?thereal's Clan (?thereal Series, Book 3)

Æthereal's Clans by

Christopher W. Wilcox, Sr.

WHISKEY CREEK PRESS www.whiskeycreekpress.com Published by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS Whiskey Creek Press PO Box 51052 Casper, WY 82605-1052 www.whiskeycreekpress.com Copyright © 2006 by Christopher W. Wilcox, Sr. Copyright ©2006 by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment. ISBN 978-1-59374-653-9 Credits Cover Artist: Jinger Heaston Editor: Chere Gruver Printed in the United States of America

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT Æthereal's Clans "...adds a whole new dynamic to the Æthereal universe and this reviewer, for one, was absolutely enthralled by it. The Ursar are a wonderful addition to this literary world—invariably charming, completely fascinating, and a perfect match for humankind despite the sizable physical and culture differences between them and us. If this series continues to improve, Love Romances will need to come up with a new rating of five and a half hearts just to do Mr. Wilcox and this fabulous series sufficient credit. This reviewer so enjoyed revisiting the Æthereal's human partners, and watching their relationships develop—with one another and with the Ursar—that he truly hated to finish the book and set it aside. This reviewer's advice? Grab the nearest dragon and fly, not drive, to the nearest place to pick up a copy of this novel. If you like dragons or even giant purple bears, this book is not to be missed." ~~Reviewed by Saje for LoveRomances.com "...I loved this book. This is the third book in a trilogy about the Æthereal. The plot was unique, creative, and interesting. The Ursars race enchanted me with their honor, culture, and intelligence. The political situation added an interesting angle to the cultural exploration of a newly discovered race. I liked having characters in the last book used again in this book. It was fun seeing how married life works for Spyder and Katherine. It also was interesting to see the relationship with these newlyweds with the other newlyweds, Danny and Katarina. Their evolving relationships and personal growth add a lovely and interesting touch to this intriguing tale. The expanding story that spans this series, leads me to hope for more books from Christopher W. Wilcox Sr. If you like fantastical, intelligent creatures in a modern setting, definitely give this series a try." ~~Reviewed by Gretchen for Fallen Angel Reviews

Other Books by Author Available at Whiskey Creek Press: www.whiskeycreekpress.com Æthereal Æthereal Revealed

Dedication

First, to my new family at Whiskey Creek Press, especially my phenomenal cover artist, Jinger Heaston, and my editor and friend, Chere Gruver. Working with you two is always a pleasure. Finally, to my family. While my previous dedications have been to the ones that live in the immediate area and who have read all the drafts in their various stages, I want to thank those who live far away, for love and support that distance cannot diminish. So, here's to you, Laura, Lisa, and James, and your families, too.

Chapter 1 The rising red sun cast its crimson light over the rolling hills, highlighting the ridge crest that had been the favored roost of the seven Guardians from Sol. It was still empty. The Æthereal had been recalled for something they called the Grand Council, which Korin thought sounded a lot like a full gathering of the Clans. Glancing back at the empty ridge crest, Korin hoped they would remain gone for a long time so the Clans could once again find peace and serenity. The initial excitement from contact with the long-lost Guardians of Sol had quickly faded when confronted by the reality of having seven of the massive Æthereal living among them. First of all, it had come as a psychological blow to the collective psyche of the Clans. For millennia, they had been the undisputed masters of their world, easily coexisting with all other life forms. Being suddenly confronted by the virtually immortal winged dragons who towered over even the largest member of the Clans was more than intimidating. In fact, the Clans were afraid of the arrogant dragons, who had gone out of their way to enhance that fear through the flagrant display of their huge teeth and claws. The first time the Æthereal had loosed a blast of flame across the ruddy sky, it had frightened many of the Clans so greatly, they had hidden their cubs. The problem had been exacerbated by the refusal of the Æthereal to adopt any other form that would be more suitable to their surroundings, and less imposing to the Clans. The Æthereal had made it abundantly clear they regarded any other form as beneath them and spoke disparagingly of those other Æthereal who had adopted lesser forms to fit in. The one blessing had been the Æthereal had gone elsewhere to feed. They claimed the shifted light spectrum from the red sun interfered with their appetites. Korin was grateful for that since the idea of seeing them consuming enough food to support those huge bodies was enough to give him nightmares for years. Korin returned to Clan Home. It was typical of the dwellings used by all Clans, built entirely of natural materials carefully shaped to meet their needs. It contained chambers for the cubs, as well as various other rooms for the adults, kitchens, and communal spaces for their various activities. Once the cubs returned, it would be a very noisy place once again. For now, however, it only held the adults. He ducked his head as he entered the dwelling, since he was slightly taller than the doorway. As he expected, Clan Mother was waiting for him. "Are they still gone?" "Yes, Clan Mother, they are still gone.” He could see that Clan Mother had spent time with the other females because the patterns in her fur were new. Why anyone would spend hours manipulating the structure of individual hairs in a pelt to change their color was beyond Korin, but he had to admit the rippled pattern of the striping that now graced Clan Mother's fur was quite beautiful. He supposed that decorating someone's fur and transforming a stone into a striking piece of art were part of the same creative drive. The booming voice of Clan Father came from behind Korin. “It has been almost one hundred days since the Æthereal left us. That is too long. Either those arrogant flying lizards have decided we are not worth their time, or something has happened."

