas? I believe such a fight happened a while ago.”

“There it is,” muttered Kalo.

“Your Honor, I must urge,” insisted Thentra, “that tomorrow be spent discussing possible race riots between organic and mechanical life if the Mechanicas are granted equal rights right now.”

“Objection!” called Kalo. “Your Honor, I urge that we settle that question today!”

“Objection overruled,” dismissed Uluntan. “Both sides need more time to prepare their arguments of that subject. Court is adjourned for today and will reconvene tomorrow.” He banged his gavel and everyone cleared out.

---

“He can’t delay this!” hissed Arsha as she, Endea, and Kalo met in the Conference Room. She had long put her hairpiece in its drawer in her Ready Room. “We need Mechanica rights NOW!”

“Unfortunately,” sighed Kalo, “all royal families needed to appease those that said such rights are harmful. This trial SHOULD get people to hear both sides of the argument before lines are drawn for war. And, yes, your parents said the trial was necessary.”

“I don’t believe this! My own parents!” growled Arsha.

“There’s nothing we can do,” insisted Kalo. “We need this trial to play out.” Arsha drew in a breath, then calmed down.

“You’re right, we need to be a little patient,” she sighed.

“All right, he’s definitely going to use my fight two days ago,” declared Endea. “We need to figure out how to counter that.”

“Agreed,” confirmed Kalo. “Let’s get started.” The three then planned their defense.

After Endea’s birth, many of Arsha’s missions were centered in the Under-realm. There wasn’t much talk of Endea to Arsha’s knowledge, but Arsha was waiting for it. Right now, her ship was ordered to the Morgonthor Trench, Marshii’s home, to await a famous defense attorney. Arsha was wondering about the particulars of why as the mission was on a need-to-know basis and would be revealed once the attorney was picked up. She heard it would take a few days until the attorney arrived, so she granted shore leave and visitation rights to crewmember families. Marshii had opened a window and flooded her quarters for her family to visit. She got the water to her preferred temperature and sighed happily as the warmth flooded her body. She heard a knock on the exterior of her windows and turned to see her wives and husbands, children, and grandchildren. She opened all of the windows and they swam into the room. She was instantly buried in her grandchildren’s hugging. “Give Grandma Marshii some air!” laughed one of her daughters, Tayasi. The grandchildren obeyed and released Marshii.

“Tolno, look at you!” cheered Marshii as she held one of her grandsons above her. “You’ve gotten so big!”

“I’m a big boy now!” replied Tolno.

“Yes, you are!” agreed Marshii.

“Grandma Marshii,” asked one of her granddaughters, Yella, “is it true that you’re really a grumpy old woman? That’s what my best friend says her daddy told her.”

“Yella!” admonished the girl’s father, Brensha.

“…Do you happen to know if your best friend’s parents work in Realmfleet?” asked Marshii.

“She said her daddy’s a Lootenant here,” replied the girl, Yella. “Do you know Yoltem?”

“Lieutenant Yoltem,” growled Marshii. “Yeah, I know him. Why don’t you tell your best friend, when you next see her, that, if she and her family are tired of hearing about me, they can come to Sick Bay for a visit. I can make it so that they won’t see me again. Won’t you do that for Grandma Marshii?”

“Okay!” promised Yella.

“That’s a good girl, Yella,” praised Marshii. “Now, let’s see if Grandma has some candy for all these wonderful children.” The grandchildren wiggled in anticipation at the promise of candy.

“…That’s not the woman I grew up with!” yelped another of her sons, Tuyabti.

“Oh, here we go,” grumbled another of her daughters, Wollio.

“Look! Out the window!” called one of her husbands, Rootig. “That was Joyalee!”

“…Someone’s gone senile,” muttered her other husband, Gorkon.

“You can’t mistake hair like that!” argued Rootig.

“Rootig, Joyalee and her wife, Kalo, live in the Chromanian Sea,” reminded Marshii. “You know, a Merfolk kingdom in the Over-realm?”

“He’s right! Look!” directed Yella. Everyone gathered at the windows and saw a Mermaid with a green tail and top and long, curly, pink hair.

“…Maybe we’ve ALL gone senile!” gulped Gorkon.

“Take it from a doctor, we ain’t there yet!” replied Marshii.

“What’s she doing here?” asked one of her wives, Bemfin.

“Well, we’re expecting a defense attorney,” answered Marshii, “but she’s a writing and literature teacher. Is Kalo…no, Kalo’s a Sea Witch, the typical job for a Cecaelia.”

“I don’t know,” remarked another of her wives, Fulldio, “Kalo DID study some law.”

“Enough for her to be an attorney?” asked Marshii.

---

A special water chair, similar to Shalvey’s, was prepared as Arsha received word that the attorney had a Mermaid spouse. The Endeavor’s landing ramp opened and Joyalee swam up first, followed by a Cecaelia woman with blue octopus legs, curly, lavender hair, a flower adorning the right of her hair, and a red seashell top. “Kalodina Avonamei,” greeted Arsha, “I must admit I’m surprised YOU’RE the defense attorney I’m picking up.”

“It’s Kalo, please, Your Highness” replied the Cecaelia. “To explain why I’m the attorney, I decided to pursue another degree. Now, not only am I a Sea Witch, I’m a lawyer. You’re only dropping me off after all this is over.”

“All this?” asked Arsha as Joyalee took the water chair.

“Why don’t we retire to a conference room?” suggested Kalo. She then noticed Joyalee bouncing excitedly in her chair. “Joy, sweetheart, you keep moving like that,” chuckled Kalo, “you’re gonna go sideways through time.”

“I’m on a Realmfleet ship!” cheered Joyalee. “I’ve always wanted to be on one that wasn’t a wreck! I mean, no offense to our home, but actually being on a working Realmfleet ship…!”

“It’s exciting,” replied Arsha. “Believe me, I felt the same when I…”

“CALL ME THAT AGAIN, I DARE YOU!” shouted Endea’s voice.

“YOU! ARE! A! TIN! CAN!” answered another. Then there were cheers, jeers, and sounds of hitting!

“And it begins!” growled Arsha as she transferred her hairpiece to her waist and dashed down the hall. She found a crowd of people surrounding Endea as she and a Stone Elf crewman, Transhell were beating the snot out of each other! Arsha then got between them.

“Captain, out of my way!” snarled Transhell.

“I’m sorry, I thought I give the orders around here!” growled Arsha. “What in the Depths is all this about?!”

“Captain, that tin can has no right to call itself our equal!” boomed Transhell. “We built it; it’s made to serve us!”

“I cannot BEGIN to describe my disgust at you, Lieutenant Transhell!” snarled Arsha.

“What?!” protested Transhell.

“Our purpose,” continued Arsha, “is to protect ALL manner of life! That includes living machines!”

“Why should we protect something so unnatural?!” argued Transhell. “It’s made for one purpose, transporting us to our destination!”

“SHE has all manner of right to go above what SHE was built for!” countered Arsha.

“Why are you giving IT a gender?!” shouted Transhell.

“Because SHE chose to be addressed as such!” answered Arsha. “I’ve heard enough from you! You’re going to be working in waste extraction until you see sense!”

“Arsha!” argued Transhell.

“That’s ‘Captain’ to you!” snarled Arsha. “Waste extraction! NOW!” Transhell glared at Arsha, then shoved his way through the crowd to waste extraction.

“Appropriate for a piece of garbage like him,” muttered Endea.’

“You’re not off my list, Endea!” snapped Arsha.

“Pardon?!” yelped Endea.

“What possessed you to participate in a fight?!” demanded Arsha.

“Captain, I’m not going to let his insults go without consequences!” argued Endea.

“There are better ways to address this!” snapped Arsha. “You acting like a child on the playground is NOT the right way! I thought you were more mature than that! You’re reporting to Sick Bay to help Marshii with her duties!”

“Captain!” protested Endea.

“Another word,” warned Arsha, “and you’ll be joining Transhell in waste extraction!”

“…Aye, Ma’am,” grumbled Endea as she moved off to Sick Bay.

“Now, as for the rest of you,” growled Arsha as she addressed the crowd, “did it not occur to you that fights are NOT tolerated in Realmfleet?! You lot signed up to keep the peace, not watch two people shatter it to pieces and do nothing! I am ashamed of you all! Since you were the ones who stood by and did nothing to stop the fight, your shore leave is cancelled! Is that clear?!”

“Aye, Captain,” replied the crowd, collectively deciding not to argue.

