Iron Dragon Chapters 127-128

Story by dieselmutt on SoFurry

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#63 of Iron Dragon


Jenny and Nodrog stayed out on the roof until Alice called out to Nodrog telepathically. The two of them had taken off without saying anything and Alice was a little worried. After a quick breakfast Jenny and Alice headed down to get some work taken care of before they went to the doctor to see if Jenny's reproductive system was functioning properly. Her mother had trouble getting pregnant and Jenny was a little worried she might have the same problem.

Nodrog glanced up at the clock and teleported light years away to Dallarth's home on the Velopian world. Much like the dragon who owned the home; the home itself was draped in dark and subdued colors. Dallarth had an extensive study and it housed hundreds of books sitting on rich and dark stained hardwood book cases. The large desk housed a globe of the Velopian world and a rather massive tomb of shadow magic sat opened. A few other trinkets sat on shelves or hung on the single open wall.

"Punctual as always." Dallarth said with a sultry smile. Nodrog turned and smiled as Dallarth walked into the study with Mianth by her side.

"I hate to keep anyone waiting." Nodrog said and bowed slightly.

"Tunrog should be along shortly, he had something to do at the space port this morning." Mianth said her cheeks flushing slightly from mentioning his name.

"I take it he was agreeable?" Nodrog asked as he slowly turned the globe examining it casually.

"At least the little I told him about it. Mianth and Tunrog are a little reserved about doing anything to deceive the council." Dallarth said and sat down in one of the dark red chairs she had.

Nodrog turned his head to look at Mianth. "I would be worried if they were not."

"Indeed, what we are thinking of doing is unheard of." Dallarth said and glanced over at Mianth. "I am not a very good host, would either of you like something to drink? I have some fresh tea made."

"I would like a glass please." Mianth said. It was her first time coming over to Dallarth's house, which made her a little nervous. Dallarth rarely had guests of any race over.

"Nodrog?" Dallarth asked as she got up.

"Yes please. Jenny and Roslyn had mentioned the tea from this world was very good." Nodrog said.

They all paused as they heard a deep chime. "That must be Tunrog. I will send him here and round us up some glasses." Dallarth said and vanished.

Mianth sat on a deep brown leather love seat. It was not from this world, Dallarth had gotten it from the Amazon world. "Did you get a chance to look into your past?"

"I did and what I found was... startling." Nodrog said and glanced up from the opened book as Tunrog came in.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. The commander wanted to go over our schedule a final time." Tunrog said.

"Quite all right. I appreciate you taking the time to meet me as it is." Nodrog said.

Dallarth handed Tunrog and Mianth a glass of tea, she also handed Nodrog a glass at the same time. Due to her shadow nature, if she needed an extra hand or two, she simply willed shadow arms into existence. Her shadow puppetry was the main point behind their plan.

"Oh that is very good." Nodrog said and set the glass down after drinking from it.

Dallarth sat in the chair and Tunrog sat next to Mianth. "What did you find that was startling?" Dallarth asked and sipped at her own tea.

"It seems the stories Tunrog heard the elder dragons discussing are true. I am on my third reincarnation. That point is rather over shadowed by the next point. Which I admit is taking a little to come to terms with myself." Nodrog said.

"What could be more surprising then you have died twice?" Tunrog asked.

Nodrog looked up at the ceiling. "I did not die. I was killed, not once but twice. The same monster did it, and not even the angels know his or her name."

Dallarth dropped her glass and it shattered on the hard wood floor as she covered her face. Her own nightmare coming back to the front of her mind. It was the first time Mianth had ever seen fear on the shadow dragon's face. Even Tunrog was noticeable concerned as his speech quickened once more as he ran about looking for something to clean up the mess.

Dallarth excused herself to gather her emotions and face her only fear. Mianth and Tunrog had cleaned up her broken glass and split drink when she returned. "Sorry about that..." Dallarth walked over to the window. "I have been haunted by a dream, a very vivid dream."

"Is it the one you spoke to Inilth about?" Mianth asked and watched Dallarth carefully.

"It is." Dallarth said and turned to look at them.

"What happens in it?" Tunrog asked.

