FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

CHAPTER TWO

GOING TO THE PARK

Darin woke up the next morning to find that he was still in the hospital. He shook his head, trying to wake his brain out of the dream he had last night. He sat there as his brain slowly came online and respond to stimulation.

The room was dimly lit, the sunlight coming through the blinds. There was also the familiar beeping of heart monitors. Darin looked around for a clock, desperately wanting to know the time. However, he found none in sight. Darin laid back on the bed and using a remote, tilted the head up so he could see across the room without picking himself up.

Outside of the room, he heard the many sounds of the hospital: carts rolling by, doctors talking about procedures as they walked past, the usual concert of an in-patient hospital.

He lay there, listening to what was happening around him when there was a knock on the door. Darin watched as the door swung open, and a nurse enter the room. She was dressed in light aqua blue shirt and pants. She walked across the room and opened the blinds to the outside, causing the sunlight to flood the room. Darin shielded his eyes from the blinding light and scrunched his face at the pain in the back of his head. The nurse watched with amusement as he reacted to the sunlight.

"Good morning," she said. "It's going to be a nice day."

She watched his reactions as his eyes adjusted to the light. When he put his hand down, she realized who this person was laying before her.

"You're Darin McClellan, the one who engaged the Vlatorran in two wars," she said.

"That I am and I'm proud of my accomplishments," Darin replied.

"Do you mind sharing them with me?" the nurse asked.

"Of course not. However, I hope you have the time to hear it all," said Darin.

"I've got the time."

Darin told her his life story. He told her about Kreg and his evil plot to enslave earth and some of the deeds he would force them to do.

"He'd force us to do what?"

"Service him; don't ask what I mean by that. Trust me, you don't want to know." Darin replied.

"So where is Kreg now?" the nurse asked.

"He is locked up in a maximum security prison," Darin replied.

"Do you think he'll break out?"

"His chances of escape are the same as a snowball surviving in a hot oven," Darin replied.

The door opened, allowing the sounds from outside to flood in. Darin looked to see Shora and the rest of the gang enter the room. Shora flew to his bedside and hugged him.

"You're okay," she said.

When Shora released Darin, the nurse had left the room. Shora pulled a chair over and sat down.

"Well if it isn't Humpty Dumpy," said Robert.

"Nice to see you too Robert," Darin said.

"You sure gave us a scare, what happened?"

"I don't know. It's the weirdest thing," Darin replied.

"Do you mind telling us about it?" Robert asked.

"Sure, but I must warn you it is very strange," Darin said as he began to tell his story. "Okay, I was in the shower after Shora came out. I did the usual and was having no problems. However, after I had finished rinsing I began to feel lightheaded. The world began to go dark around me. I guess it was at that point I hit the shower floor."

"It was, I still cringe at the sound I heard when you fell," Shora said.

"So any way," Darin continued. "I had a strange dream. I was laying flat on my back. A strange light surrounded me like a spotlight, but it had no source. Outside this light was nothing but darkness. I stood up and looked around when I heard something,"

"That must have been the sound of the paramedics arriving," said Fiara.

"I then tried to search for the source when I heard it again," Darin said.

"That is when the paramedics brought out the stretcher," Selin said.

"I then said hello and then heard the sound of rushing water and saw a wave coming toward me. I tried to move but by legs would not. I then tried to kneel but my knees were locked."

"That's when they put you in the stretcher," said Jasmine.

"I then felt the wave hit me however; it did not knock me down. I could also breathe. I looked around and heard something swimming nearby. I called out again and heard Keiko's voice call back. I looked in front of me and saw him there. I asked him what was going on and he said that it was judgment day and wondered if I was ready. I told him that I didn't know and he said that the answer would be found. I then asked where Shora was and he said that she was in the world of the living. I then began pleading something and he said that I was to go back. That's when I found myself here."

"Whoa, that is weird." Robert said.

"But you're even weirder," Darin said.

At that moment, a doctor entered the room.

"Well Darin you're free to go."

Darin looked at the door to see the doctor standing there.

"Where is Sethi-Arh?" Darin asked.

"He's waiting outside for you. He and I have been talking about your recovery and I have decided that you are well enough to return home."

"Great, when can I get out of here?" Darin asked.