“Then get to work, all of you,” ordered Arsha. “Dismissed!” The crowd dispersed, leaving Arsha, Joyalee, and Kalo alone in the corridor. Arsha took deep, slow breaths to calm down. “Kalo, Joyalee, I STRONGLY apologize for what happened,” bid Arsha. “I assure you; this kind of behavior is NOT typical aboard the Endeavor.”

“No, but I’m seeing it in the Over-realm,” replied Kalo.

“What do you mean?” asked Arsha as she returned her hairpiece to its usual place in her hair.

“Anti-Mechanica bigotry has begun to crop up everywhere,” explained Joyalee. “Riots are starting to begin over sentient machines having the same rights as us, anti-Mechanica graffiti is popping up on walls everywhere, the Crimson Diamonds are using this to fuel their illegal business, those are only a few examples of having no clearly defined laws protecting Mechanicas.”

“That’s why I’m here,” continued Kalo. “The trial to determine the fate of Mechanica Rights is in two days and I’m the defense attorney for it.”

“Then, once she has free time,” replied Arsha, “we need to talk to Endea.”

“Very well,” agreed Kalo.

---

“Of all the dumb things you could have done against a racist jackass,” admonished Marshii once Endea got to work, “that was the dumbest!”

“How else can you get someone like him to see sense?!” argued Endea.

“By ignoring his words!” answered Marshii. “If his words made you fight, you gave him ammunition to use against you!”

“What are you talking about?” quizzed Endea.

“He was LOOKING for a fight!” explained Marshii. “He wanted ‘proof’ that you Mechanicas can only work if you’re controlled. He’s going to use the fight as fodder for his beliefs.”

“…I played into his hands,” realized Endea.

“Bingo!” confirmed Marshii.

“But what other ways ARE there to get them to see sense?” asked Endea.

“I know it’s a little late, but let him alone,” suggested Marshii. “It’s going to take longer now, but he’ll give up using you as a target.”

“…I hope so,” sighed Endea as she sorted the potions.

Galthar was back on its feet after a few days. With motive-capable machines now talking and helping the citizens out, the damage during the crisis was fixed very quickly. While they may be considered newborns, the machines were actually adults, most likely because of how they were built long before they gained their new abilities. These new life-forms were classified as Arties and were given the further classification of Mechanica, living machines. “Are you sure you still want a crew?” Arsha asked Endea. “I mean, you can fly yourself.”

“I can,” replied Endea, “but I’d feel safer with a crew. I mean, at least Thangred can learn of any potential problems at a faster rate now that I can tell him what’s wrong.”

“True,” mused Arsha. She then turned to Hindra and Hunmur. “I understand Glathar’s going to be a haven in the event of Mechanicas being denied their rights?”

“It shall,” declared Hunmur. “They have as much right to enjoy the same freedoms as we do. I see no reason to impede them.”

“Whatever Anti-Mechanica Rights movement comes up will hate that a tech capital,” chuckled Endea, “is vouching for us.”

“Yeah, well, they can kiss my butt,” remarked Hunmur.

“I appreciate all that you’re doing, Your Majesty,” thanked Arsha.

“And we appreciate all that you did for us,” returned Hindra.

“May your future be blessed with knowledge and wisdom,” bid Hunmur.

“May your lives be long and happy,” answered Arsha in the correct manner. She and Endea returned to the Endeavor and made their way to the bridge. They noticed an extra chair set up between the Captain’s chair and the First Officer’s seat. It was a table chair and both Endea and Arsha were confused about its presence. Denstra cleared her throat.

“I tried to find a more comfortable seat,” she explained, “but all my family and I had was this, a spare seat from the dining area in our quarters.”

“It will serve,” assured Endea as she sat in it.

“Your next overhaul will need to include a seat for you,” mused Arsha as she and Denstra sat in their own seats.

“If Realmfleet grants it,” remarked Denstra.

“What do you mean?” asked Arsha.

“I’ve checked with Realmfleet and the overhaul logs,” replied Denstra. “The Endeavor’s reached its maximum of 25 overhauls. Any more overhauls will be deemed unnecessary and the ship will be retired from service.”

“But that usually means…” gulped Arsha.

“Scrapping!” finished Endea as she feared for her new life.

“Or being put up on static display,” interjected Nazay.

“Realmfleet’s already GOT a Dauntless-class vessel as a museum piece,” reminded Malak. “Only one museum piece per class.”

“That was before our ship started talking to us,” declared Arsha. “It’ll change when she gets the same rights as us.”

“IF I get the same rights as you,” sighed Endea.

“WHEN,” insisted Arsha. “You WILL see the dawn of sentient machine rights.”

“…Thank you,” bid Endea.

“We’ve got allies,” Arsha called to the bridge crew as she stood up and used the entire bridge as her stage. “We all took care of the Endeavor when she was just a machine and I have every confidence we’ll continue to do so now that she’s holding conversations with us. As far as I’m concerned, Endea’s as much of a crewmember as us, she’s a part of this family! I won’t turn my back on her, I refuse to. While we continue with our missions, we continue fighting to make sure her rights are brought to reality. I expect all of you to protect her with your life as I’m sure she will for us. Is that clear?”

“Yes, Ma’am!” confirmed the bridge crew.

“Good to hear,” answered Arsha. She then sat back in her chair. “Nazay, I believe we’ve got a mission in the Greltharg Merfolk Kingdom.”

“Course laid in,” reported Nazay. “We’re cleared for departure.”

“Nice and easy,” directed Arsha. The Endeavor rose from the landing pad and made its way to a Realmgate.

---

Yulduk’s corpse was far from Galthar’s northern border. It was already in rigor mortis and bowel evacuation. As it laid there, putrefying, the vortex of a Realmgate opened. It was smaller in scale, only large enough to accommodate a Troll, and released Dr. Borg, Tormo, and Jansha. It closed behind them as Dr. Borg ran an analysis on the body. “Only five hours dead,” she reported. “Perfect.”

“Look, are you sure you mastered the spells and tech?” asked Tormo. “We’ve only got as far as the simulations.”

“Now is the perfect opportunity to try a real-world test,” answered Dr. Borg as she set a pentagon of small devices around the body. She then keyed in a command on the display screen on her arm and the devices fired lasers at each other to form a pentagram. “Shanwey yat talyen falunar,” she chanted. “Shanwey yat talyen falunar. Shanwey yat talyen falunar. Shanwey yat talyen falunar. Shanwey yat talyen falunar.” This went on and on as she poured her magic into the corpse. Dark energies then penetrated the body and it convulsed violently. This continued until the corpse opened its eyes and screamed! The eyes were glowing blue as the skin turned ashen and blue lines of light snaked their way across various parts of the skin. “Shanwey yat talyen falunar! Shanwey yat talyen falunar! Shanwey yat talyen falunar! TEL!” The chanting stopped, as did the corpse’s screaming. It blinked and picked itself up as the pentagram was switched off.

“Ugh! My head!” groaned the corpse as it massaged its head.

“And you are?” asked Dr. Borg. The corpse thought for a moment before remembering who it was.

“Yulduk,” answered the body. “I was the Collector for Galthar. I was sick of Hindra and Hunmur’s reliance on Realmfleet. We’re the richest kingdom in the Mid-realm! We ALL can afford to pay! But, no, they likened my collection methods to rape and thus scuttled my arrangement with…” He then remembered. “Reb Rojam, she…no…NO!” Yulduk then screamed in rage. “She DARED stab me in the back! Pirates are under my beck and…wait, she LITERALLY stabbed me. In my head if I recall.” He felt around his head and found the stab wound. “How am I…did you bring me back?”

“I did,” confirmed Dr. Borg. “I didn’t want a zombie, so I found old tomes relating to creating undead like you.”

“But…but…if I am what I think I am,” muttered Yulduk, “then you should be in pain from the damage to your soul.”

“That’s where the pentagram generators come in,” explained Dr. Borg. “They constantly replenish my soul as I perform the ritual. However, I only needed to use it once. You can easily make more of your kind now with no damage to your returned soul. Tell me, do you seek vengeance against Galthar for not recognizing you for what you are?”

“…On Galthar AND the Scarlet Stream pirates!” declared Yulduk.

“Join me and I can grant you vengeance!” promised Dr. Borg.

“Well, there’s nothing for me here,” mused Yulduk. “Why not? I accept!”

“Welcome to the Realm Trinity Empire, Yulduk, the first of my Revenant army!” declared Dr. Borg.

“Before we go,” answered Yulduk, “I have something that may interest you.”

“Oh?” asked Dr. Borg. Yulduk produced a phial from his robes. In it was the pink mist.