"Its hard to make out details, but there is a battle and clearly two colossal dragons... There are eight others with me..." Dallarth paused and the image of one colossal dragon become clearer. "It was you, you are one of the colossal dragons and you tried to protect us."

"So that means?" Mianth said and turned to Tunrog as he became more excited.

"It means Dallarth was one of Nodrog's generals. Except that can't be right, I remember clearly he had eight, not nine." Tunrog said after he took a breath so he would not talk too fast.

Mianth did not need much to figure out who the ninth one might be. "What if Dallarth or one of the other eight was his life mate?"

Mianth and Tunrog both giggled at the shadow dragon's sudden embarrassment. Which few if any had ever seen Dallarth blush before. Finding out you had been alive before and then died... It tended to shake anyone up. Dallarth shook the embarrassment off rather quickly. "No, I was a general. Because in the dream I push the ninth one behind me, as I ready my weapon just before being cleaved in half."

"Then perhaps one of those three human females is the unknown ninth person from Dallarth's memory." Tunrog added after a little thought. It was silly to call a vivid memory a dream.

"In any case those details can be figured out later. I know the two of you have your reservations about what I am going to ask. But I want you to know I only ask because I trust you." Nodrog said.

Mianth and Tunrog glanced at the other before looking at Nodrog. Mianth was the most nervous about their proposed plan. "What do we need to do?"

Nodrog took a drink before speaking. "Dallarth and I have a rather complex plan. If the others do not agree to our idea, we will ask that Jenny, Roslyn and yourself still go through with it."

"What is it?" Tunrog asked.

"I will use my magic to animate your shadows. Your physical bodies will remain on the ship. All of you will be spiritually in your shadows when we meet with the council. It is a difficult spell to detect and I doubt anyone will notice it is a shadow body double. If something goes amiss, I can end the spell quickly with no harm coming to any of you." Dallarth said.

"Which is why I need you to stay on the ship Tunrog, in your true form." Nodrog said.

"I am not sure what help I can be." Tunrog said.

Nodrog picked up a small sphere. "In your true form you have a certain area around you that if anything enters, you are instantly aware. Lets say this represents the area you can sense things in."

"All dragons have that ability." Tunrog said and watched Nodrog set down the decorative glass sphere and place his hand on the globe.

"Indeed, now if you remain on the bridge in your true form..." Nodrog smiled as the pair of young dragons figured it out.

"The pewter frame work would amplify that sense. You would know if anyone leaves or enters the ship, even if they were cloaked in magic." Mianth said and understood where the two typhoons thinking was leading.

"It would also let me teleport the ship quickly if the need should arise. I see why the two of you are regarded among the highest of military strategists. I was only thinking two or three moves ahead and the two of you are thinking ten moves ahead." Tunrog said and the two typhoons smiled.

"It also protects the Velopian crew that has volunteered to take us there. If the others agree to our plan, that only puts Dallarth and myself in any danger." Nodrog said.

Mianth fidgeted in her seat. "Except that puts you in the greatest amount of harm if something does happen."

"I put all of them in harm's way once, and they all paid the price for that. I will not let that happen again." Nodrog said and picked up his glass. "Plus this time is different."

"How so?" Mianth asked as Nodrog finished off his tea.

Nodrog smiled wickedly. "This time they can't kill me."

"Nodrog and I think someone or a small group is actually manipulating the council. Be it from behind the scenes or from within the council itself." Dallarth said.

"We know a few races that are outspoken about the typhoon's untouchable nature. Maybe the council is being pressured by them." Mianth said.

"I don't think simple politics are at work here. Just too many other coincidences for it to be games. The elder dragons might know something, but they greatly dislike the two of you." Tunrog said.

Dallarth leaned back in the chair and played with a few loose strands of her raven hair. "I don't even want to know what they think about the matter."

"What about the other dragon in your dream? Perhaps if we knew who that was, we could look for any history involving it and Nodrog." Mianth said.

"I doubt it is an elder dragon." Tunrog said and leaned back.

"Why do you say that?" Mianth asked. She was a little frustrated at how little she knew about her own kind.