Korin dipped his head in respect to Clan Father. While not quite as tall as Korin, Clan Father was much more heavily muscled and there were white scars across his muzzle from one of his earlier battles to secure Clan leadership. While they may be civilized, there were still some legacies from the past too inbred to overcome; leadership through ritual combat was one of them. “I agree, Clan Father. Have the probes given us any insight into the cause for this prolonged silence from the Æthereal?" Clan Father looked sharply at the younger male. Korin had always been too smart for his own good. No one had said a word about probing the Æthereal, yet he instinctively knew the Clan had been doing just that. While the others of Korin's year group had found their path and life's work, Korin still floundered, dabbling at this and that. He had an affinity for the cold logic of the thinking machines, the great crystal computing systems left behind by the Ancients, but was too young to be accepted by those already working with them. "The probes have shown us nothing to explain. We have seen the largest of the ones who had come here, but he seems to have been badly injured in some kind of fight. The others pay him little heed. We have also observed the new partners of the Æthereal, these humans. I think we will find we have more in common with them than with the Æthereal,” Clan Father said. “The question is how we get in contact with the Æthereal." **** Danny and Forrest arrived at the appointed time to see Ebon. Both had been off-world exploring yet another uninhabited planet while the Guardian forces on Earth had been involved in the search for the nuclear weapon in Washington. The deaths of Sorcha, Striker, Obsidian and the others had struck both of them rather hard. "Welcome back to Paradise!” Ebon said by way of greeting the top exploration partnership. “I realize you just got in but I need you to do something for me; a mission that may require some delicacy." "Oh? And what makes you think that Danny or I can handle anything that needs a light touch, old friend?” Forrest asked. Ebon gestured at the chairs grouped in front of his desk as he said, “Have a seat and let me explain the situation. As you know, the renegades have been dealt with but ever since then, I have experienced a growing sense of unease about what they had been doing even before the Grand Council. I am not speaking here of their depredations on Earth but rather, the mission I had entrusted to them with the Ursars." Danny looked puzzled. “Who are the Ursars?" Forrest looked at his young partner and said, “The Ursars are another Guardian species created by the Ancients to battle the Grays. The existence of the other Guardian races was revealed when your friend Spyder translated some captured Gray data. Celadon and I traveled to the various worlds indicated as holding a Guardian race in hopes of establishing relationships with them and perhaps working together to eliminate the Gray menace. We brought a representative from both the Ursars and the Pride back with us to meet with the Grand Council a few months before the Æthereal were revealed." Ebon resumed speaking, “When I consider the complete arrogance of those seven renegades and their attitudes about any species not Æthereal, I am convinced they were the worst possible choice to send to another Guardian race. Too much time has past since we recalled the renegades without contact with

the Ursars. That is where you come in." Forrest said, “You want us to go to the Ursars and see what the current situation is." "Succinctly put. Yes, I want you to travel there as soon as possible to reopen communications with the Ursars,” Ebon said. “Once the lines of communications are open again, I want you to assess what damage, if any, the renegades did and what should be done to correct it.” Looking at the partners, he added, “I do not see this as a long mission; just a quick in and out. What you learn will determine what we do next." Standing, Forrest said, “Should not be a problem, Ebon. We will leave in the morning after I have rested." As they departed Ebon's office, Danny asked, “So what do the Ursars look like?" "The Ursars live on a world with a slightly heavier gravity that Earth, so they are very strong. Their sun is a red one, so on their world, their fur appears as a rich brown color. They are about two or three times your size." Ebon's partner Eric, who had overheard the exchange, chuckled. “Danny, the Ursars are twenty foot telepathic purple bears." **** The alarm had flashed through the minds of all Clans the moment the Æthereal had portaled into their world. The younger adult females had herded the cubs back into the sanctuary of the great caves while the remaining females withdrew to reinforced inner chambers within the Clan dwellings. Even though there was only one Æthereal, the Clans took no chances. There was some relief when the Æthereal was identified as the same Green who had made the original contact between the Clans and the Æthereal. Since this Green had proven to be both honorable and reliable in his dealings with the Clans, there was some release of the tension that had filled them. The fact this Æthereal traveled with a human partner also helped. Forrest broadcast a general greeting of peace and friendship. 'Greetings, fellow Guardians! It is good to be back among you once more.' He also included a request to meet with the Clan leaders. Danny wondered about the silence that met them. The terse mental directions to a landing spot had done nothing to alleviate his apprehension. As they winged down toward the vast clearing indicated in the response, Danny looked around. The low light levels from the red sun gave the appearance of twilight. The color shift from the crimson light turned his dark green leathers into almost a black hue. The foliage of the trees and shrubs were also dark shades. The clearing was still empty when they landed and Danny climbed down to the ground to stand at Forrest's side. Danny scanned the edge of the clearing but didn't notice the approaching delegation until they were well clear of the trees. Korin had been honored when Clan Father ordered him to accompany the delegation to the clearing to meet with the Æthereal and the human. As they approached the visitors, Korin was struck by the disparity between them. The Æthereal towered into the sky at least three times Korin's height, while the human would barely come to Korin's waist. The Æthereal exuded an aura of invincibility, while the human looked fragile and harmless.

'Greetings, Forrest the Green. It has been long since you were last here. In fact, it has been long since any of your kind were here,' Clan Father's mental voice rang out. Forrest dipped his head in acknowledgement. 'There have been some changes and that is but one of the reasons we have come. May I present Danny, my human partner?' Danny stepped forward and bowed. 'Greetings, Guardians. It is indeed an honor to be here.' 'A display of manners is most welcome, for it is a skill your predecessors never exercised,' Clan Father said. 'Would you care to join us inside in comfort, or choose to remain here in this field?' Danny could sense this was a test. Forrest merely shifted shape to his human form, allowing the Ursars to set the tone for their discussions. 'By all means, let us be comfortable while we talk! Lead on.' 'Danny, it is clear Ebon's fears were justified.' Forrest sent on a tight mental channel. ''The renegades apparently would not change shape to accommodate the Ursars in order to maintain their feelings of superiority. We must tread very carefully now.' Korin was behind the human called Danny as they walked from the clearing into the trees around the village. The human was smaller than a six month old cub, had no fur to speak of, no claws at all, and barely any teeth. Korin wondered how such a creature could ever defend itself. Perhaps there were no clawed or fanged creatures on its world. Its face was curiously flat with a little nose and small mouth. How did it scent for prey or predators? Yet upon the creature's face were several faint scars reminiscent of Clan Father's leadership scars. What a curious creature! Danny hurried along the path, trying very hard to keep up with the strides of the giant bears. It felt so strange to be in the company of beings that reminded him of Kodiak bears, complete with huge claws on their hind feet. As he moved along behind the others, he caught sight of something dancing along the periphery of his vision. Small globes of gold light that vanished whenever he tried to look at one directly. They reminded him strongly of the fairy lights described in folktales back on Earth. No one else seemed to pay the lights any attention, so Danny could only conclude either they were harmless, or he was hallucinating. Danny was all too aware of the large creature behind him. The resemblance to a Kodiak was even stronger up close but at the same time, the similarity paled when one got a good look at the eyes. There was no beast behind those eyes; a keen intellect looked out at the world, assessing everything. Danny also sensed something else: compassion, understanding, and above all, curiosity. Danny could sense this was a kindred spirit. Danny could see the building they were approaching and he could only marvel at what he saw. Blending naturally into the surroundings, it looked as if it were made from a single piece of stone. Danny could see no sign of any tool markings on the window openings or the doorway, in which was carved an impressive relief of scenes depicting Ursars in various activities, and arched high above Danny's head, although the Ursar behind him had to duck its head to enter. The building consisted of a single chamber, round like the building, and the thick walls were pierced at regular intervals by oval window openings that would permit a pleasing cross-ventilation, no matter which direction the wind was from. Lighting was indirect from sconces between each of the windows, aimed upward to reflect off the ceiling that must have been at least thirty feet above the chamber floor.