“Scientists from both the pirates and Galthar have confirmed this to be the Breath of Life,” he explained. “Let it touch your machines, shut them down, let them start themselves back up, and you will have talking vehicles, ready to obey you.”

“Now this IS a promising start to our partnership,” praised Dr. Borg as she accepted the phial. “Come, let us go back to base. We’ll need more soldiers.”

“I’ll find more freshly dead corpses to make Revenants,” promised Yulduk.

“Excellent,” proclaimed Dr. Borg as she opened the smaller Realmgate. “Let’s go.” All four then entered the Realmgate, letting it shut itself behind them.

---

Arsha and Endea made their way to the All-Ones Shrine on the ship. They needed to talk to Sentriam or Benthe about how they found the Breath of Life. The Priest let them in and the two knelt at the altar. Arsha led the prayer. “Sentriam, Benthe,” she began, “we invoke your names to speak with you directly. We have news that may trouble you as it does us. Please, hear us and speak to us.” The candles’ flames turned pink as pink mist covered the area. The mist then formed two upper torsos within the pews. One was masculine, the other was feminine. More details appeared to reveal Lady Sentriam and Lord Benthe, two of the Pink Divine Ones of Love.

“This is most unusual for you, Your Highness,” rumbled Benthe softly. “You don’t call on any of us that often.”

“What could concern us as well as you?” asked Sentriam.

“It concerns people like me,” explained Endea.

“Who are you, my child?” asked Sentriam.

“Lady Sentriam, Lord Benthe, I am Endea, the living extension of the Endeavor,” introduced Endea. Sentriam and Benthe’s eyes went wide.

“She came to life by accident,” explained Arsha. “This was interfering with her systems.” She produced a phial of the Breath and gave it to the two Divine Ones. Sentriam examined it closely.

“How is this…?” she spluttered. “Benthe, this is the Breath!”

“Bu…but how?!” gulped Benthe. “We sealed it all away after the Great Fracturing!”

“My first notice of the stuff,” replied Arsha, “was when I was Reb Rojam’s prisoner.”

“Whether she’s found it by accident or on purpose,” continued Endea, “is a mystery.”

“In any event, the two of us need to check the seal and see how much escaped,” declared Sentriam. “Thank you both for bringing this to our attention.”

“Endea,” called Benthe, “tell me, have you been mistreated since coming to life?”

“Not yet, but I anticipate it,” sighed Endea. “I mean, let’s not even start with the money-people.”

“It’s always them that argue against progress,” muttered Benthe. “Still, just know that you DO have Divine Ones rooting for you, wanting to help you in any way we can.”

“I’ll try and do things with the means I have before asking for Divine Help,” replied Endea.

“That is all we ask in return,” assured Sentriam. “Just try your best.”

“I will, My Lady,” promised Endea as she bowed her head. She was then embraced by the two before the mist vanished and they departed.

“Well, that’s promising,” mused Arsha. “Your brand of life is well on its way to being adopted into their care.”

“I hope so,” muttered Endea. They got up and left the Shrine so they could return to the bridge.

The Senior Staff was introduced to Endea in short order, as was the Senior Staff of the Forge. Thanks to the ship’s reboot, communications between the Endeavor and the Forge were reestablished. Roozay was surprised to see the Endeavor talking to him. “I…er…well…this is a whole new can of worms,” he muttered.

“How so?” asked Endea.

“Madam, there WILL be people that say machines need no rights,” explained Roozay.

“Oh, crap,” mumbled Arsha as she realized the future legal battle for the rights of sentient machines. “The other side’s going to say that you’re just a machine, built only for one purpose. Having your own ideas will only get in the way of your purpose.”

“Which I find to be a load of nonsense!” snapped Denstra. “Our whole purpose is to engage with new forms of life and protect them! Well, there’s a new form of life right there!”

“Maybe more, if Bashoon tells the Queens,” mused Elmar.

“So the crisis should be resolving soon?” asked Roozay.

“Hopefully,” replied Arsha. “All the same, can the relief fleet get here still? Reb’s fleet is still keeping people out.”

“We would be happy to assist,” promised Roozay. “Arsha, you and I should draft a battle plan once Galthar is back up and running.”

“Agreed,” answered Arsha.

---

“Halt repairs?!” yelped Hunmur once she and Hindra got the message. “Are you out of your mind?!”

“Your Majesty, I understand this is a peculiar situation,” gulped Bashoon, “but, if I could explain…!”

“What’s to explain?!” asked Hunmur. “You want us to order the ones trying to fix this crisis to stop?!”

“It worked with us,” assured Bashoon. “On top of that, it brought our ship to life!”

“And the potential legal battle is one of the reasons why I’m so unwilling to follow through with your suggestion!” snapped Hunmur.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” asked Hindra. Hunmur sighed.

“I was the defense when the Chimeras were demanding the same rights as us,” she explained. “That battle took a thousand years before the courts reached their decision.”

“And you think it’ll take as long concerning living machines?” realized Bashoon.

“Exactly!” replied Hunmur. “What if the courts say ‘no’?”

“With respect,” remarked Hindra, “if we don’t try their suggestion, Galthar may not live to see that battle or its outcome. Being a tech capital, our voice will have some weight to whatever our decision is.” Hunmur pondered a bit, then decided.

“All right, we’ll do it,” she declared.

“You will?” asked Bashoon.

“Hindra’s right,” continued Hunmur. “We can’t advocate for sentient machine rights if our kingdom’s not showing off how such rights improve the Realms. Hindra, let’s draft an executive order for all repairs to cease, then sign it.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Bashoon praised Hunmur. “And thank you, Queen Hindra.”

“Don’t thank me,” replied Hindra, “I didn’t think that was going to work!”

“…Could have waited until I left the castle to say that,” muttered Bashoon.

---

“Still no response from Galthar,” reported Melgem aboard the Scarlet Stream pirates’ flagship, the Black Money.

“This is MOST unlike Hindra and Hunmur,” mused Reb. “What could POSSIBLY delay them? They care about their people, yes?”

“They should,” muttered Yulduk. “Something’s not right.” A man in black pirate clothing then came in. The coat had “SSPS-1794 Black Money” on the back.

“Ah, Blackon, my DEAR ship,” greeted Reb.

“Admiral,” replied the man, Blackon, the living consciousness of Reb’s flagship.

“What news from the fleet?” asked Melgem.

“The Headstrong and Opulence,” answered Blackon, “reported a fleet of Realmfleet ships nearing our position. They fired warning shots and the enemy is holding position.”

“Excellent,” praised Reb. “Oh, I DO hope Hindra and Hunmur see sense. We simply NEED their riches to…” a sound from the tactical console interrupted her. Blackon checked and his eyes widened.

“I don’t believe it,” he muttered. He projected what was going on in Galthar on the main screen.

“Are they…stopping repairs?” quizzed Melgem.

“More than that!” replied Blackon. “They’re shutting down ALL machines!”

“…They know!” realized Reb. “They KNOW somehow!”

“But…how?!” yelped Melgem.

“Admiral!” called Blackon as he pointed to the screen as it focused on the trains of Galthar. The fronts of the engines budded, then the buds grew until they each formed a humanoid upper torso and distinct faces and clothing. They now looked like humanoid life-forms sprouting out of the fronts of train engines. Another blip on the tactical console grabbed Blackon’s attention. He checked it. “The Endeavor’s hailing us!” he reported.

“Arsha!” snarled Reb. “I should have KILLED her when I saw her in the vaults!”

“What can we do?!” yelped Yulduk. “With the city’s movement-capable machines rising, we’ll never have Galthar as a permanent tribute site!”

“Open a channel to the Endeavor!” ordered Reb. “I will speak with Arsha MYSELF!” Arsha appeared on the screen with Endea. “I know you had your DESPICABLE hands in this, Royana!” shouted Reb.

“MY despicable hands?” scoffed Arsha. “Pot, meet kettle! You terrorized innocent people just to make a quick profit! The only good thing that came out of this is the fact that all machines with motive power can talk to us now, such as Endea here.”

“So, you figured out what the mist is,” sighed Melgem. “Oh well, we still have the advantage. We used the Breath of Life about a year ago and our ships are more trained than yours!”

“I can still fight with the best of them!” argued Endea. “Now, scram!”

“I don’t take ORDERS, I take TREASURE!” snapped Reb. She ended communications and activated a fleetwide broadcast. “All ships, battle stations!”

---

“They’re coming at us in an attack formation!” warned Malak.