"While a few of the elder dragons are quite large, that long ago they would have been smaller. We are talking about a time when Elves were still a young race." Dallarth said.

"Unfortunately we are the oldest race, so our history is a little harder to uncover." Tunrog added.

"Complicating things is the eight in Dallarth's memory. I can only recall shadows and small fragments from my first life. Each passing day brings a little more to light, but we are running out of time." Nodrog said.

"Then we will just have to be careful. I have full trust in the two of you, so I will do anything you ask to help." Mianth said and blushed when Tunrog squeezed her hand.

"The trip is not that far off. I have heard several Hunters and prominent monsters will be present at this meeting. I dislike having to deceive them, but for protecting Mianth and the Velopians I will agree." Tunrog said.

"If I did not think extreme measures where needed, I would not be asking you. Something keeps nagging me, that there is something familiar with the situation. I would rather be overly cautious than not." Nodrog said.

Dallarth and Nodrog both looked at Mianth. The little dragon clearly had something on her mind but obviously did not know how to say it. "I can see something is on your mind Mianth. You know you can speak to me freely, nothing you say in my presence or my home will ever be repeated."

Mianth blushed. "I am a little concerned about... Well you typhoons are not known for..."

"Their temperance and patience?" Tunrog asked with a smile.

Nodrog smiled and chuckled. "We are a rather short tempered lot. Is that your concern?"

"It is. I cannot fight if it comes down to it. That is a line I cannot cross, I do not want to be forced into that position. Fighting the council or Hunters just goes against everything I have been taught and believe. I do not want to be forced to chose a side." Mianth said. She let out a sigh and felt better telling them her own position and fear. Dallarth had protected her for the last two hundred years. The shadow dragon was like her older sister, but Mianth did not know if she could stay by Dallarth's side if the typhoons got into a war with the council and the dragon elders.

"That is why you will be remaining on the ship with Tunrog, Jenny and Roslyn. I do not want any of you fighting." Nodrog said.

"The ship has plenty of defensive systems, the four of you and the Velopians should be safe. If it becomes a problem, Tunrog will teleport the ship and all of you to safety. You are not to try and lend us aid, no matter what happens. Understood?" Dallarth said firmly.

Mianth and Tunrog both felt the two typhoon's power building to make that point crystal clear. "Yes ma'am." Tunrog and Mianth said in unison.

"Do you know if the others will agree to your plan?" Tunrog asked.

"We do not. Derrain might simply because he will not want to put Evelyn in any harm. Beatrice and Morgor... their honor might keep them from excepting any help." Nodrog said.

"If either of you have questions, now is the time to ask them. Once we depart there will be no turning back." Dallarth said.

The two typhoons smiled as the young dragons shook their heads no. They understood what was asked of them. They put their trust in the shadow dragon and iorn dragon to keep them out of harm's way. They parted ways after that, Nodrog returning to earth. Dallarth to her studies.

Tunrog walked Mianth home. Tunrog worried about what they had gotten into. Mianth wondering who the ninth person in Dallarth's dream was. Was it one of the human females, or was it even possibly her? The only thing she was sure of was how much she liked being with Tunrog. The elves that lived on this world all knew of the meeting, and it was the talk of many races across the universe. With the exception being the world Nodrog currently called home.

There was talk of war, rebellion, coupes... any number of things that might happen. Depending on who you talked to or overheard, you would get a different answer almost every time. Mianth did not know what to believe or dismiss. She should pay a little more attention to news, since she was right in the middle of it. Tunrog kept up to date on everything, but Mianth did not want to bother him about everything.

The weather this time of year was wonderful, warm but not hot. Nearly all of the flowers were in full bloom and the early evening hour was busy with those going home from work. Or just getting to work to start the rather vibrant night life the large city had. The Velopians were intensely social, even more so than humans. In fact some of the flag ship crew Mianth worked with, insisted she and Tunrog join them for dinner and a few drinks.