"As soon as you can climb out," the doctor replied.

Darin climbed out and stood still for a while. He felt hands on his shoulders and looked to see Shora smiling.

"I'm right behind you," she said.

Darin walked out of the room into the hallway and saw Sethi-Arh leaning against the wall. He smiled and walked over to him.

"Shora is taking you home," Sethi-Arh said.

"Where are you going?" Darin asked.

"The rest of us are going to the mall. Jasmine is expecting a newborn," Sethi-Arh replied.

"Jasmine is pregnant?" Darin asked in shock.

"Yes she is and we're going to prepare for the baby," Sethi-Arh replied.

"Well I guess it's a good thing I got a truck with tons of room," said Darin.

"Darin are you ready to go?" Shora called.

"Wait a minute. If she's taking me home, then how are you guys going to the mall if Shora has the truck?"

"Oh I forgot to mention, Shora bought a car." Sethi-Arh replied.

"SHORA CAN DRIVE? Now that is news." Darin said.

"I guess you are ready," Shora said.

"I know I'm ready, I don't know about you," Darin said.

They left the gang behind and headed over to the elevator. Shora pushed the call button and waited while she received looks and a few bold moves from other visitors. One even came up to her.

"So how you doin'," the man asked

Shora simply smiled and shook her head.

"Sorry but I'm already taken,"

"By who," the man asked.

"By me," Darin replied.

"A runt? You belong to a runt?"

"Back off sir, or I'll have to admit you to the emergency ward," Darin said sternly.

"Okay, I don't want any trouble," the man said and walked away.

The elevator arrived at that moment and Darin and Shora got inside. Shora pushed the button for the main lobby and the doors closed. They went down three floors to the lobby where they exited the elevator. Shora led Darin out to the parking lot and down several isles. Shora took out a set of keys and pressed a button on a pod. A beep came from a car to their right. Darin looked and was amazed at Shora's choice. She had picked a 2006 Aston Martian DB9 Sports Pack.

"Whoa, when did you get that?" Darin asked.

"Oh I bought it a long time ago. I just never drove it around much. It was a special order. I asked for the wheel to be on the right side." Shora replied.

They walked over to the car and climbed in. Shora put the key in the ignition and turned it. The engine roared to life, all twelve cylinders firing. They pulled out of the parking spot and drove down several levels to the street below. They drove out on to the main road and headed home. Shora looked at Darin from time to time, noticing his eyes starting to close as he drifted off to sleep.

They pulled into the garage around noon. Shora carried Darin out of the car and into the house. She climbed up the stairs carrying him in her arms to their bedroom. She lays him on the bed before moving over to the window to close the shades.

The room begins to dim as the shade is pulled down, blocking the sunlight. When Shora finished, she turned to face Darin, lying motionless on the bed. She smiles as she watches Darin's chest rise and fall with each breath. Shora moves over to the bed and lies beside him, wrapping an arm around him. She held him close to her loving the feeling of his body against hers, how it comforted her. She began to close her eyes as she melted into him and drifted off to sleep.

Meanwhile, Sethi-Arh, Jasmine, Robert, Fiara, and Selin were in the child department of the mall. Sethi-Arh and Jasmine were looking at strollers, while Selin and Robert were checking out cribs and Fiara was shopping for baby clothes.

After a while, Robert grew board of looking at the cribs. He decided to check out the hardware department. Before he went off on his own, he informed Selin where he was going. Selin gave him a stern look.

"It's for a project me and Darin are doing for the baby," Robert said in desperation.

Selin smiled and nodded. Robert left the baby department torn between emotions. On one hand, he was glad to be out of the department. On the other, he and Darin now had a commitment to fulfill. He sighed as he made his way through the crowd to the hardware section.

In the hardware department were rows and rows of tools: table saws, drill presses, band saw, jigsaws, disc sanders, belt sanders, and thousands of hand tools.

Robert thought long and hard as he walked down the rows, looking at the shelves of tools. He then had an idea, what if he were to buy some of these tools to help him and Darin build whatever it is they were going to build for the baby. Unsure of what the project will be, he decided to buy the basics: hammers, nails, crosscut saws, coping saws, and screws.