Much to Danny's relief, the chamber was filled with plush cushions that rested on the floor. Danny had envisioned trying to sit in a chair scaled to fit these gigantic bears and knew he would look like a toddler trying to sit in an adult chair. Forrest indicated that Danny should join him on the ones located at the center of the arc of cushions, flanked by the Ursars. Considered a position of honor, Danny also noticed it was the position farthest from the door. Forrest resumed the conversation he had been having with the leader of the group who had met them. 'I must admit to you, the seven Æthereal who visited you were not true representatives of my people. They were renegades and engaged in behaviors that caused much harm in our relations with the humans and, apparently, with you as well. They have been punished in the manner chosen by our Grand Council and will never bother you or the humans again.' 'It is true the seven who were here have created much distrust among the Clans regarding the Guardians of Sol. This distrust has been nurtured by their arrogant actions among us, and it will take more than words to undo this damage.' Clan Father's mental voice held a hint of a growl. Forrest asked, 'What path should we follow to reach a new understanding between us?' Clan Father stared at Forrest and Danny for a long time before he answered. 'This is a hard path we must take and there is much which must be overcome. The way shall be through your human partners. The Æthereal may not stay among us for a time while we learn to know the real nature of your kind through the way others view them.' 'This is indeed a wise path,' Forrest replied, 'but I do not believe it will be a hard one for the humans, or for the Clans.' Danny watched the faces of the Ursars as they hammered out an agreement about a human settlement. Forrest gained permission for them to deploy a standard settlement configuration with independent shelters for the team members and communal facility housing a kitchen and common meeting areas. The initial team would be of no more than five humans. The Æthereal would provide the portal between Paradise and the clearing where they landed, which would be the site for the settlement of the humans. In addition, a daily portal could be opened to permit communication both ways. At some point during the discussions, other Ursars quietly entered the chamber, delivering beverages and food. Danny could not discern whether the new ones were female or just younger, but they had not remained in the chamber. Danny turned his attention to the platter of fruits and the graceful goblet of crystal. While of a size that would be suitable for the large paw of an Ursar, Danny had to hold it in both hands to pick it up. After a surreptitious sniff, he took a sip and found it held cool, pure water. The fruit reminded him of grapes, if he could imagine a grape the size of an apple. He had to take small bites of the fruit, enjoying the combination of sweet and tart that mingled. His pleased expression triggered a response in the Ursar seated to his side, who reached over and popped one of the fruits into his huge maw and then chewed with gusto, a pleased expression turning his lips upward. The Ursar extended a hand toward one of the melons and, using a single claw that extended from between his fingers, sliced the fruit into sections. Spearing one with the tip of his claw, he extended the piece to Danny. Danny took the offered piece and tasted it—a flavor that reminded Danny of a mixture of honeydew and cantaloupe. He nodded to indicate that he liked it. Danny turned his attention back to the serious matters at hand when movement on his right indicated

that Forrest was starting to rise. Danny quickly followed suit. Once again, the group made its way along the paths back to the clearing. As Forrest shifted back to his natural form, Danny felt a heavy tap on his shoulder. He turned to find it was the younger Ursar who had been seated next to him. The large creature handed Danny a mesh bag containing several of the oversized grapes and a few melons for him to take back. Danny thanked him, and scrambled up onto the saddle. After tying the bag to one of the harness straps, Danny got himself settled, reconnecting his suit and visor to the systems imbedded in the saddle. As he did, he looked back to the group and captured a still photograph of the Ursars. Then, after exchanging ritual words of departure, Forrest sprang into the air and soon opened a portal home. **** Ebon was waiting for them when they landed on the Borland Guardian Base. “How bad is it?" Forrest shook his head. “It could barely be worse. Our renegades could not have sabotaged things more had they tried. The Ursars will continue relations, but only if the contact is through humans. We Æthereal are not welcome for now.” Forrest then explained the agreement that had been ironed out with the Clan leaders. "So what we need now are humans, steeped in the ability to deal with other cultures, who are not xenophobic and, more importantly, not afraid of bears. They must also have a great understanding of the Æthereal. Well, that can only mean the Science Support Staff and that means..." "Spyder,” finished both Danny and Forrest. "Danny, would you please go find Spyder and bring him to my office?” Ebon looked across the field. “Unless I am mistaken, you will find him at the Cenotaph. And it appears Katarina is waiting for you as well."

Chapter 2 Spyder and Katherine stood on the field in the Borland Guardian Facility on Paradise, staring upwards at the memorial cenotaph at the six newly inscribed names. Neither spoke as they remembered the irreverent Striker and eager Sorcha, who took them into the skies of Serenity. Unpartnered, they felt the loss of each Æthereal personally and most especially, these two young ones. When they had learned of Sorcha's sacrifice, neither had been surprised. Duty had run strong in the breast of that Red dragon. A small noise behind them made them turn to face the new arrivals at the cenotaph. It was Danny and Katarina. Katarina hugged the smaller Katherine with sisterly compassion. "Spyder,” Danny said, “Ebon is looking for you." "Did he happen to say why?” Spyder asked, his eyes returning to the names once more. "He said something about a request for your help with the Ursars,” Danny said. Katherine turned to Spyder. “Who are the Ursars?" Spyder responded. “They're another species of Guardians created by the Ancients to fight the Grays, Katy." "What are they like?” she asked. "Try to imagine a twenty foot dark purple telepathic bear that walks upright. That's an Ursar,” Spyder said. “I wonder what they want with me? Well, there's only one way to find out. Let's go find Ebon and see what the Guardian has to say." Spyder knocked on the door to Ebon's office, his mind churning over the possibilities. The Ursars had both fascinated and frightened him when he had seen one at the Grand Council. He knew little about them or their culture but he did recall they had intact records from the Ancients. Hearing Ebon's voice, he opened the door and entered the room. For the next hour, Forrest detailed the recent expedition to the Ursars’ home planet and the agreement that had been reached to plant a human group among them. “The five Ursars we met with were all male, as were the few others we came in contact with. I do not know whether this is an indication of their cultural belief that females are inferior, or if it was an effort to protect them from us. I would recommend your team be made up of all males to start. Perhaps, once we have a better understanding of their society, we can bring human females there as well." Spyder sat back. “My team?" "I want you to lead the mission to Ursaria, Spyder,” Ebon said. "No offense, Ebon, but have you lost your mind? I don't know anything about dealing with other cultures or giant bears or whatever. I'm a simple computer geek!" Ebon laughed. “There is nothing simple about you, my friend, and you underestimate yourself greatly.