Mianth only agreed because Tunrog was with her. While the Velopians were timid around strangers, they were very open and outgoing with friends. Mianth's shy but cheerful demeanor meant she was rather popular. Alyvia and her boyfriend were sitting at the table the others lead them too. The Velopians' social, or as Dallarth called it 'herd' mentality could be a little difficult to get used to. There was no word in Velopian for an 'acquaintance' you were either family, a friend or simply a friend they had not yet met.

Mianth smiled and laughed as they talked endlessly. She thought about Jenny, the cat girl would fit in with no trouble. This was one of the few restaurants that served meat. Which was a point many visitors had a little trouble getting used to. Unless they were a vegetarian race as well.

"Now I know why you wanted Mianth to join you." Tunrog said as one of the girls got Mianth up on stage to sing.

"Of course. She has such a lovely voice." Alyvia said softly.

Those in the restaurant fell silent as the little water dragon sang in Velopian. Mianth was always nervous when she sang, which made her give off the aroma of mian lilies, that would bloom later in the year. Water and air elemental dragons were well known for their singing. Mianth was no exception, the little dragon had a wide vocal range and could hold notes for a lengthy time. The way she nervously played with her hair only made her more endearing to those listening to her.

Her voice while soft, carried very well. Drawing more from outside into the already crowded establishment. Tunrog had wondered why Dallarth made such a fuss about Mianth's singing, now he knew why. Her voice held all who heard it captive in its beautiful spell. It was hard to get Mianth away from the crowd so they could go home after dinner.

Chapter.

"You must be more outgoing on the ship then you are in town." Tunrog teased as they made their way to her small apartment. Most of the dragons lived in small apartment units close to the space station. A few had their own place or like Tunrog shared a place.

"We spend a great deal of time together onboard. It is a huge ship, but it is still confining." Mianth said.

"It does get a little cramped on long trips. I did not know you were so popular." Tunrog said with a smile.

"Everyone says I am easy to get along with. Even Jenny and her life mate Alice have said I am welcome in their home any time." Mianth said cheerfully. She reached out and punched in her six digit door code to let them in.

Tunrog pulled the door behind him. This was only the second time he had been in her apartment. If you were familiar with elementals at all, you would instantly know a water elemental lived here. It was cute, just like the dragon who lived here. "Is there any other apprehensions you have about this trip?"

Mianth had paused long enough to remove her shoes. "With all the talking I hear, I cannot help but feel something bad will happen. But I truly hope all of them are wrong."

"I just worry about you." Tunrog said and put his arms around her.

Mianth held onto his arms and smiled. "I know."

Tunrog smiled as Mianth turned and looked up at him. "Yes?"

"I didn't thank you for helping me get away." Mianth said and kissed him.

Tunrog gave her a squeeze. "You don't have to thank me."

Mianth giggled and smiled more. "Actually you don't get a say in the matter."

Tunrog chuckled as Mianth pulled him back to her bedroom and left the lights on low. Her fair skin already flushing as he inhaled deeply bathing in the smell of lilies as she slowly removed her clothes. If she was older, Tunrog would have believed the mian lilies were named after her, and not the other way around.

Besides their singing, water and air elementals were known for their dancing. Mianth was a very fluid and beautiful dancer in either form. It was only erotic because she was naked and the low lights seemed to highlight her slender form rather well. Tunrog was lost in a trance from her scent and hypnotizing movements. This was the only time the lighting quick dragon ever slowed down. And Mianth was the only girl he actually made the effort to do just that for.

While Tunrog and Mianth spent the evening in each others arms, Roslyn was dealing with a rather different set of arms. Spread out on her kitchen table was the pistol she carried and a rifle her great grandfather used to hunt dangerous game all across the world. Both broken down and striped to be cleaned and inspected.

The rather pungent odor of gun cleaning solvent mixed oddly with the lingering smell of her curry chicken dinner. A messenger had informed them a few day ago that the council was only allowing those who had been cast out into the void to accompany the typhoons. Sherman and the super soldiers would have to remain on earth.

Roslyn glanced down the bore of the pistol and grunted at a comment on the news about the upcoming election later in the year. Alyvia and four of her warriors would still be present, after all the Velopians were allowed ship protection for the voyage. Roslyn knew they were capable, but she preferred to be self sufficient in all areas. Her personal defense being one of them.