He went over to the check out with his load and waited in line. Three people were ahead of him and the one at the counter seemed not to understand what the clerk was telling him.

"I'm sorry sir, but this coupon is expired."

"I'm telling you that I own that coupon and anything that I own works." the customer replied.

"Sir you're going to have to step out of line, you're holding up other customers," the clerk said.

The old man reluctantly stepped to the side allowing the line to move up. There was the sound of keys being pressed and a cash drawer opening, and then it was his turn. He piled everything onto the counter as the clerk scanned the bar codes.

"That will be $890 please," the clerk said.

Robert took out his wallet and pulled out his credit card. The clerk wiped it through a magnetic scanner, pressed some keys on the register, and produced a receipt. He gave it to Robert for him to sign. Robert took the receipt and wrote his signature then handed it back to the clerk.

"Will that be paper or plastic?" the clerk asked.

"Paper please." Robert replied.

The clerk put everything into two paper bags and handed them to Robert. Robert then walked out of the store, carrying a bag in each hand.

Meanwhile, the group had finished purchasing the necessary items to care for a baby. Sethi-Arh, Jasmine, Fiara, and Selin were sitting on a bench when Robert arrived.

"Are we done here?" Robert asked.

"We are, are you?" Sethi-Arh asked.

He smiled and stood up from the bench eyeing Robert.

"We're done here, let's go home."

They picked up their load and made their way out to the car. Sethi-Arh loaded the back of the truck while everyone else climbed into the cab. The closing of the back hatch signaled that Sethi-Arh had finished loading. He walked to the driver side, opened the door, and climbed in. He then started the engine and drove out of the parking lot and onto the main road heading back to the house.

Meanwhile, in the Mesozaurs Universe an AUD ambassador ship was approaching the planet Troger, home planet of the Rosnieks.

The Rosnieks were a race of arthro dragons. They stood on two legs and were dragons in human form, except that they did not have wings.

Since the end of the second Vlatorran war, the AUD had initiated a campaign to bring together alien races across the universe to help protect one another from hostile races. The AUD had trained a select few of its members to be diplomats and to travel the universe on guarded ships to other worlds in search of allies.

At the AUD's newest base on King William Island in Canada, five Tantive IVs were launched into space on diplomatic missions. One was heading for Aramis to meet with the Dragoken Emperor, Takisha. Another was going to the Techno City to meet with Ninja. Two were sent to examine Mars to ensure the AUD's sights were not set too far that they missed possible Allies close to home.

The last ship was caring the AUD ambassador, Tom Richards, was meeting with the Rosniek leader, Tupal, to discus the possibility of becoming an Allie. However, the mission to meet with the Rosnieks was not without some argument. During the Vlatorran wars, the Rosnieks were one of the Vlatorran's closest allies.

Tom was the AUD's newest graduate from the diplomat program. During his studies, he had show great potential as a galactic ambassador for races that did not speak English. Tom had spent many years studying alien languages and their customs. The AUD program put strong recommendations for those enrolled in the program to be able to handle themselves with respect.

The Rosniek defense force contacted the Tantive IV, instructing them to identify themselves or be shot at.

"This is AUD ambassador transport 015987 requesting permission to land," the ships captain said over the communications link.

There was a long period of silence then came the reply.

"Transport 015987 you are cleared to land. You will be escorted to the landing zone."

At that moment, two fighters intercepted the ship and began herding the ship toward the landing zone. The crew was on edge, wondering if they were going to have to fight their way out and issue a code of war on the Rosnieks.

The fighters escorted the ship to the planet surface toward a grand palace.

It was a castle, made of white stone. The castle shined in the sunlight. The crew's attention was snapped back to reality when a voice came over the communications relay.

"Transport 015987 you are cleared to land on platform nine."

The ambassador ship hovered before landing on the platform. The crew shutdown the engines and opened the boarding ramp. Tom walked down the ramp along with two armed bodyguards. They had just set foot on the platform when a door across from them opened and out came Tupal to greet them.

"Welcome to my humble home. I'm Tupal, ruler of the Rosnieks."

"I'm Tom Richards, ambassador to the AUD."

Tom shook Tupal's hand firmly.

"What brings you to our planet?" Tupal asked.

"We were wondering if you would be interested in joining the AUD as an Allie."