Let it suffice for the moment that you are the acknowledged head of the Science Support Staff. The team members will logically be drawn from among the Science Support Staff, so they will already think of you in terms of being their leader. Furthermore, I suspect the Ursars have a tremendous technological base to their society, for all its simplicity. Your work with the Gray systems, as well as the completely alien technology found on Serenity, shows you are both adaptable and not adversely affected by any kind of xenophobia." "No women, huh?” Spyder shook his head. “Katherine is not going to like being left behind like this." "Katherine is your assistant, is she not?” Forrest asked. "That will never play, Forrest. You can't just give an order to a woman like Katherine." "That is not what I meant. I meant that, since she is your assistant, we could not afford for both of you to be off-world for any great length of time,” Forrest explained. “She must first find and train a replacement to run the operations here at Borland. Once she is comfortable turning it over to someone else, then she will be able to join you." "Now, that approach might work! Thanks, Forrest!” Spyder said. **** Later that same day, Spyder and Katherine hosted Danny and Katarina for a quiet dinner. Danny brought with him the fruit he was given by the Ursar, which the group savored as their dessert with coffee. "These huge grapes are delicious!” Katherine exclaimed. “And you say one of the Ursars gave them to you?" "Yes, he and I had been sharing them during the meeting. In fact, he cut up one of the melons using a single claw that extended from his hand. That was startling, let me tell you. One second there are these fingers slightly curled and then suddenly, there's this six inch razor-sharp talon jutting between them. I know how sharp it was because of how quickly it sliced through the melon. I had a tough time cutting these for dinner." "Are they really as formidable as they seem?” Katarina asked. Danny called up the image he had taken just before they left Ursaria. The group examined the photograph Danny displayed on the large screen television in the room. The photograph looked like five Kodiak bears standing on their rear legs with their heads uplifted toward the camera. "What kind of filter did you use on this, Danny? I seem to recall their coloring was almost a royal purple,” Spyder said as he looked at the photograph. "None. The sun on their world is red and the crimson light shifts color values." Katherine examined the picture, trying to get some sense of scale. “I just can't get a feeling for how big they are from this. There's nothing in the photograph that I can use as a reference." Danny pointed out the Ursar on the extreme left side of the photograph. “You see this fellow here? I

came up to about here,” Danny said, pointing to a spot on the torso of the Ursar to indicate how high his head had come. "Big, aren't they!” Spyder looked carefully at the one Danny had indicated. “This one seems younger than the others somehow." "I felt the same thing. I think he's related to the Clan leader we spoke with,” Danny said, pointing out the leader in the photograph. “Any idea who you will invite to be a part of the team?" Spyder thought about it for a minute. “I'll need somebody who's really good with analyzing other cultures. I was thinking about what's-his-name, the guy who was working with Azure on the Serenity mission." "I believe you mean Doctor Richard Brasington, III; PhD in Anthropology from Oxford with another PhD in Paleontology from Cambridge,” Katherine answered. “I heard he's gone back to Earth and is somewhere on a dig in the Yucatan." "I'd bet he'd be willing to dump all that to spend time analyzing a living culture of intelligent bears,” Danny said. “Would you like me to see if he would be interested?" "Yes, because my second choice would be completely unacceptable,” Spyder said. "It's too bad the Ursars banned women because Diana Richland would have been the ideal choice. Not only does she have the necessary degree qualifications, she spent several years studying Kodiak bears in Alaska,” Katherine said. “Frankly, if they allowed women, I'd be there in a heartbeat." "Now, Katy, you know you have to run the depot until you can find and train a replacement. We can't both be gone until there's someone qualified to replace us,” Spyder said, trying to placate his new bride of six months. She had been upset about their pending separation ever since she learned of his new assignment. She had sworn that somehow, she would find and train a replacement so she could join Spyder as soon as possible. To avoid a potential problem, Danny shifted the conversation back to candidates for the team. “Assuming we can get Brasington, who else do you have in mind?" Spyder looked a little sheepish. “Well, I tried to get Ebon to let me smuggle Azure in disguise but apparently, the Æthereal have promised not to come in any form other than their natural ones until invited by the Ursars. So my idea got nixed. To be honest, I don't know who I'll need because I have no idea of what to expect or what will be the best mix of talents. I'm going to suggest I go alone for a week or two to get a feel for the place and the mission, and then make the team assignments based on that assessment." Danny thought for a moment about the time he had spent with the Ursars. “That probably makes more sense than going with the wrong mix of skills. While you get set up, I'll see about the good doctor and see if he's afraid of the three bears." ****

Five days later as he watched the nimbus fade closed, Spyder began to wonder whether it made as much sense as he'd originally thought. The communal center and one dorm unit had been set up for him that afternoon in the clearing. He had not seen a single sign of the Ursars since the portal had opened. They had certainly made a lot of noise moving everything into place. Spyder suspected the Ursars knew very well the new human contingent had landed and they would make themselves known at the time and place of their own choosing. Spyder had to admit the transition from the warm yellow sunlight on Paradise to the ruddy light here was something of a shock. Nothing in Danny's videos or the still photos had prepared him for the feeling of being perpetually in twilight. One modification Danny had insisted upon was a filter on every window to allow the internal lights to match the external color spectrum. There was even a light baffle at all the entrance doors to the human modules. Not only would it be polite to avoid light pollution, it might also prevent any potential damage to the eyesight of the indigenous species. Spyder glanced one last time at the tree line beyond the clearing, seeing those curious gold balls of light Danny had told him about. The lights would hold stationary for a moment or two and then either dart off to some other part of the tree line, or wink out of existence completely. Most curious. Spyder opened the door to his personal module and closed it behind him before opening the secondary light curtain. His new home away from home was certainly austere. Plain walls and floors. The bedroom held a double bed, a dresser with his folded clothes and a wardrobe with his leathers. His desk with all his computer equipment dominated the sitting room. One corner of the desk, however, was reserved for a framed photograph of Katherine that Danny had taken during their time on Serenity. Danny had caught her face in a moment of joyous abandonment, her eyes alight with merriment and her beautiful face illuminated by a smile that radiated happiness. Staring at that photograph, Spyder could feel himself falling in love with her all over again. It was going to be a very long mission if he had to spend it without her. Spyder opened his laptop and began his report, but that soon changed to just a simple letter to Katherine about his day and experiences so far. He typed far into the night. **** Korin had sat motionless under the tree line all day watching the human encampment come into being. He had been appalled as the blue portal had opened and the veritable army of folks and machines had brought the strange structures into the clearing. It had taken most of the day for the structures to be assembled, but Korin had been amazed at how quickly the constituent pieces had been put together to make the dwellings that now occupied the barren clearing. As quickly as that army had appeared, it had vanished just as fast, leaving only a single human behind. Korin had watched as that human walked around the clearing, looking at the tree line as if expecting the Clan to come swooping upon him. When at last either satisfied that its fears were groundless or determining that the Clan would be waiting for it to make the first move, the human had gone back inside after studying the flickering probe lights that dotted the trees. Korin wondered to whom those probes belonged. He knew that all the Clans were curious about the new visitor, but Clan Father had decreed the human would not be spied upon inside the clearing. He supposed that by not actually entering the clearing itself, the probes honored the letter, if not the spirit, of that decree. Turning his attention back to the clearing, he pondered the structures once more. They smelled just as wrong as they looked. There did not seem to be anything natural about them. They