And she was taking Nightrunner's comment rather seriously. Serious enough she had considered offering her blood for the magic collar and it's protection. Actually it went even a step further than that. Roslyn was getting old and she knew eventually it was going to catch up to her. Why be a slave when she could be something more? She had a hunch Nodrog could change her into a vampire. In her younger days she would never have thought about looking for some magic trick to living longer.

"Funny how that changes after a few close calls and your nieces and nephews are old enough to be graduating college rather soon." Roslyn mused aloud as she reassembled her side arm. While Jenny and Sherman preferred semi auto pistols, Roslyn was a little old fashioned and carried a .44 mag revolver. But her choice of aircraft was a bit old fashioned as well. Preferring radial piston prop engines over turbo jets or jet engines.

The older iron looked better and was still more reliable in some regards over even the latest and greatest. The revolver never jammed, the round might misfire, but the gun never jammed. With walnut grips and a six inch barrel it had heft to it. The gun was well crafted and elegant to look at. Aesthetics aside the main point was; it was accurate and had stopping power.

With the revolver ready to go, Roslyn turned her attention to the double barreled long gun. Also an old weapon and what most considered chambered for the ludicrous of calibers. It had fixed iron sights and was breach loaded. What it lacked in range and clever tricks it made up for in stopping power. The case she kept it in protected it in the lengthy stay under her bed. A quick wipe down was all it needed.

Roslyn stretched and packed the long gun back in the case and set it next to the couch for their trip. Aside from her extra precaution, she was looking forward to the trip. She always liked traveling and always would. Roslyn got down on the floor for her evening work out. Crunches and pushups followed up by a light cardio.

The news anchors yakking away in the background more for noise than anything. Roslyn finished her light workout and turned off the TV before pulling off her tank top as she headed back for a shower. Her at home work out clothing was a little tighter and very figure hugging compared to the stuff she wore to the gym. As she pulled off the curve hugging shorts she realized she might want to rethink what she was taking to sleep in. Since she would be sharing a room and bed again with Jenny.

Roslyn chuckled as she turned on the shower. She caught her reflection in the mirror as she reached back to pull her hair tie out of her hair. Gravity was being kind to her as her breasts still sat up where they were supposed to. Never having children and working out almost daily kept her abs flat, toned and sexy. Jenny and Jocelyn were right, her ass was fantastic.

As Roslyn showered, she gave the typhoons' plan a little thought. It was a little flattering that he wanted to keep her from getting harmed. But at the same time, it was a little insulting. If anything bad happened he could just do the forced retreat thing and they would instantly be safe onboard the ship. She wanted to really be there in the moment. After all it might be the only chance she gets to see anything like it.

As she stood with her back arched letting the water run through her hair and down her back; Roslyn wondered if she actually had a choice in the matter. Nodrog was as stubborn if not more so than herself. Plus he had saved her life, twice now. Really it had been so long since someone had taken her well being into account; Roslyn did not know how to react to it. Which sounded rather silly, but it was true.

Along with the fact she was clearly becoming more attracted to Nodrog. It had to do with the way he treated her. Roslyn disliked being put up on a pedestal or fawned over like some delicate flower. Her idea of a good date was beer and hot wings at a sports bar. She didn't play any games and neither did the dragon, they both knew what they wanted and left their hang-ups at the door.

She reached for her bottle of body wash and squirted a fair amount in one hand. Lathering up Roslyn's mind wandered to her last romp on the bed with him. Her hands caressing her own body as she soaped up. Few men really knew how to please a woman that well... at least she had only encountered a few. Maybe she was just too hard to please... Or she just knew exactly what she wanted.

After drying off and putting on the shorts and tank top she slept in. Roslyn cracked open a cold one and slumped down on her couch to watch sports highlights until bed time. While bummed that her baseball team lost, at least her basketball team won. She smiled and chuckled when she tried to picture the Velopians playing basketball. It might be something to ask Alyvia about when they were in transit to the council meeting.

Playing with a ball has to be the most basic of sporting activity out there Roslyn thought. Soccer might be interesting with four legs instead of just two. Rugby would probably work the same, though she doubted they played any games on ice. In any event, maybe they might convince Nodrog to take them to other things after the meeting.