"Why certainly. We would be glad to join." Tupal replied.

"Whoa, slow down there. We have to fill out some paper work first." Tom said.

"We can do that in the Royal Chamber." Tupal said.

"Okay then, lead the way," said Tom.

Tupal led them inside the castle and down corroders to the Royal Chamber.

The chamber ceiling was five stories high and was in the form of an arch supported by two rows of columns. Stain glass window let in light from the outside. On the far left of the chamber against the wall was a raised platform with a sturdy wooden desk.

Tupal walked up to the platform and stood behind the table. Tom and his two bodyguards stood in front. Tom looked at the table and saw claw marks dug deep into the wood. Pushing the questions aside, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a device that looked like a clipboard, except that it was transparent. Tom pressed a button and a display of an alliance document appeared. Tom then handed the device to Tupal.

"I'll need you to sign on the marks," said Tom.

He handed Tupal a pen to write with. Tupal took the pen and began to sign his name on the lines. Tupal finished quickly and handed the device back to Tom.

"Thank you sir, we hope to see you again," said Tom.

Tom and his bodyguards then left the chamber and returned to their ship. The boarding ramp closed behind them and the ship lifted up and took off into space. Tupal watched, as the ambassador's ship grew smaller until it was out of sight. He then pressed a hidden communicator and activated it.

"We're in," he said.

Meanwhile, Sethi-Arh was pulling into the driveway around 12:56 PM, after they concluded their shopping at the mall. He put the truck in park and turned off the engine. He then unlocked the doors and climbed out. The rest of the group climbed out also and went inside quietly. Sethi-Arh unloaded the truck and stored their merchandise in the garage before going into the house.

Meanwhile, Shora was waking up for her sleep. She stretched out and looked to see where Darin was. She found him lying peacefully next to her. Shora smiled and kissed him softly before climbing out of bed and out of the room to see the group enter through the door.

"You're back," she said.

"Were back, where is Darin?" Robert asked.

"Sleeping," Shora replied.

"When he wakes up, could you tell him that we need to talk?" Robert asked.

"I can do that," Shora replied.

"Thanks,"

Robert casually walked into the computer room and opened a door hidden in the wall that led into a secret passageway into the hangar below.

Yesterday, when Darin was rushed to the hospital, Robert was in the computer room working on some drawing on a drafting table when the computer began to beep. Robert went over to the machine and answered an important email. It was from the AUD administrations office at Area 51. In the email, the administrator informed him that prior to them leaving Florida; the organization had already completed construction of the hangar below the house they were now living in. FUPA and AUPA were cooperating with the AUD and supplying employment records and the individuals' place of residence. With theses records, the AUD could shift through the names and match the names with those listed as active AUD members and construct hangars under their homes and linking them with the hangar network.

Robert entered the hangar and switched on the lights. There was the sound of electric generators starting up, the sound of the turbines slowly picking up speed. The lights came on one row at a time, lighting up the hangar floor. He then walked across the empty hangar to a door on the wall and opened it. He switched on the light, which reviled the room to be a machine shop. Everything that he and Darin could possibly need was in this room.

He went back upstairs and closed the door. He left the computer room and went into the family room where he saw Darin sitting on the couch. Robert walked over to the couch and sat next to Darin.

"Shora said that you have something to tell me," Darin said.

"I kind of made a commitment for the two of us to build something for the baby." Robert replied.

"Let me guess, you have no idea of what to build?" Darin asked.

"Yes, I'm clueless as to what the project should be." Robert replied.

Darin thought for a moment, the he had an idea.

"You wanted to build a clipper ship right?" Darin asked.

"Right...oh, you're suggesting that we build that for the baby, a plays cape."

"No not a plays cape. An actual ship the baby can sail itself." Darin replied.

"Are you sure that is a good idea?" Robert asked.

"What else do we have?" Darin replied.

"I see your point. Okay, now we need some design plans," Robert said.

"That's your department," Darin said.

"Okay, it's settled. I'll work on the drawings and we'll get to work." Robert said.

Darin stood up from the couch and went into the computer room.

"What are you going to be doing?" Robert asked.

"I have a few projects in the works already. I would like to finish them." Darin replied.