were all absolutely straight lines and did not blend in with the surroundings the way dwellings should. It appeared the humans had as much to learn from the Clans as the Clans had to learn from the humans. Korin sat in the darkness, watching until the lights went out inside the human's dwelling. He then returned to Clan House and briefed Clan Father and Clan Mother on all he had observed. After that, he went to the sleeping pit and snuggled amid his Clan members until he fell asleep.

Chapter 3 Korin woke before dawn, as was his custom, even though he had been out very late the preceding night. After a quick meal, he raced back to the clearing for Clan Father had made it very clear that Korin was charged with watching the human and to learn as much about the stranger as he could. When he reached the clearing, he did not stop at the tree line. Instead, he made his way beyond the trees and sat in the open in hopes of drawing the human out of the enclosure. In this way, he would not be intruding upon the clearing, yet would be making his presence known. Seated facing the direction he was, Korin was able to enjoy the full dawn. He enjoyed the slow increase in the ambient light until the glorious moment when the red orb cleared the horizon, bathing the land in the crimson glow of a new day. It was one of Korin's secret pleasures to greet the rising of the sun each day and a source of amusement to the other members of the Clan, who chose to remain snuggled in the sleeping pit until Clan Mother scolded them for laziness. And while Korin enjoyed the pleasures of the sleeping pit, he loved the peace and solitude of the dawn even more. At last the sun had risen fully above the horizon and Korin returned his gaze to the clearing. He was startled to find the human seated in front of him, less than an arm's reach away. **** Spyder had set his wrist alarm and rose shortly before the predicted rising of the sun. He had quickly showered, shaved, and donned a fresh set of leathers. In the breast pocket of his jacket, he had placed a small recorder powered by one of the tiny Borland generators. The recorder was capable of digitally recording all audio signals within a distance of ten feet for a full twenty-four hours. A small digital camera was built into the lapel of his jacket, which was also capable of recording a visual record for a full day. He strapped his web belt about his waist, containing his holstered semi-automatic pistol and two canteens of water. Finally, sipping his coffee, he glanced out the window and saw the Ursar sitting by the edge of the clearing. Carefully and quietly, Spyder left his shelter and walked over to the large creature. Even seated, it towered over Spyder. It seemed oblivious to Spyder's approach, so he did the only thing he could think of and that was to sit down in front of the creature and wait. As he sat there, he studied the large being in front of him. While there was a superficial resemblance to the Kodiak bears of Earth, there were also differences. First and foremost, there was the obvious intelligence in the eyes. Secondly, the paws at the end of the arms had what could only be described as fingers, complete with an opposable thumb. Between those fingers, Spyder could see a curious fold from which extended the tip of a retractable talon. He, for the absence of any form of clothing made the gender obvious, appeared to be a young adult male. Perhaps it was the leanness of the torso or the absence of any gray in his fur or, more probably, it was the sense of joy on the face upturned to the rising sun that made Spyder think this large being was probably of a similar age to himself. Spyder was watching the face when the eyes finally left the sunrise and became aware of his presence. There was a brief moment of startlement, a quick twitch of the massive shoulders, and a flicker of what could only be termed chagrin that danced across the ursine face. They sat there for a moment, looking at each other in silence. Finally, Spyder placed his hand upon his own chest and said, “My name is Spyder. Spyder."

Korin studied the being who sat before him. Other than a shock of hair on the top of its head—did the human have a tail on its head?—the human had no fur. Korin could see it wore the tailored skins as a sort of protective barrier. It had no muzzle at all, just like the last one who had visited. Instead, its tiny nose projected forward above the mobile mouth. The creature placed its own hand upon its chest and spoke aloud. Korin tried to reach its mind but encountered a smooth, seamless barrier. Korin concentrated on the human's words and gestures. Ah, it is called Spyder. Korin reached out his massive hand and gently touched the human's chest and repeated, “Spyder,” then touched his own furry chest and said, “Korin.” Delight shone in the human's eyes but Korin could see the question that lurked there, too. Now what? Korin touched his head and then pantomimed reaching toward Spyder's, but being blocked. It took a few tries but suddenly, Spyder understood what Korin was trying to say. Korin could not reach Spyder telepathically. Spyder ducked his head and concentrated. Shortly after Spyder had attended the Grand Council for the first time right before the raid on the Gray world to rescue Starfarer, Spyder had been overwhelmed by the mental voices of the Æthereal. He could not stop hearing them converse between themselves, or their partners. It had been slowly driving him mad. Astra had seen what was happening and had taught Spyder to put a barrier around his own mind to blank out the intrusions. He had learned how to open that barrier selectively so he could “hear” an Æthereal when he needed to, so Spyder concentrated on slowly reducing the barrier until he could “feel” the thoughts of the Ursar. Spyder almost laughed when he determined the meaning of the thought he was receiving. Somehow, “Can you hear me now?” was not what he expected. 'Yes, I can hear you, Korin.' Spyder was bombarded by a sense of wonder and joy from the great being in front of him, along with a torrent of alien thoughts and images. Suddenly, the flood stopped before it could overwhelm Spyder. Now Spyder could sense contrition, as if Korin had become aware of how close to drowning in the mental flood Spyder had come. Korin sent out a mental call, 'Clan Father, guide me. This being's mental voice is untutored and cannot translate our thoughts.' 'Bring him to me' came the response. Korin gestured for Spyder to accompany him into the trees, away from the clearing. Spyder stood and watched as the giant bear stood erect. Spyder had always been among the tallest of the people of Earth, standing at six foot three, but now, he felt like a small child once more. His head came to less than midtorso on the Ursar. As Korin started to amble down the path toward the Clan dwelling, Spyder began to walk behind him. Fortunately, Spyder's longer legs let him keep pace with the larger creature. As they walked, Spyder looked around. While never having been an outdoorsman back on Earth, he did have an appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. This world looked completely undisturbed by any kind of civilization. Looking back at the massive figure in front of him, Spyder could not see any kind of technical devices of any sort. In fact, Korin did not appear to be carrying anything at all. Just how sure were the Æthereal that the Ursars were a technological species? The other thing that worried Spyder was his inability to fully grasp the mental communication he'd had with Korin. How could