“Time to put you through your paces,” Arsha declared to Endea. She activated the intercom. “All hands to battle stations!” The ship rose to meet the pirate fleet as the relief fleet came up from behind the pirates and fired! Malak received more attack suggestions on his console and looked at Endea.

“Yeah, they’re my ideas on top of the main computer suggestions!” confirmed Endea.

“Well, I like your third option!” called Malak.

“Use it at your discretion!” directed Arsha. Malak fed the flight pattern to the helm and Nazay moved the ship in said pattern, weaving above the pirates while Malak fired torpedoes at their topsides.

“The pirates are in disarray!” cheered Malak.

“See?” asked Endea. “It’s all in the unexpected…” she trailed off when she saw what was on the screen. The ship was going in between a pair of pirate ships! “ARE YOU CRAZY?!” yelped Endea. “NAZAY, DON’T FLY ME BETWEEN THEM!”

“FLY YOU BETWEEN THEM, ARE YOU CRAZY?!” replied Nazay, missing a part of Endea’s protest. He flew the ship right between them! Endea squeaked in horror, then her eyes pupils and sclera vanished. The helm’s controls then moved themselves against Nazay’s directions!

“I TOLD YOU TO GO AROUND THEM!” called Endea.

“YOU SAID TO FLY YOU BETWEEN THEM!” snapped Nazay as he realized who had the controls.

“I SAID DON’T FLY ME BETWEEN THEM!” answered Endea. It was too late now. As the Endeavor flew between the ships, the cannons on either side fired just a little behind them and the shots ripped into the other ships. The relief fleet continued attacking from the rear.

---

“This is lunacy!” groaned Melgem. Blackon cried out in pain.

“My shields are down!” he called. “Fires on decks 2, 3, and 5!”

“Order our repair crews to put out the fires, then activate our PERSONAL Realmgate,” ordered Reb. “We’ve sustained enough damage to make this job no longer PROFITABLE.”

“ARE YOU SERIOUS?!” shouted Yulduk. “This is our chance to finally be at the top of the tech game! Realmfleet will have no choice but to accept our ways!”

“We’ve lost too many ships,” replied Reb. “The amount of money needed for repairs will NOT be covered with Galthar brought to its knees. We’re leaving.”

“I am the true King of Galthar,” snarled Yulduk, “and I order you to…!” He didn’t get far as Reb buried a knife into his head.

“NEVER give me an order!” she hissed at Yulduk’s corpse. “Blackon, sweetie, get this HORRENDOUS thing off and fire up the personal Realmgate.”

“At once,” replied Blackon. Yulduk’s body was enveloped in light and vanished without a trace.

---

“Captain!” called Malak.

“I see them!” cheered Arsha as the pirates went into retreat. “Well done, all of you! Even you, Endea!”

“I just do the best I can,” replied Endea.

“Roozay’s hailing us!” called Shalvey.

“Open a channel!” directed Arsha. Roozay appeared on screen.

“I must say,” he chuckled, “I didn’t expect this kind of welcome from Galthar. Now, about that technological aid…”

“Galthar should be in a position to accept all kinds of aid,” replied Arsha. “We’ll meet with the Queens and discuss how to divide up the resources so Galthar can get back on its feet.”

“Then I’ll meet you at the castle,” declared Roozay. “Roozay out.” The call ended.

“Nazay, let’s get back to the ground,” directed Arsha.

“Couldn’t agree more, Captain,” chuckled Nazay as he moved the ship to the landing site.

The Forge stayed outside of Galthar’s borders. Captain Roozay, an Orc, drummed his fingers on the desk in his Ready Room. He heard his door chime. “Enter,” he rumbled. A male Blaze Elf then came in. “Gayak,” greeted Roozay. “You rarely leave Sick Bay. What’s the occasion?”

“Hentur and I” replied the Forge’s CMO, “had a foot-based messenger deliver us some findings and theories from the Endeavor. Apparently, the mist is believed to be the Breath of Life.”

“That’s absurd,” scoffed Roozay.

“I said the same thing,” remarked Gayak, “but there ARE Breath particles in the mist.”

“…Okay, so, maybe NOT so absurd,” mused Roozay. “Why a messenger on foot?”

“Because the mist is making the Endeavor go haywire too,” replied Gayak.

“That explains the flare yesterday,” sighed Roozay. “If it can affect a Dauntless-class ship, a small Observer-class science vessel ain’t gonna be unscathed. Anything else?”

“That’s all, Sir,” answered Gayak.

“All right then, see if you and Hentur can find a solution,” directed Roozay. Gayak saluted and left the Ready Room. After a minute, Roozay returned to the bridge, moving towards his Lamia Communications Officer. “Mr. Trootar,” he called, “contact Realmfleet and tell them of the situation. Tell them the Endeavor is affected by the mist and Galthar needs aid in the form of food and water.”

“Message sent,” reported Trootar. “They’ve acknowledged and are awaiting recommendations.”

“Tell them that all technology based aid will not be possible,” directed Roozay. “Refrigeration must be done via cooling spells and all food needs to be cooked over open fires. All ships must land at least two taks from Galthar’s borders to prevent the mist from affecting them.”

“They’ve acknowledged and are ready to deploy a relief fleet,” answered Trootar.

“Excellent,” praised Roozay. “I’ll be outside the ship. We’ll coordinate the aid from here.”

---

Over on the Endeavor, studies on the mist were going slow with all machinery needing constant repairs. Every time someone started something up, it sparked. The mystery woman, meanwhile, was still under surveillance. She was still moaning in pain, speaking in broken speech about something prodding and poking her constantly, never giving a clear answer. Marshii tried various spells to heal her, but it was no good. Whatever malady the mystery woman was afflicted with, magic alone couldn’t cure it. Marshii felt a tear come down her face. “I don’t need to be Thengo,” she muttered to herself, “to know where that tear came from. Having no computers or machinery to help is just frustrating!”

“Glad to see you can pinpoint the problem,” called Thengo’s voice. She had entered Sick Bay while Marshii was griping to herself. “Unfortunately, our society became so dependent on technology.”

“So much so,” guessed Marshii, “that we feel lost without it. Everyone’s feeling as I do.”

“Bingo,” confirmed Thengo. “Anything on our mystery patient?”

“Not a thing,” grumbled Marshii. “It would help if my legs were working so I can closely examine her, but I had to take them offline because of all this!”

“…What if you turned them back on?” asked Thengo.

“Are you out of your pink-haired mind?!” snapped Marshii. “They might charge off on their own!”

“Maybe they just needed a reset,” theorized Thengo.

“Okay, fine, I’ll try it,” muttered Marshii as she slid herself into the harness between her legs. She switched them on and tested walking forward. They responded perfectly, like they were newly built. “What in…?” quizzed Marshii.

“What do you know?” chuckled Thengo. “They DID need a reboot.”

“…A reboot,” mused Marshii. “…Wait…what if…”

“You mean…?” realized Thengo.

“Shut down the ship!” the two ladies called together.

“Go get Arsha, bring her to Thangred,” directed Marshii, “and tell them to shut the ship down! I still have a patient to tend to!”

“On it!” confirmed Thengo as she scurried out. Marshii knelt down and tried to reassure the woman.

“You hear that?” she asked. “We’ll fix you up soon.”

---

Thengo dashed through the corridors, asking various repair teams where Arsha was. So far, they had no idea. She continued running down the halls when she almost collided with Bashoon! “Ma’am, whoa!” she called. “Who’s dead?!”

“Ensign, have you seen the Captain?!” asked Thengo.

“She’s talking to Mom and Dad over at the bar,” explained Bashoon. “Why?”

“Marshii and I may have a solution!” replied Thengo. “Thank you!” She sprinted off and entered the Barmek’s bar, finding Arsha still talking with Mr. and Mrs. Barmek.

“We’ll do what we can to fix this, I promise you,” she assured the Barmeks. “I will NOT let your supplies spoil.”

“Captain!” called Thengo. “Thank goodness you’re here! Do you know where Thangred is?!”

“Still in Main Engineering,” replied Arsha, “trying to figure out what’s wrong with the ship.”

“Come with me!” directed Thengo as she grabbed Arsha’s hand.

“HEY!” yelped Arsha. She was dragged along at top speed all the way to Main Engineering. Thengo skidded to a stop when she found Thangred. “Counselor, what’s going on?!” asked Arsha.

“Thangred, Arsha, we need to shut the ship down!” called Thengo.

“Shut it down?!” yelped Thangred. “Are you out of your mind?! What for?!”