He went into the room and opened the hidden door. He entered the passageway, closing the door behind him. He walked down the passageway into the hangar. He made his way over to the machine shop and locked the door behind him. He then and went to the very back of the room. He then pulled off a tarp covering his secret project. Ever since the start of the first Vlatorran war, Darin has been secretly building two 1:24 scale-floating models of the USS Missouri.

The models were 37' long with a beam of 4 ½', and weighted at 100 lbs. The ships were armed with fully functional scale model 5" and 16" guns that could shoot blank or live shells. Darin paid so much attention to detail and accuracy, that the models were an exact replica of the real one, down to the individual shapes of the wood grain on the decks.

The models were radio-controlled and were powered by three 23-cc gas engines. The models had a top speed of 14 mph and a range of 10 miles. Darin had one ship made out of sheet metal, and another out of balas wood.

Darin had always wanted to participate in an I.R.C.W.C.C. (International Radio Controlled Warship Combat Club) combat fight and had joined a club called the A.A.C. (Alaskan Attack Corps). Three days ago, when he and the rest of the gang arrived in Alaska, he had received an email about an upcoming battle between the "G.A.G." (Georgia Attack Group) and the "F.R.B.G." (Front Range Battle Group). Darin was thrilled to hear that after submitting the dimensions of the balsa wood model, they needed him to counter the double header.

Darin was finishing the final touches to the model. He built the balsa wood model with a double-bottom hull the added a space where if the outer hull was to be punctured, the ship would not sink. In addition, he built watertight bulkheads to stop the flow of water if the double-hull was compromised.

Darin checked the email for the type of projectile allowed and grabbed a jar of 5mm BB pellets. He loaded the forward and aft magazines and connected the feeder lines to the turrets. The feeder lines were conveyer belts that carried ammunition from the main magazines to the individual turrets where it is stored in combat magazines in the barbette of each turret. From there, individual loaders scoop up the pellets and load them into three clips, one for each barrel in the turret.

Darin slid the top into place and activated the ships power supply. He picked up the remote for the ship and activated the loading sequence. There was the sound of electric motors turning and pellets moving on the belts into the turrets. Darin watched the ammo display on the remote as the turrets were loaded. Soon three green lights came on and the motors stopped. Darin then switched the ship off and removed the top. Then loaded more pellets into the main magazines before closing up the ship.

Finally, the ship was ready for combat. Darin covered the ship back up and walked to the front of the room to unlock the door. He left the hangar and went upstairs to the computer room to send an email to A.A.C. asking when the battle was to begin.

He had only just sent the email a few seconds ago, when he had a reply. He opened it and read the message. The battle was to take place in the Cook Inlet at 3:00 PM. Darin looked at the map and realized that the battle was going the take place behind his house. He checked the clock and realized at it was already 2:45 PM. He ran back into the hangar and into the machine shop room. He wheeled his model out of the room and into the hangar. He then took it down a hallway that went into a large room that was filled with water from the inlet. Darin wheeled the model onto a platform and removed the cloth covering. He then went over to a control panel on the wall and pressed a button. The platform slowly lowered into the water and soon the Missouri was afloat.

Darin then opened the door to the outside and then activated the ships loading system and the engines. He then sailed the ship out into the inlet to enter the war zone.

Meanwhile, members of the A.A.C. were waiting for their secret weapon to arrive. The group already had their ships in the water and were sailing them around. Their ships were smaller but were the same scale, 1:24. The group had been through many battles in the past and was confident they would beat their opponents.

Meanwhile, the G.A.G. and the F.R.B.G. had arrived and were putting their boats into the water. The two groups looked at each other, taunting one another and arguing about who was going to win the battle.

The G.A.G. had brought along a spotter, a person given the task of seeking out the other opponents force and assessing their strength. This is normally done with binoculars to view the opponent at a distance.

A 22-year-old man was searching for the A.A.C. forces with the binoculars. He was looking up and down the coast searching for any sign of activity. Then suddenly he spotted the biggest ship he had ever seen.

"Holy crud," he said.

"What do you see Tom?" someone asked.

"See for yourself," Tom replied.

He handed the binoculars to the person to see what he saw.

"Oh no," the man said.

"That's just what I said. We're in trouble," Tom said.