humans interact with the Ursars if they couldn't communicate? Spyder did not believe they had the time to spend with the laborious process of learning one another's language. They were almost at Clan Home when Spyder became aware of it. It blended into the surroundings as if it had always been there. The structure was made of some kind of stone and, judging by the openings, its walls were at least two feet thick. The threshold at the opening had been polished smooth by the passage of many feet over the years. In fact, the slightly depressed surface reminded Spyder strongly of the worn steps he'd seen in pictures of the Great Wall of China where the rock had been eroded away by the passage of millions of feet over the centuries. Korin actually had to duck his head as he entered the structure and Spyder followed him to a small chamber off the entranceway. Here, amid brightly colored floor pillows, he found another Ursar seated. Spyder recognized the scarred muzzle and knew this was the Clan Leader Forrest and Danny had met. Spyder bowed his head and said, “Greetings, Guardian." Clan Father did not understand the spoken words but did understand the tone and respectful manner in which they had been said. He gestured for Korin and the human to be seated. Looking at Korin, he said, “Explain." Briefly, Korin explained all that had transpired. The barrier around Spyder's mind intrigued Clan Father for that was unknown among the Clans. Clan Father directed his attention toward Spyder, sending a gentle probe into Spyder's mind. It was alien but he soon grasped the syntax and vocabulary he needed to make Spyder understand what he wanted to communicate. 'Spyder, I am called Clan Father. We have a means to help you learn our language and aid us to learn yours. It uses a machine from the Ancients but will not harm you. Will you trust us in this?' The clear thoughts astounded Spyder. The idea of a machine from the Ancients excited Spyder immediately and he readily nodded his assent and thought 'Yes' with all his might. **** Korin led Spyder to another chamber within Clan Home where there was a ramp leading deep into the ground. The vaulted passageway was large enough that two or three Ursars could have moved along it side by side. Any car from Earth could have driven down the passageway without concern. The tunnel was illuminated with indirect lighting that reflected off the polished stone. The ramp had gently spiraled to the right as they had moved downward, so Spyder determined they were probably still directly under Clan Home. The descent seemed to go on for hours, yet Spyder knew by looking at his watch that it took only forty minutes to reach the bottom. At the bottom, there was a set of massive doors, the first Spyder had seen. These doors were covered with a bas-relief carving depicting the story of the Ancients. Familiar with the tale from the captured Gray data, Spyder scanned the doors with his hidden camera while he studied the carvings. One scene clearly showed the Æthereal, while another depicted the Ursars. There were countless other figures and shapes that revealed the vast assortment of species the Ancients had left behind. The final section showed the Ancients departing through what could only be portals toward another galaxy. Korin approached the doors and Spyder sensed rather than heard Korin chanting before them. As Korin stepped back, the doors ponderously opened and Korin ushered Spyder through them before they

slowly closed with a muted, yet solid, boom of finality. The chamber in which he found himself enthralled Spyder. It was roughly circular, measuring perhaps the length of a football field. At various points equidistant around the circumference were large crystalline blocks. Inside these blocks were flickers of light, like lightning masked within clouds during a nighttime thunderstorm. Spyder recognized their purpose immediately; these were the Ancient's computers and inside them rested the knowledge of the Ancients. Korin led the way across the chamber to one set of the flickering monoliths. Adjacent to them sat two large tables. It wasn't until Korin demonstrated that Spyder realized the tables were actually designed for something Korin's size to lie upon, and he wanted Spyder to do so. Unfortunately for Spyder, he couldn't reach the top of it so Korin had to lift him up onto it. Once situated at the end of the table, Korin attached devices to Spyder's temples and then did the same to his own. Once he had stretched out, Korin depressed a button recessed in the panel along the side of his table. Spyder immediately felt a small current running through his body. The current quickly changed into something less painful, almost as if the machine had detected his discomfort and then ameliorated it. Spyder began to feel drowsy, drifting off to sleep even as the barriers around his mind completely collapsed.

Chapter 4 Spyder woke feeling completely refreshed and rejuvenated. He stretched and then remembered where he was and what had been happening when he went to sleep. He sat up and shifted his legs off the examination table. He reached up, plucked the temporal electrodes from the sides of his head, and then began to look for some means to get down without breaking anything in the process. "Here. Let me help you.” The bass voice was very loud in the vast chamber. Wonderful acoustics. Spyder turned to see Korin reaching out his hand to assist Spyder down. "Thanks,” Spyder said once his feet were firmly back on the ground. “I don't think I could have gotten down without some effort otherwise." And that was when it hit him. They were speaking to one another aloud. Spyder wasn't sure whether they were speaking English, Ursarian, or some amalgam of the two. But that didn't matter, they were communicating. Spyder was overcome with a profound sense of awe at the technical capabilities of the Ancients this revealed; they had made a machine that could take the mind of a species that hadn't even existed and enable communication with one completely different. "I know you would like to explore this chamber but now is not the time, Spyder,” Korin said. “We must return to Clan Father." With a wistful sigh, Spyder turned and followed his friend through the now opened doors and onto the great spiral ramp. The thought of that climb made Spyder groan. It was a long way up. **** Clan Father was still sitting in the same spot when they finally returned to the surface. Spyder dropped wearily onto one of the floor pillows, then bowed his head in respect. “Guardian, I give you greetings from the Æthereal." Clan Father regarded the small human before him. “Are we to infer that you are of such importance that we should feel honored that only one human has been sent to replace seven arrogant Æthereal?" Spyder was stunned by this interpretation of his presence. “Great One, I am of little importance. I serve merely as the vanguard to assess what skills should be brought here to develop a mutual accord between our people.” Spyder continued, “It had been my thought to meet with you and see what others should be summoned and in what numbers so that we would neither be a burden, nor seen as a potential threat." Clan Father snorted at the idea that something so small as the human before him could be seen as a threat. “Very well then. This is acceptable to the Clans. You will spend time among us and see whether more humans are needed and what skills they should possess. I have assigned Korin to be responsible for you.” Korin nodded his head in acceptance. Turning his gaze back on Spyder, Clan Father continued, “Ask questions and learn about us and we shall do the same with you. In time, once we learn to trust you, Korin will take you back to the place of the Ancients to learn what you may."