With that Roslyn called it a night and headed for bed. She only hit snooze once on her alarm before getting up. Her morning starting like most with a quick run before cleaning up and going to the cafeteria in the main building for breakfast. She smiled as Stacy called out to her and waved her over.

The little lion as always bright eyed and exuberant, this morning a little more so since the dashing Randy was sitting next to her at the table. "Morning. Been a while since I have seen you around handsome."

Randy blushed at her comment. "The bosses been keepin' me rather busy."

"They have been keeping most of us busy. Except for a few short distance trips I have been stuck on the ground." Roslyn said.

"Actually I have a flight test coming up in the next week or two. I am almost cleared for twin engine craft, thanks to you." Stacy said with a smile.

"I am sure you will do just fine." Roslyn said. Breakfast was the only meal she did not care for making, or cleaning up after. That and she always found someone to have breakfast with, it was a nice change.

"I would imagine things will be picking up now that it is late spring." Randy said.

"It should be. I am getting antsy with all this waiting around." Roslyn said.

"Don't you have that thing with Nodrog and Jenny?" Stacy asked a little quietly.

"Alice had mentioned something about it. Have to admit, I'm a little jealous." Randy said.

Roslyn shook some Tabasco sauce on her fried eggs. "I am really looking forward to that. I would say I am even excited about it. Traveling to other planets has always been a fantasy of mine."

"It does sound like fun. Since you fly Mr. October around... I don't suppose you know when that might happen for the rest of us?" Stacy asked. She almost winched at the amount of spice the otter had on her eggs.

"I haven't. I know we are working on modifying an existing spaceship for long distance trips. Should be ready for testing in the next month or so." Roslyn said.

"Still a little ways off from commercial flights then." Randy said.

"Most likely months or years. I don't think they have discussed that part of public relations yet. Plus spaceships are not exactly cheap." Roslyn said.

"No I suppose not. And until it becomes boringly routine, it will be expensive. Even for importing and exporting things." Randy said.

"Plus as of right now, we do not really have the infrastructure to support more traffic then we are currently getting. I do know they are working on getting the space station adapted so other ships can dock up there." Roslyn said. Randy had a point though, it would be a while before it becomes common place. They had seen more war ships in the few stations they visited then they saw freighters or commercial ships. Still Mianth had told her it was slowly picking up.

"I guess it depends on how many people want to travel that far. I mean Nodrog took me to another world just by walking through a shadow monster." Stacy said.

"Jenny and Alice have been a few places that way. I get the feeling that is more for monsters only and not for mortal tourists." Roslyn said with a chuckle.

Stacy and Randy both laughed. "No I don't think they would be too happy about that." Stacy said and giggled a little more.

"In any case, I think they are more focused on curing Black Blood at the moment." Roslyn said and mopped up the egg yolks with some toast.

"Most likely... Back to space travel, think they would let me transfer to space trucker?" Randy asked.

Roslyn's eye grew bigger as she smiled. "Hell yeah, that would be cool."

Stacy shook her head in disbelief as the two of them came up with what sounded like B rated movie plots. The two of them had to have hauled enough crap on this world to know nothing exciting happens in the real world. Maybe something might happen but that was a rarity. She might be more interested in going to places like the small town Lilith lived in. Places right out of story books, that did not involve fighting or space pirates... if there was such a thing.

Now if they needed welders for space stations or ship construction. Stacy could probably get into that. After all, they trained for space under water. She would consider a more technology based travel if Nodrog would still go with her. At least then if pirates showed up the Iron Dragon could take care of them. Stacy had enough experience with scum to last a couple life times, she didn't want any more.

Actually after moving here she had pretty good luck in avoiding bad situations. Mostly, since there was the little problem at the club and the monster brawl. Stacy sat and listened for the most part, she did add a point here or there. She thought it a little odd that all of the people she now counted as friends, she only met because of Nodrog. It wasn't odd because he had introduced them to one another, just the things that brought them together was odd. Still, to have her one dream come true and find someone who loved her; despite her past. Stacy would always think of Nodrog in a positive light.