“Marshii tried it with her legs and they work perfectly!” explained Thengo. “A total shut-down purged the mist’s effects from her legs, it might do the same to the ship!”

“Her legs are a little more simpler than a skyship,” reminded Arsha.

“If it works for a skyship,” argued Thengo, “it could work for Galthar! The city would be able to defend itself against Reb Rojam!”

“Captain, it would take the rest of the day to bring it back online!” protested Thangred. Arsha pondered for a few seconds before she made her decision.

“Shut the Endeavor down,” she ordered.

“…Aye, Ma’am,” sighed Thangred. He turned up to Melandra. “Hey! Gloss-legs! We’re shutting the ship down! Get your key!”

“Shutting the ship down?!” yelped Melandra as he dropped down. “But…!”

“Captain’s orders!” answered Thangred.

“All right, I’m coming,” groaned Melandra as he pulled out a key. Thangred did the same and opened an access panel. There were two buttons and a keyhole beneath each button.

“I’ll turn my key first and count from ten,” directed Thangred. “When I say ‘five’, you turn your key, then wait until I say ‘Mark’ before we both press the buttons. Got it?”

“Understood,” confirmed Melandra. Thangred then turned his key.

“Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five,” At Thangred’s count, Melandra turned his key, “four, three, two, one, MARK!” Both Engineers pressed the buttons and everything on the ship shut down, even the engine core. “Now what?” asked Thangred. Just then, everything went back online! “No, not yet!” wailed Thangred as he dashed towards a computer console, fearing an engine core breach. He checked the systems and became puzzled. “That’s funny,” he muttered. “That should have been an improper restart.”

“How long should it have been before power came back on?” asked Arsha.

“About five hours,” answered Thangred. “According to the systems, it looks like the ship restarted itself. Try the intercom, see if any area’s working right.” Arsha activated the intercom.

“Arsha to Marshii,” she called.

“Marshii here,” replied Marshii’s voice. “A bit too early to bring it back online, wouldn’t you say?”

“Doctor, the ship fired itself back up,” explained Arsha.

“…Pull the other one!” remarked Marshii.

“That’s what Thangred got down here!” insisted Arsha.

“Well, in any case, everything’s working up here and…by the Ones!” breathed Marshii. “Captain, get up here now!” The call ended and Arsha teleported herself to Sick Bay.

“What’s going on?” asked Arsha. Marshii pointed to the mystery woman to see that writing was appearing on the outer skirt of her dress. It was written with light, thus neither of them could make out what it was saying. The light died down and Arsha read off the letters and numbers. “CRS-2784, Endeavor,” she read aloud. “Weird. How could that happen?” The woman opened her eyes, then shook her head as a sign of clearing dizziness. The woman then looked around Sick Bay and smiled.

“Never thought I’d see Sick Bay,” she sighed happily. She then saw Marshii and Arsha. “Hello!” she called.

“Er, hello,” stammered Arsha. “Are you…?”

“Still in pain?” finished the woman. “Nope, not this time. All that poking and prodding in my corridors gave me a massive headache! …Hey, I have a head now!”

“…Did you…not always have one?” asked Marshii, a little concerned the woman was not mentally well.

“No, not in the usual sense, Dr. Borontho,” replied the woman. Marshii goggled at the woman.

“Marshii, she knows you,” remarked Arsha.

“Well, I can’t remember where I’ve seen her!” yelped Marshii.

“Let me help out a bit,” offered the woman. “During your training, you dropped a tiny bit of acid, right there on the floor.” The woman pointed to a spot near a bed. “You were so scared of Dr. Halterras finding out you messed up his nice, clean floor, so you tried to hide the damage with a towel. When he demanded you pick it up, you hesitated to do so, but relented and revealed the acid spill to him. He was mad!”

“…I never told anyone this!” yelped Marshii. She immediately scanned the woman’s brain waves and noticed something. She goggled as she put two and two together. “This woman’s head,” she explained, “is linked to the ship’s computer core! Her body has new Breath particles and sprouted from the metal of the ship! Captain, this woman…we’re inside her right now!” Arsha’s eyes became as big as dinner plates as she ran her gaze up and down the woman.

“…You’re the Endeavor?!” she asked. The woman nodded. “…My ship?!”

“My captain!” giggled the woman, the living consciousness of the Endeavor.

“Then this IS a new era for talking machines!” cheered Marshii. “I can’t believe this! I…oh, crap, now I’ve got to work with Thangred when giving someone a physical.”

“A necessary sacrifice,” assured Arsha as she grinned. “Endeavor, Realmfleet’s gonna flip when they see you!”

“Call me Endea, please,” directed the woman.

“Well then, welcome, Endea!” greeted Arsha. She then activated the intercom. “All Senior Staff to the Ready Room!” she cheered. “We have a new addition to the crew!”

“So, let me get this straight,” muttered Hunmur as she spoke to Arsha, Latinora, and Denstra after she was healed, “YOU TWO,” she pointed to Latinora and Denstra, “tricked me to find out what was going on with the sudden leeching of our people and YOU,” Arsha was the next to be pointed at, “hired a Scarlet Stream pirate as your First Officer!”

“FORMER Scarlet Stream pirate,” corrected Arsha.

“Perhaps in YOUR eyes!” hissed Hunmur.

“Your Majesty!” admonished Latinora. “We have no proof she’s still working for them!”

“She’s served a sentence and joined Realmfleet!” supplied Arsha.

“To gain better profits!” dismissed Hunmur. “Who’s to say SHE didn’t bring the mist in?!”

“I’ve never even heard of that mist!” argued Denstra.

“Most likely a flimsy lie to cover your tracks!” countered Hunmur. “I say, once a pirate, ALWAYS a pirate!”

“That’s enough, Hunmur!” shouted Arsha as she removed her hairpiece. “You’re just flinging accusations left, right, and center! Denstra did nothing wrong!”

“Says you!” snarled Hunmur.

“That’s right, says me!” growled Arsha. “You really want to argue with the one who’s trying to SAVE your city?!”

“LADIES, PLEASE!” shouted Latinora. The arguing stopped as everyone turned to Latinora. “Sweet Glaktem, it’s hot!” swore Latinora as she mopped her brow.

“…Yes, I suppose it is,” sighed Hunmur. “I apologize, Arsha.”

“So do I,” replied Arsha as she refastened her hairpiece. “Elmar said he’d keep me informed of his progress on studying the mist.” Just then, her communicator chirped. She checked the i.d. of the caller. “Speak of Oyed!” she gulped. “It’s Elmar!”

“Okay, even a Seer would consider that to be spooky!” remarked Denstra as Arsha put Elmar on speaker.

“Go ahead,” she directed.

“Captain, I believe I have a theory on the mist,” reported Elmar. “You know how life began for all species, right?”

“Yes,” replied Arsha. “It’s common knowledge. Sentriam and Benthe wanted life and so literally breathed it into various shapes. That’s what sparked the Great Fracturing and made the Realms what they are.”

“And we all have little particles of their breath,” continued Denstra. “They contained it all for fear of abuse.”

“What if they managed to miss a bit?” asked Elmar. “You see, the mist seems to be constructed of those same breath particles.”

“Elmar, are you saying…?” quizzed Arsha.

“The pink mist is the Breath of Life?!” yelped Denstra.

“It’s just a theory, but I believe so,” replied Elmar. “As it mainly affects machines with their own motive power, I need to test it on such machines.”

“If that IS true,” mused Hunmur, “why can’t we talk to them? Why is the mist just making our machines go haywire?”

“Now that IS an interesting query,” answered Elmar. “I’ll need to study it further.”

“Er, guys!” gulped Latinora as she pointed to the door! The pink mist was seeping into the room!

“Oh no!” gasped Arsha. “Elmar, lock down the ship!” All she heard was static. “Elmar?! Damn! It must already be affected!”

“I hope he got the message,” sighed Denstra.

---

Regretfully, it was chaos on the Endeavor. Though Elmar ordered a lockdown when he heard the static, the mist had already entered through an exterior hatch that was closed too little, too late. Main Engineering was the first to report a fault. The engine core’s power was fluctuating to unacceptable levels. Marshii’s Sick Bay was faring no better. Thankfully, she had no patients, but she was losing patience with her equipment not working correctly. “Stupid, rust-ridden, spark-showering…!” she griped. “Can’t you work right?!” Her legs then shut down. “Not you too!” shouted Marshii. Bashoon then dashed into Sick Bay, stopping at the door to catch her breath. “Whoa, kid, where’s the fire?” called Marshii.