Spyder bowed his head in acknowledgement. He also detected a tone of dismissal in Clan Father's voice, which was emphasized as Korin surged to his feet. Spyder bowed his head once more and then followed Korin from the chamber and back outside. It was only then that Spyder glanced at his watch and realized he had been inside Clan House for almost eight hours. Korin led him back to the clearing, where they bid one another a good evening after making arrangements to meet again in the morning to watch the dawn. Spyder then returned to his cabin and removed the recordings from his camera and audio recorder. He inserted the audio recording into his laptop. He listened with amusement to the initial attempts at communication and then the portions with Clan Father. He was not surprised to find that the entire time he spent inside the chamber of the Ancients was blank. Audio recording did not resume until they had passed once more onto the spiral ramp. He next examined the visual recordings and found the same blanking effect on that disk as well. Spyder theorized the chamber had a dampening field and, without any information contrary to that theory, it was the story he was sticking with. He sat down to write his report and, once again, it became a personal letter to Katherine. Through the use of the more personal tone, he was able to insert his feelings, as well as his physical observations. This made the reports even more complete than if he had stuck to the strictly formal reporting style. He trusted Katherine to pass on what was relevant to Ebon and Forrest while keeping back the more personal stuff. To make that easier for her, he kept the really intimate parts for a separate section at the end of the letter. He saved the file onto a one gigabit flash drive, along with the two recordings. Looking at his watch, he knew the daily portal would be opening in just under an hour, so he put the flash drive in his pocket and went over to the communal facility to fix something to eat. As he ate his grilled sirloin steak, baked potatoes (loaded), and tossed salad, he thought about his day. Spyder considered himself an adaptable sort but even he was surprised by the events of the day and the equanimity with which he had been handling it. He had the feeling his head had been stuffed with a lot more than just a language; he just didn't know how to access it ... yet. Once he finished eating, he cleaned up the kitchen and went back to his desk. There he sat, holding Katherine's photograph in his hands, completely unaware of the small golden globe hovering in the corner of the room near the ceiling. **** "What do you see?” whispered the littlest cub to her older siblings. "He just ate some roasted meat and stuff, then cleaned up. Now he's just mooning over some object that looks like a representation of another human,” reported the older one. "Boring!" "I thought an alien would be cool, but this is dull." The chorus of complaints grew louder as the various other cubs added their voices. "Quiet!” hissed the older cub. “Do you know how much trouble we would get in if we got caught? Clan Father said no probes in the clearing.” The older cub shut down his probe. “That's it for tonight, so get to bed!"

**** Katherine read Spyder's latest message and after extracting the purely personal parts, forwarded it through the base's secure email system to both Forrest and Ebon. She then sat down and reread it all once more, especially the really personal part. She doubted anyone suspected the romantic who lurked inside her husband but she could sense his loneliness for her. Some of what he'd written made no secret of his desire for her and she'd blushed at what she'd read. Well, it was time for her response back to him, so she opened a new document and started to write, telling him how she enjoyed his letters and how very much she missed him. She also told him of her progress in finding a replacement. When she finished, she saved the file onto Spyder's flash drive and put it in the spot for transfer back to her husband. She also sent a quick note to Katarina asking for her assistance in a special project she wanted to do in order to surprise Spyder. **** Ebon and Forrest met to discuss Spyder's report. “He is doing well. He is actually doing better than I thought he would at this stage,” Ebon said. "Yes, he was correct to hold everyone else back until he had a chance to assess the situation. His report about his meeting with the clan leader certainly bears out that it was the right move,” Forrest replied. "I found his descriptions of the Chamber of the Ancients interesting. The photographs of the doors were extremely enlightening. You do realize that it shows the Æthereal to be the oldest race of the Guardians." "Ebon, we may have been the first created, yet we seem to be the newest to the knowledge. What else might we now know if we had access to a Chamber of the Ancients here on Earth?” Forrest asked thoughtfully.

Chapter 5 When Korin arrived at the clearing the next morning, Spyder was already waiting in the same spot they met the day before. He nodded as he seated himself alongside Spyder and then they sat in silence waiting for the sunrise. Spyder had never paid much attention to the sunrise on Earth but there was something about this private ritual he shared with Korin that touched him deep in his soul. He yearned for the day he could share this experience with Katherine. He'd found his flash drive sitting next to his laptop and had begun his morning by reading her letter back to him while he drank his coffee. That had been followed by a very cold shower before he donned his leathers to meet Korin. Now, as he watched the rising of the sun, his thoughts were more attuned to his surroundings and the enigmatic Ursar beside him. Spyder wondered what the day would bring. His current assignment was so exciting! He wanted to know everything, yet did not have a clue how to begin learning all he wanted to. It was almost the most magic moment, that split second when the first sliver of the rising sun broke the plane of the horizon. That was the true beginning of dawn. Korin sighed deeply as the moment occurred. No doubt about it. We have much in common. "That was glorious. I was afraid I would find the presence of another an intrusion, but instead, I find the sharing an enhancement,” Korin said. “Few others of my Clan have any interest in greeting the day in this manner. They prefer to stay snuggled in the pit for as long as they can and so face the day when it's already born." Spyder laughed. “I know many humans who are the same. In fact, I usually spend most nights awake and so sleep until late in the day. How many are in your Clan?" Korin pondered the question for a minute and then said, “Clan Home has about forty adults, evenly split between the genders, and around fifty cubs." "How many actually live in the Clan Home?" "All of them, normally. Because of the Æthereal, all the cubs were moved to a place of hiding. It's been a long time since Clan Home echoed with their boisterousness,” Korin said with a sigh. “Although, I must admit, the peace and quiet has been a nice relief." "I can well imagine. I grew up an only child and my father died when I was little, so it was just my mother and me for a long time,” Spyder said. “When I was away at college for my first year, my mother died as well." "So you have lived alone all this time?” There was a sense of horror in Korin's voice. "No, not exactly,” Spyder said. Spyder then began to describe what his life had been like before the fateful day when he had been kidnapped by Judy Deavers and Astra the White to find the son of a dead terrorist. He went on for hours, describing life with the Æthereal and the changes happening on Earth as a result of the revelation. The sun was setting as he finally reached the part where he met Katherine, so he stopped at that point.