A couple days later Jenny was working on getting an artifact ready for a few tests when Alice called her to the window. "What's up?" She asked as she walked over to Alice. Who was nervously chewing on a pen.

"They are here." Alice said softly. The Velopian warship had just touched down. She didn't want Jenny to go, and she didn't want Nodrog to be going either. Traveling by shadow was one thing, a well armed warship was another.

"We are not leaving till tomorrow." Jenny said and put her arm around Alice. Jenny and Roslyn were both excited to be going out on the space ship once more. Jenny knew Alice did not share that enthusiasm.

"I would rather you not be going at all." Alice mumbled.

"I know... But we never could have imagined any of this. Even in my wildest dreams." Jenny said trying to cheer Alice up.

Alice pulled away. "I'm just scared... I don't know what I would do if you did not come back."

They watched the ship hook up to ground lines and water. "Alice, I will always come back. Don't think anything different." Jenny said. She didn't want Alice to cry, it hurt her when she caused Alice to cry.

On the third trip the Velopians made, they had brought schematics for the electrical, water, and waste water connections the ships used in port. Along with dumping the black water, or the waste that simply could not be recycled. Evo Inc. already had waste water treatment plants on site, so it was a simple matter of getting hoses and couplings made.

Nodrog greeted Dallarth and the others down on the tarmac. Derrain and Evelyn were present, they would pick up Beatrice, Dagger; Morgor and Faurl on their way to the planet the meeting was on. Which was not the one they usually had them on.

"Was the change of venue in your plans?" Dallarth asked as her and Nodrog stood out on the tarmac.

"No, but it will not change them. I have considered several contingency plans." Nodrog said as they watched a few of the Velopians enjoy the afternoon weather. While the general public was beginning to accept the aliens. Both governments, Marko and Sharn agreed that the Velopians remain on government or corporate grounds during the evening and early morning hours.

"And if they keep us from sticking to our main idea?" Dallarth asked.

Nodrog chuckled. "Also already a step ahead of you in that area. Plus I have two worst case scenario plans made."

"And what might those be?" Derrain asked.

"Lets just say depending on what we find out, we might get some divine intervention." Nodrog said with a smile.

"In any case, I do hope all of your preparations are not needed." Derrain said.

Nodrog look up at the giant stone man. "So do I."

They talked at length while the evening passed on. Roslyn and Jenny both triple checking that they had everything they would possibly need for the week long adventure. This time it was Alice who had trouble sleeping as she thought of all the things that could go wrong. Morning came too soon, and Alice could see Jenny was trying not to be overly excited.

Jenny gave Alice a hug and kiss. "I wish you could come."

"Maybe another time. Be careful." Alice said.

"I will. Love you." Jenny said. After an extra lengthy goodbye kiss, she picked up her couple things to board the ship. Roslyn had her bag and a heavy case. Which Jenny figured held her weapon and ammo if she was keeping her word to being armed. She had the pistol and ammo in a small case she tucked into the bottom of her larger bag. Both of them hoped they would not need them, along with Nodrog's plans.

They would make two quick jumps to pick up the others before sailing under the ship's drive to the monster world. Jenny had tried to look up the system the world was in. Either they had not found it, or it was too far away to be found. That only added to her excitement which she now let everyone know.

With their things tucked into the room they were sharing with Nodrog. They headed up to the bridge. Due to Tunrog's size in his true form, it was rather spacious. Which allowed a small number of observers to watch without being in the crew or dragon's way.

Jenny, Roslyn, Mianth and Alyvia chatted away as the ship pulled itself into orbit before Tunrog would make the first jump. Nodrog partly listened to their conversation, pleased with how well they all got along. The current topic was sports, which was amusing since Mianth was the only one who did not play or watch any of them.

The first jump took them to Morgor's world. The second to Beatrice's world, from the Amazon world they set a course for the monster world of Etal Drasses. A world that circled a green sun in a galaxy past the furthest reaches of space human kind has yet to see. It was a massive world, a very ancint world, where forgotten ruins sat on top of even older forgotten ruins.