“Grease burns!” panted Bashoon. “Mom! At bar!”

“Get me onto that gurney!” ordered Marshii as she grabbed her medical kit. Bashoon obeyed, then pushed the gurney to the Barmek’s restaurant. There was a crowd of people gathered around. “GET OUT OF THE WAY!” shouted Marshii. “Give her some air, for Freemal’s sake!” The crowd parted as Marshii let herself drop to the floor near Mrs. Barmek. As Bashoon reported, she had severe burns. “What told you they were grease burns?” Marshii asked Bashoon.

“Dad saw the grease hit her as the ship rocked,” explained Bashoon.

“Yeah, that’s a good indicator,” remarked Marshii. “Is the source dead?”

“Already snuffed out,” replied Mr. Barmek. “We tried to run cool water to stop the burn, but the water’s off!”

“Good thinking on the water,” praised Marshii. “That tells me what I need to do next.” She took out a pair of phials, one with green liquid and one with blue liquid. She mixed the green liquid with the blue one ten to one, then summoned a tiny flame and held it under the phial. “Anyone know a good lighting spell?” she called.

“I’m a Lightning Dragon,” offered a Lieutenant as he raised his hand.

“Even better,” declared Marshii. “I need this mixture continually electrified until it turns ice-blue.”

“Got it,” answered the Lightning Dragon as he took the phial. He electrified his hands and kept up the treatment until it turned the required color. “Done!” he called.

“Gimme!” ordered Marshii. She took the phial and uncorked it as she turned to Mrs. Barmek. “This is gonna sting like the Depths,” she warned as she poured the contents onto her. Mrs. Barmek drew in a breath in pain as the potion stung her briefly. Marshii rubbed it all over the burn sites on the skin and it turned transparent. “All right, give it five to ten minutes,” she directed. “It’ll evaporate on its own once it’s done. Mr. Barmek, Ensign Barmek, good thinking on the first aid before getting me.”

“We all had first aid training before I joined Realmfleet,” replied Bashoon. “I’m just mad I couldn’t follow through on it with the water off.”

“You did what you could,” assured Marshii. She then glared at the crowd. “As for the rest of you, don’t crowd someone who’s hurt! You make it harder for the doctor to give treatment! Clear off and help to fix the ship!” Everyone decided now was NOT a good time to not heed Marshii and moved off to do what they could to fix the Endeavor. “Idiots,” muttered Marshii.

“I never understood that kind of mob mentality,” sighed Bashoon.

“You won’t understand it when you’re my age,” replied Marshii. “Now, get me back to Sick Bay.”

---

“Can we get a message out to the Forge?” Malak asked Shalvey on the bridge. “This mist WILL affect her.”

“I’ve been trying on all frequencies,” sighed Shalvey. “We can’t get a message out. Roozay’s gonna meet the same nasty surprise as us.” Dalengor arrived on the bridge. “Any luck with the flare?” asked Shalvey.

“The Scarlet Stream pirates snuffed it,” replied Dalengor. “They’re playing for keeps. Nazay should have fired off a second flare.” Nazay then slithered in.

“The Forge was just within visual range of my flare,” he reported. “They got the message and are landing away from the city.”

“Thank goodness,” sighed Dalengor. Just then, they all heard groaning.

“That was…behind me,” gulped Malak. Everyone turned to see a woman with silver skin, grey hair in curls, and a grey dress. She was clutching her head in pain.

“Can’t…can’t…” she whimpered.

“Who in the Realms?” asked Shalvey.

“Anyone recognize her?” quizzed Nazay.

“I can’t say as I do,” remarked Malak. “She looks to be in pain.”

“I’ll talk to her,” offered Shalvey. She tried to make her chair move, but it didn’t. “Oh, great,” she muttered. “Er, could one of you…?”

“I got you,” called Malak. He picked up Shalvey bridal style and brought her over to the woman.

“Hello,” she began. “Are you hurt?”

“Poking!” whimpered the woman. “Prodding! Can’t…can’t…think right!”

“Can you tell us your name?” asked Shalvey, fearing this woman was abused rather badly.

“Can’t…think I…!” The woman went back to groaning.

“Curse it all,” sighed Shalvey. “She’s in some sort of pain. Dalengor, help her to Sick Bay.”

---

The Senior Staff had returned to the Endeavor and were asked to meet in Sick Bay. “I can’t get an accurate reading on her without my instruments,” muttered Marshii as she used various spells on the woman. “What I’m getting from her is that she’s a newborn.”

“She doesn’t look that young,” mused Arsha.

“I know,” replied Marshii. “Blasted crisis! Blasted Reb! Robbing me of combining magic and tech!”

“And Reb’s not letting us get to the Forge,” muttered Denstra. “She’s Depths-bent on keeping us here by bombarding the outskirts.”

“Trying to panic Galthar into paying up,” summed up Thangred.

“A classic Rojam maneuver,” replied Denstra.

“You were the Chief Engineer of her old flagship, correct?” asked Shalvey.

“I was,” confirmed Denstra. “The best way to get her to make a mistake first, thus making the venture unprofitable, is to do something completely unexpected. Unfortunately, that requires technology.”

“Something we don’t have at the moment,” grumbled Thangred.

“Well, we’ll just have to find a way to scuttle her without tech,” declared Marshii.

“Everyone, we’re all going to brainstorm ideas,” directed Arsha. “No one’s leaving the ship until we figure something out.”

Melandra studied the readings that Denstra took of the pink mist and tried to find something, ANYTHING, that would indicate its origin. “…ONES DAMMIT! NOTHING!” shouted Melandra as he threw the clipboard. One of Denstra’s legs caught it.

“Yeah, tossing something across the room is SO helpful,” snarked Denstra.

“There’s no mana in the mist!” snapped Melandra, overlooking Denstra’s comment. “There’s no electric field in the mist! What’s going on here?!”

“Maybe it’s one of Dr. Borg’s weapons,” guessed Denstra.

“If it is, it’s not very effective,” remarked Melandra. “The mist seems to affect vehicles only; trains, skyships, sea ships, horseless carriages, that kind of stuff. On top of that, why us?! This is more in Elmar’s department!”

“I’ve already got Elmar working on it,” replied Denstra. “Maybe his findings can help us.”

“Anything could help,” muttered Melandra. “You know what else could help, getting Hunmur to a dentist! Her moaning about her tooth is nothing but a distraction!”

“Now there, you’ll get no argument,” sighed Denstra as her ears flattened against her head. “I get why she doesn’t like the dentist; I don’t like it either, but it’s not as evil as she makes it out to be!” Just then, Latinora stormed in.

“That money-grubbing, price-gouging, tax-supporting, pure-blooded leech!” she snarled.

“Is…something wrong?” asked Denstra.

“No, but someone is!” growled Latinora. “Our city’s collector has increased donation amounts for our public needs! He’s saddling the poor with tribute! They CAN’T pay up!”

“I always believed that collectors were trained better than that,” mused Melandra.

“Yeah, well, we can’t enter the vaults to figure this out,” muttered Latinora. “The collector’s using this crisis to make a profit, an offense punishable by death. We need to figure out what’s going on so the Queens can pass judgement.”

“Well, Hunmur can’t really make the best decisions when her tooth’s bothering her,” sighed Denstra. Her ears then perked up. “…I have an idea!” she chuckled. “Latinora, I’m going to need your help.” She whispered the idea into Latinora’s ear.

---

Hunmur was looking over the collection figures with the city’s collector, Yulduk, the Blaze Elf. She snarled when she finished. “How dare you bring me this miserable report when I suffer like a dog with a toothache!” she accused.

“But, your Majesty…” replied Yulduk in a regretful tone.

“Enough!” barked Hunmur. “Collections are 40% less than last time, and that time was 30% less than the previous and so on and so forth! How can you possibly explain that?!”

“Because the crisis is making industry grind to a halt,” answered Yulduk. “No one’s producing money or…”

“Silence!” shouted Hunmur. “Crisis or not, the rich are supposed to take care of the poor’s needs! This is disgraceful! Away!” Yulduk bowed and exited the throne room. As he left, Latinora dragged Denstra into the room. Her hands and legs were bound together.

“I’m gonna get me a lawyer for this!” warned Denstra.

“Latinora, what is the meaning of this?” demanded Hunmur.

“Your Majesty, this woman swindled me!” accused Latinora. “I demand her head! I paid 400 golds for a new scanner and it fell apart on me when I tried to get readings on the pink mist!”