"I hope that thing is made out of balsa wood,"

"Of course it is Rick, it has to be," Tom said.

Meanwhile the A.A.C. members were talking in a group when they heard a horn blast. They all looked to see the Missouri, sailing toward the group.

"Whoa, that is big,"

"Why thank you Chuck," Darin said.

"Did you build that?" Chuck asked.

"No my uncle did. Yes, I built it." Darin replied.

"Okay, here is the plan. We draw out their forces and try to knock out their heavy ships. To bad we can't stand on that dock over there." Chuck said.

"Oh we can stand there. That is where my house is," Darin said.

"You live there?" Chuck asked.

"Last time I checked I did," Darin replied.

"Chuck we've got company closing in," someone said.

"Okay, battle stations everyone."

Darin pressed a button on his controller that activated a speaker, which sounded the alarm. The group was wowed by this, then returned their attention to the incoming fleet.

Meanwhile, Robert was searching all over the house for Darin. He checked the hangar, the computer room and the garage. He found Sethi-Arh in the kitchen and decided to ask him.

"Sethi-Arh, have you seen Darin?"

"No, I haven't seen him." Sethi-Arh replied.

Then there was the sound of a ship's horn. Robert went out into the sunroom to check out what was going on and saw ships coming toward the house. Robert focused on one and saw that it was a warship.

"WE'RE BEING INVATED!"

Meanwhile, Darin was steering the Missouri toward the incoming fleet. The waves broke over the side of the ship as it pitched up and down. The rest of the attack group was making headway through the water. Suddenly a ship from the G.A.G. opened fire at the Missouri. The rounds slammed into the superstructure, ripping holes through it.

Darin zeroed the two forward turrets on the attacking ship and opened fire. There was a boom and a shower of splintering wood as the rounds slammed into the other battleship's midsection. The ship did not immediately sink, but instead it charged at the Missouri, sending a hail of gunfire at the ship.

Darin saw the ship charging at his and was about to take evasive action when another ship from his group put the final round into the ship. The enemy ship began to list and tip over. The damage from the first hit was clearly visible. From the waterline up, everything was gone. Splinters were jutting from everywhere. The ship then began its trip to the bottom.

The Missouri was lining up for a broadside and took aim at the closest ships then fired a thunderous barrage. The water rippled around the Missouri as the turrets let lose their fire at the enemy ships. The rest of the A.A.C. ships backed the Missouri up by coming along side and added their firepower.

The battle was nearly over when suddenly, a ship came in and blasted a gaping hole in the side of the Missouri. The ship dropped lower in the water but remained afloat. Several more rounds were fired and the double hull was finally penetrated. The Missouri began to list to one side. Then Darin met the sneak attack by charging in close and delivering a close range shot into the attacking ship's hull.

The hull exploded, sending wood into the air. The bottom had been blown away and water was now rushing in. The ship began to slip beneath the waves and disappear.

The battle was over. The A.A.C. ships followed the Missouri back to the dock, keeping close to the wounded ship as it made its way back. The water washed up onto the deck as the waves made the return trip difficult. Once the Missouri saw safely in the poolroom, Darin went inside to do repairs. He pulled the ship out of the water and onto its cradle. The water began to drain out and onto the floor.

Darin wheeled it back to the machine shop room and removed the top. He inspected the hull for any water that was still there. He then decided that the repairs would be done the next day after everything had a chance to dry out.

He went upstairs to his awaiting audience. Shora embraced him as he emerged from the door. She pulled him out and into the family room.

"There you are, we were worried about you," she said.

Sethi-Arh came into the room at that point. He placed his hands on his hips and looked at him.

"Are you finally ready to go to Denali Park?" he asked.

They were traveling on George Parks Highway, heading west. The trip was to be five hours long. The passengers occupied themselves by taking in the scenery that was whizzing by.

Sethi-Arh was driving this time, still fearful of Darin having another blackout. Next to him, sitting 'shotgun' was Jasmine. Behind her was Shora, holding Darin as he lay against her sleeping. Fiara was sitting next to Darin, giggling as she watched Shora toy with the sleeping boy.