“I have no time for trifles,” dismissed Hunmur. “Throw her in the dungeon! After that, find someone who can cure this Ones-damned toothache!”

“My Lady, weep no more!” called Denstra. “I’ll cure your tooth! I’ve brought my delicate instruments with me!” Her bound hands gestured to the tool belt she wore.

“Surely,” protested Latinora, “Your Majesty won’t permit this charlatan…!”

“I’ll try anything to avoid a trip to the dentist!” declared Hunmur. “Unbind her!” Her gaze then turned to Denstra. “I warn you, if you fail, your soul will be cursed with fading away completely!”

“I never fail,” assured Denstra as she was released from her bonds. She then approached Hunmur. “Now, let’s see what we’ve got here. Open, please.” Hunmur opened the mouth and Denstra saw the offending tooth. “Oh WOW! That is…just…wow!” The tooth was brown and had multiple breaks in it. “Better get started,” declared Denstra as she got the pliers out. Hunmur yelped in fear and tried to close her mouth, but Denstra used her legs to keep it open. Her pliers then got a grip on the tooth and yanked hard! Hunmur cried out in pain!

“YOU DARE BRING HARM TO…” Hunmur stopped her rant as she noticed an absence of something. Just then, Hindra came in.

“My love!” she called. “Are you alright?!”

“My tooth!” cried Hunmur in happiness as she saw it. “The pain is gone! She’s cured me!” She turned to the guards who had restrained Denstra after the operation. “Unhand her, she’s free! Give her full access to the castle, even to the vaults!”

“But, your Majesty…” argued Latinora.

“She’s got sanctuary here! No one may harm her!” insisted Hunmur as she left. The Guards followed her and left Hindra, Denstra, and Latinora alone. Latinora dropped the act and whistled at the sight of the tooth.

“What a tooth!” she muttered.

“Queen-sized!” observed Denstra.

“What’s going on?” asked Hindra.

“A plan to figure out why Yulduk’s burdening the poor with tribute,” explained Latinora. “The Endeavor’s crew figured they needed someone outside of our city to figure things out.”

“I’m sorry, Yulduk’s getting money from the POOR now?!” interjected Hindra. She turned to Denstra. “Since you were granted full access, follow me! I’ll not have tribute from the poor in my city!”

“A fine piece of acting,” Denstra praised Latinora.

“Well, I DID join my High School’s drama club,” replied Latinora. “Might as well use that experience. Good luck!” Denstra followed Hindra into the castle’s lower levels and they made their way to the vaults to see someone dressed in black key in a code and enter the vaults’ door.

“Who’s the black banana?” muttered Hindra.

“Can we find out from here?” asked Denstra.

“The communicator above the key pad,” answered Hindra. They arrived at the door and Hindra keyed in a code to just listen in.

“So, as you can see,” explained a voice, ignorant of being overheard, “I DID collect the money, I simply ‘forgot’ to turn this part in.”

“That’s Yulduk!” whispered Hindra.

“And over here,” continued Yulduk’s voice. A clatter of priceless objects could be heard. “Various antiques for you to sell on the Black Market.”

“Yulduk, you DO realize,” mused another voice, “that the Queens WILL kill you unless you’re aboard our ship.”

“Rojam!” whispered Denstra.

“I know,” replied Yulduk. “That’s why I’m giving you all this as a down-payment. I simply need your crews to protect me as I take the throne and set up a line of tribute for the Scarlet Stream Pirates.”

“What a racket!” cheered a third voice.

“Melgem!” gulped both Hindra and Denstra.

“Yulduk, old friend, you’re a chiseler after my own heart!” praised Melgem.

“I’ve heard enough!” hissed Hindra. “You got your wand?”

“Right here,” replied Denstra as she gestured to her holstered wand.

“Here,” directed Hindra as she passed Denstra a sword.

“Ooh, swanky!” praised Denstra as she observed how intricate the sword was. Hindra keyed in a command and the door opened as they approached Reb, Melgem, and Yulduk.

“What did I tell you, sweetheart?” Melgem asked Reb. “I said that my old friends would give us a good profit.”

“I apologize for doubting you, my WONDERFUL husband,” bid Reb. “Yulduk, if you play your cards right, you will command the most EXCELLENT ship of my fleet!”

“If the pure-blooded black banana lives that long!” hissed Denstra. Yulduk turned to Melgem.

“That’s a fine crack to make!” he snarled.

“I didn’t say a word!” argued Melgem. “That was a woman’s voice!”

“Well, don’t shift your UNWARRANTED gaze at me!” retorted Reb as both Elves looked at her.

“You can gaze at me!” called Denstra. The pirates and their ally turned to her and Denstra.

“Welmeva, DARLING,” advised Reb, “do stay out of this.” She returned her attention to the Elves with her. “I do apologize MOST…” All three then did a double take! “DENSTRA?!” yelped Reb.

“And Hindra!” squeaked Yulduk.

“You’ll be hanged for this!” threatened Hindra as she drew her sword.

“Try it!” challenged Reb as she turned her slime-mound into a skin-tight suit and donned her tricorn. She drew her cutlass and flintlock and fired! Denstra deflected the shot with her own sword as Hindra pressed a button. The alarm then rang throughout the castle.

---

“I assure you, Hunmur,” Arsha was telling Hunmur, “I WILL find an explanation for…” The alarm interrupted her. “What in the…?”

“It’s coming from the vaults,” reported Hunmur as she checked the alarm’s source. She activated the security cameras and discovered Denstra and Hindra’s fight with Reb, Yulduk, and Melgem. “Pirates?!” she yelped.

“Pirates that I know personally!” snarled Arsha as she transferred her hairpiece to her waist. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to assist my First Officer and then get an explanation about her swindling Latinora!” She snapped her fingers and formed armor. As she dashed to the vaults, Latinora came in.

“What’s going on?!” she called.

“I was trying to tell Arsha about her First Officer swindling you,” explained Hunmur, “and then pirates appeared at the vaults. She’s gone off to assist those fighting off the pirates.”

“Er, about Denstra ‘swindling’ me,” gulped Latinora. Hunmur then glared at the female Blaze Elf.

“You didn’t try to trick your Queen, did you, Young One?” she hissed in a warning tone.

“Erm, well, you see,” stammered Latinora before she told her the whole story.

---

Arsha found the vaults and the fighters busy with their clash. She whistled sharply and attracted their attention. Reb snarled. “And WHAT, pray tell,” called Reb, “are YOU doing here?!”

“Investigating a pink mist, that’s what!” replied Arsha. “You had a little trouble with it when we first met! Are you the reason the city’s machines are going haywire?!”

“And if I am, what’s the big deal?” argued Reb. “At least WE’VE learned what it is. So will Galthar IF they pay up!”

“Do you know many businesses you’ve shut down with this stunt?!” snarled Denstra.

“Don’t YOU go high and mighty with me, Welmeva!” snapped Reb. “You helped in a few of THESE kinds of jobs!”

“I take it Reb’s the thug you served?” Arsha guessed.

“Yes,” replied Denstra. “And thug is being too generous with this pure-blooded wench!”

“That’s IT, you mutinous bilge-rat!” roared Reb. “GET OVER HERE!” A slimy tendril grabbed Denstra and yanked towards Reb. Reb’s cutlass then punctured Denstra’s skin. With her remaining strength, Denstra shoved Reb aside. Melgem and Yulduk steadied her. “I’m fine, boys,” assured Reb. “My former Chief Engineer, on the other hand, ISN’T.” She pulled out a communicator. “Black Money, this is the Admiral. Three to return to the ship.” The three then vanished in light as Hindra and Arsha tended to Denstra while she covered her wound.

“I’ll be fine,” she gasped. “She didn’t hit any organs.”

“You still need medical attention,” declared Hindra. She managed to get through to a doctor.

The shuttle landed at the Glasna Kingdom base, ready to reveal Denstra Welmeva and her family. Oak would take the shuttle to the Rooka Forest once Denstra was dropped off. Arsha twitched a bit as the hydraulics of the departure ramp hissed as it lowered. “Nervous?” asked Oak.

“A bit,” admitted Arsha. “Does the arrival of a new crew member make a person nervous?”

“That’s standard for any position,” assured Oak. “Now, you take care of Denstra, you hear?”

“I certainly hope,” gulped Arsha, “that she helps take care of the ship.”

“She will,” promised Oak. The ramp had completely lowered and the new First Officer, Commander Denstra Welmeva, led her family out. Denstra was a heavyset black Cecaelia/Neko Blender with blood red hair, purple legs, and an aquamarine top with a pendant around her neck. A male green-tailed Naga wearing nothing on his human half then followed her out, followed by a male Drider with red eyes, white hair, and missing his right arm, then came a honey-colored slime with a man’s head, and last came a red-skinned Succubus dressed as a Second Age Housewife.

“Hello, hello!” greeted Denstra with the widest smile in all the Realms. “You must the Captain! What up, Captain Princess?!” She stuck her hand out for a handshake. Arsha tentatively shook it.

“It’s nice to meet you,” she greeted.

“Oh, where are my manners?!” Denstra chided herself. “I’m Commander Denstra Welmeva and these are my spouses! Say hello to Jaltor!”

“Howdy!” called the Naga, Jaltor.

“Twirja!” continued Denstra.

“What’s up?” asked the one-armed Drider, Twirja.

“Jweltu!” Denstra went on.

“Hey, stranger,” greeted the slime, Jweltu.

“And Twansa!” finished Denstra.

“Hello,” called the Succubus, Twansa.

“And looky who we have here!” chuckled Denstra as she ran her eyes up Oak. “How are things, Twiggy?”

“Just fine, Furball,” replied Oak. “I need to use the shuttle so I can return to my wife.”

“Yeah, you’ve got a baby on the way, don’t you?” mused Denstra. “Well, better not keep you! Good luck!” Oak bowed as he boarded the shuttle. “Well now, Captain,” she purred to Arsha, “permission to come aboard?”

“Permission granted,” replied Arsha, still not sure what to make of her. The Welmevas followed her onto the Endeavor. Twirja whistled.

“Swanky,” he mused. “Then again, that’s what you’d expect from a Dauntless-class skyship.”

“You talk as if you’ve served on one before,” remarked Arsha.

“Served on the Crelima, herself,” replied Twirja. Arsha stopped and gave him her full attention.

“The Crelima?!” she yelped. “That ship was destroyed!”

“As was my arm,” supplied Twirja.

“Don’t bother asking him the exact circumstances,” muttered Jaltor. “He always changes the story whenever you ask him.”

“Such as defrauding the Captain himself,” began Denstra.

“Swiping a valuable engine core component,” supplied Twansa.

“Using aerosol spray near a grill,” offered Jweltu.

“And killing a crewmate with his right thumb,” finished Jaltor.

“I see,” muttered Arsha. Bashoon then came up.

“Captain, we have a new mission from Realmfleet,” reported Bashoon. “A pink mist is making the machinery of Galthar go haywire. We need to investigate and assist as much as we can. Captain Roozay of the Forge is helping us.”

“Thank you, Ensign,” bid Arsha. “Could you escort the Welmevas to their quarters? Commander Welmeva will join me on the bridge.”

“Aye, Captain,” confirmed Bashoon. “Sirs, Madam, if you will follow me, I will show you to your quarters.” She led Denstra’s spouses away while Denstra followed Arsha to the bridge.

“Is she the first Realmfleet Goblin I’ve heard about?” asked Denstra.

“She is,” answered Arsha. They arrived on the bridge. “Nazay, set course to Galthar.”

“Course laid in,” reported Nazay.

“Nice and easy,” directed Arsha. The Endeavor’s engines whirred to life and the ship rose from the Glasna Kingdom and into the sky, on course for the Mid-realm Elven Kingdom of Galthar.

“That was…smooth,” mused Denstra.

“Nazay IS the best helmsman,” replied Arsha.

“Yeah, but Dauntless-class ships aren’t all that smooth in the takeoff department,” recalled Denstra. “What modifications did you guys make?”

“I’d ask Chief Engineer Thangred,” directed Arsha. “He’ll give you the specifics. In the meantime, I need you to give verbal course corrections to Nazay so we can get to Galthar faster.”

“Verbal?!” yelped Denstra.

“You CAN give verbal course corrections, can’t you?” asked Arsha.

“Well, yes…” stammered Denstra.

“Then carry out my orders,” Arsha declared with a tone of finality. She rose from the Captain’s chair and directed Denstra to sit in it. Denstra did so, albeit, a tiny bit scared.

“Nazay, course correction of 0.001 starboard,” relayed Denstra.

“Course correction of 0.001 starboard,” confirmed Nazay as he moved the x-wheel. The Endeavor moved slightly to the right and continued on its way. Denstra continued giving verbal course corrections until…

“Galthar in visual range,” reported Malak.

“That’s enough verbal course corrections,” called Arsha. “Nazay, time?”

“2 hours,” relayed Nazay. “We just shaved a half-hour off the usual flight time from the Glasna Kingdom to Galthar.”

“Well done, Commander Welmeva,” praised Arsha. “Meet me in my Ready Room. Nazay, Shalvey, land us.” Denstra followed Arsha into the Ready Room and could hear the door shut behind her. “Please, sit,” directed Arsha as she gestured towards the chair facing the desk. Denstra sat down. “I apologize for putting you on the spot like that,” she began. “I heard both good and bad things about you and wanted to know a little more about you. Looks like you’re not afraid to take risks in the long run.”

“I can’t afford to be,” replied Denstra. “I realize I come off as reckless at times, but I DO place the ship’s safety high on my list of priorities, Captain.”

“Speaking of priorities,” continued Arsha, “I got a look at your record. You didn’t exactly start life off all that well.”

“No, Captain,” confirmed Denstra. “My Cecaelia mother and Neko father were members of high society. I was feeling so disillusioned with what was going on. In a fit of defiance, I joined a pirate fleet and became the Chief Engineer for the pirate fleet’s flagship. It all changed when we took a job. We got word that there was a mana crystal shipment meant for the Belsnath Citadel. We intercepted the ship and took the crew as our prisoners. The pirate Fleet Admiral was onboard. She ordered the crew’s deaths. I gave my disagreements to the Admiral in full view of the crew. Only a quarter of the crew agreed with me, not nearly enough to stage a mutiny. She ordered me to return to Main Engineering. I blocked off all maho-links, causing the engines to overheat. When they exploded, the ship fell, crashing into a field. The mana crystals were fragmented and their power was gone. The Admiral was about ready to kill me when the surviving prisoners fired on her and got me out of there. I turned myself in and served a prison sentence, then came home. For whatever reason, my parents said nothing, just hugged me as I sobbed in their arms, regretting what I did. It took me a long time, but I mended fences with my parents and became a Realmfleet Officer.”

“…You know, if I were a ship’s counselor,” remarked Arsha, “I’d say the bounciness you project is to hide something.”

“Feelings of guilt and shame, yeah,” replied Denstra.

“Let’s keep this between ourselves, then, shall we?” suggested Arsha.

“I’d like that, Captain,” agreed Denstra.

“Welcome aboard, Commander Denstra Welmeva,” greeted Arsha in a more warm tone as she offered her hand for a handshake. Denstra accepted and the two exited the Ready Room.

“We’ve landed,” reported Nazay.

“Denstra, Bashoon, Dalengor, with me,” directed Arsha.

“Denstra?” asked Dalengor.

“She’s just what the doctor ordered,” assured Arsha. They made their way to the landing ramp and exited the ship to meet the two Queens of Galthar, Hindra and Hunmur. Hindra was a Sea Elf and Hunmur was a Stone Elf. They brought Latinora with them as well.

“Thank the Ones you’ve come!” praised Hindra. “Our kingdom’s industry has ground to a halt because of this mess!” She then noticed Denstra. “Ah, excellent! One of Realmfleet’s best engineers before her promotion!”

“I still keep my skills up, Your Majesty,” assured Denstra.

“Well,” groaned Hunmur, “we need all the help we can get.”

“Your Majesty, are you alright?” asked Bashoon.

“I’ve got a toothache, something awful!” whimpered Hunmur.

“I told you not to hit the sweets so hard!” admonished Hindra.

“Why not go visit the dentist?” quizzed Latinora.

“I’m not having them bleed my gums!” snapped Hunmur.

“That’s only because you don’t floss as well as you should!” argued Hindra.

“Why don’t we save that for another time?” suggested Arsha. “I DID hear something about pink mist causing machines to go haywire when the Scarlet Stream Pirates held me.” Denstra’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets when she heard that.

“Did you say…?” she gulped.

“I’ll have Thangred, Melandra, and Denstra help you and your teams out, Ms. Langrasia,” Arsha offered to Latinora. “We’ll bring a swift end to this crisis.”

“Thank you,” bid Latinora. Arsha turned her communicator on and called Thangred and Melandra while Denstra gulped.

“I thought they would have disbanded,” she muttered.