Sitting in the third row were Robert and Selin. Robert was looking out the right window at the mountains and the clouds as they were punctured by the mountain peeks. Selin was listening to her music through her headphones. She had selected one particular CD for this trip only. It was a CD of relaxing music, those used by some to put them to sleep. Selin believed that music could also be used to help see things that might otherwise, go unnoticed.

Selin listened to the last few notes of a beautiful song of panpipes and harps. Then the next song played. It was a Japanese theme, with some of the traditional interments along with others. She looked out the window at the mountains, as the sky slowly grew darker. The reddish haze outlined the mountain ridges, adding a warm touch.

The song reached a point that sent a shiver through her. Selin never left anything like it before. She was eager for it to happen again, wanting to feel the notes connect with the land. The song did not disappoint her, when the song repeated that harmonious note. She shivered a little harder that time.

Robert was looking out the window when the seat shook. He looked at Selin and noticed that she was shivering. He moved closer to her and wrapped his arms around her. He then let his right hand slide down her back to the waistline of her pants. However, before he could go further, Selin grabbed his hand hard; sending sharp stings of pain. He looked into the dragon's eyes as she gave him a stern look and shook her head 'no'.

Robert retracted his hand and simply leaned into her. Selin wrapped her arm around him, holding him close to her. Robert could then hear the music she was listening to and wondered why. He listened closely to figure out the mystery and found the answer when he shivered in unison with Selin. He opened his eyes once his body settled and realized he was looking out the window.

"What kind of spell is this?" he asked himself silently.

They finally pulled into the visitor center around 8:36 PM. They climbed out of the truck and stretched out. The first thing they did was to go over to the visitor center and grab a map. They then set off on a hiking trail that went up to a grassy hilltop.

They climbed in silence, enjoying the beauty of the land and the clean air. Darin was in wonder as to why some people come thousands of miles just to breathe in this crisp air.

When they came to the hilltop, they sat down to rest and watch the sunset. To the southwest, off in the distance was Mount McKinley, its peek stretching into the clouds above.

Robert and Selin watched as the sun disappeared from the sky. They held each other tenderly as they expressed their love for each other.

Shora held Darin in her lap as she caressed his back gently. They sat there looking into the sky as the horizon lit up with a red glow. Then suddenly, the sky lit up. Colors of every kind were dancing across the night sky.

They sat there amazed at the show above them. The colors were bright and weaved across the sky in an elegant fashion.

The group then began to leave the hilltop and head back to the truck. Along the way, they looked up at the sky as the Northern Lights painted the sky with pallets of color.

Robert and Selin climbed into the very back of the truck, their eyes heavy with sleep. Shora, Darin, and Fiara climbed into the middle row, their eyes heavy also. Sethi-Arh and Jasmine were up in the front.

Sethi-Arh started the engine and drove back onto the highway. The passengers were fast asleep before they entered the highway. Shora was lying flat on the wide seat. Darin was on her left side while Fiara was on her right. Shora held the two close to her like teddy bears.

Jasmine looked back to see them sleeping by Shora. She smiled at them, adoring the sight. She looked to the very back and saw Robert using Selin as a pillow. She giggled softly with amusement. She remembered when she and Sethi-Arh sneak into each other homes and sleep with them.

Sethi-Arh pulled into the driveway. When he turned the engine off, he heard nothing but silence. He looked back and saw that everyone was asleep. He smiled when he saw Darin and Robert snuggled against their soul mates.

He climbed out of the truck and began to wake everyone up. They stirred as they slowly woke. When they realized they were home, they began waking everyone else.

They climbed out of the truck and into the house. They went to their bedrooms to finally put their eyes to rest.

Meanwhile, on the planet Troger, Tupal had gathered his army in the royal chamber of the castle. The men were lined up in rows that filled the chamber. When Tupal approach the stage, they cheered loudly. Tupal silenced them by raising his hand.

"Today we begin the campaign our allies started before."

More cheers sounded.

"To start our conquest, we shall free Kreg from his prison. Go and show no mercy."

The soldiers marched out of the grand hall and into the evening sun. On the platform outside the main gates were two transports. The soldiers walked down the stairs from the main entrance to the castle, to the platform below and boarded the ships. As soon as the last soldier boarded their transport, the ships took off and headed for the prison to free Kreg.