As he wrote his letter to Katherine that night, he was both amazed and appalled at how completely he had opened up to Korin. Could this be how the Guardian partners felt? **** Forrest the Green had an idea he didn't want to share with anyone just yet. Spyder's pictures of the doorway to the Chamber of Ancients had sparked something in the darkest recesses of his memory and he needed some help from the oldest of the Æthereal. He cast about using his astral self, searching for Amber and Starfarer and found them flying across one of the southern landmasses. He quickly opened a portal and went to meet them. 'Greetings. I apologize for this intrusion but I need your help,' Forrest said. Amber replied, 'A visit from you is never an intrusion. How may we assist you?' 'This may sound strange, but bear with me a moment,' Forest said. 'Who built the Council chamber on Ætheria?' he asked, using the old name for Earth. There was a significant pause before Amber replied. 'We do not know. The chamber has always been there for us. We did not find it until long after we had learned to shift form. We decided we needed someplace like the chamber and Celadon found it.' 'Why is this important?' Starfarer asked. Forrest weighed his reply for a moment and then decided to speak his mind. 'If we did not build the Council chamber, who did? It was obviously not built for beings of our size but for those with our abilities as there is no access to the chamber except by portal.' 'This is, indeed, a mystery,' Starfarer said. 'One worth pursuing.' Taking his leave of the pair after agreeing to provide Amber with regular reports on his progress, Forrest flew off a ways and opened a portal back to the Borland facility. He had much to think on. Laranja found her mate deep in thought when she returned to their home. In response to her query, he explained what he had learned that day. “After speaking with Amber and Starfarer, I spoke mentally with Celadon, since he is off-world at this time. I asked him about finding the Council chamber and he admitted the whole truth behind it. For many months, he had a dream or vision of the chamber that had repeated itself over and over until he finally tried to act upon it. He opened a portal and stepped through. Did you know the only modifications we Æthereal have made to that chamber have been the painting above the hearth and the placement of the shattered lance upon the mantle? Every other facet of the chamber is the same today as it was the first time Celadon stepped through his portal." "I had not realized that. You know I have never been to the chamber, for that duty always fell to Sienna and Terra as the selected Orange representatives to the Council." While they had been talking, Danny and Katarina had entered the room and had been listening to the conversation. Katarina asked, “So if the chamber wasn't made for the Æthereal, who was it built for?" "That, my dear, is the most intriguing question of all,” Forrest said.

"I have another one to add to the list,” Danny said. “In addition to its mysterious creators and who they built it for, I would ask why. For what purpose?" "Is it not amazing that through all these millennia, we have never pondered these questions? Why is it that our species has such a singular lack of imagination?” Forrest asked. “It is only through our interaction with you humans that we have truly learned to ask questions about things we have always taken for granted." "So what's the next step, Forrest?” Danny asked. "I would think the next logical step would be to convene the Council." **** The torches in the wall sconces once again lit the Council chamber and a fire blazed in the massive hearth. The huge oil painting of Hecate, her spread claws pinning a knight and his charger to the ground, hung above the hearth, the knight's shattered lance rested on the mantle. The circle of sixteen thrones was now filled by the Council members, who listened with increasingly puzzled expressions as Forrest explained his questions about the origin and purpose of the chamber. "I have never really thought about this place in that manner,” Ebon admitted. “For some reason, I had assumed we had built it but as I think about the question, I would have to admit that I have no idea why we would have created a chamber so ill-suited for our natural forms." While the Council had been in discussion, their human partners had gathered at the other end of the room near the great hearth. A trained investigator, Eric looked at the room with new eyes. “Judy, if we discard the idea this chamber was created for the Æthereal, it could only have been made for humans. Everything about this room, from its scale to the fireplace, implies it was built for us." Judy looked around and agreed with her husband's assessment. “There's something odd about this room and it bothered me ever since the first time Astra brought us here. If the room was just meant to house the circle of thrones, why are they off to one side like that? Since they are, it implies there must be some purpose to this side of the chamber that eludes me." Danny had already obtained permission to photograph the chamber in some detail, so he was busy taking photographs of all aspects of the room, making sure to capture every inch of the walls, floor, and ceiling. The torchlight was inadequate for this purpose, so the actinic flash of his flashgun periodically lit up the room. He had also managed a great shot capturing the circle of thrones with the debating Guardians. Katarina looked up at the painting of Hecate and shuddered. There was something so feral and gloating in the expression of the red dragon's eyes that she knew Hecate had played with the poor knight before she finally ended the struggle, and Katarina suspected Hecate had enjoyed every minute of it. Turning back to the others, she said, “When I was learning English, I was made to read many books. This room reminds me of a common theme in many of them. It's the classic example of the locked room puzzle." "Of course! Somewhere in this room, there must be a hidden door,” Judy said. “And I know just how to find it."

Chapter 6 The third day dawned amid clouds and a gentle rain that obscured the rising of the sun. Disappointed by the missed sunrise, Spyder turned to Korin and said, “So what do you do during a normal day?" Korin laughed, a great booming bark of sound. “I doubt anyone in the Clan would consider what I do normal." "What do you mean?” Spyder asked, genuinely curious. "As Clan Father is wont to point out, I am somewhat of a oddity among our Clan. Most of my contemporaries have already found their niche. Some have become artisans and others, healers. Some are now warriors, learning the ropes from older and wiser veterans. On the other hand, I have not yet found what I want to do with my life. I'm drawn to work with the Ancient's technology but those in charge feel I'm too young. At the same time, I'm told I'm too old to be sitting around watching the sun rise or playing with the cubs.” Korin shook some of the rain off his fur. “Even I find this rain a nuisance so surely, it must be bothering you. Would you like to see one of the artisan shops?" **** Spyder was amazed by what he was seeing. The first area they had entered had been the studio of one of the master artisans who dealt in wood, specializing in fine art. They had found the artisan deep in concentration, seated upon a thick floor pillow, staring at a twisted fragment of finely grained wood. Each passing second, small pieces of the wood would flake away as if unseen hands were wielding a microscopic chisel, carving away one tiny fragment at a time. Once the proper shape had been achieved, the unseen hands magically darkened the wood to bring out the grain. "How is this possible, Korin?” asked Spyder, his voice a hushed whisper so as to not disturb the master. "Everything is done with the mind. He sees in his mind's eye the nature of the wood and uses the grains and infinite variety to bring his vision to life. Where a piece does not belong, he plucks it away. Where the grain needs to be darker or lighter, he makes it so. Come, let me show you one of his finished pieces." Korin led him to a display that featured the work of the master artisan. There was one piece that truly captured Spyder's attention for it was an Æthereal, wings outstretched, claws extended and fangs bared. The haughty pride of the subject was evident in the set of the eyes, the flare of the nostrils, and the line of the jaw. The artisan had made the wood grain look like tiny scales and small pieces of jet were inset for the eyes. The carving looked like it could burst into the air at any moment. It exuded both life and deadly menace. “This is magnificent!” Spyder said in a reverent tone. “There are people on my home world that would pay a small fortune for something like this." "I don't understand,” said Korin. Spyder tried to explain the concept of exchanging currency for tangible goods and services. "I still don't understand. We don't have anything like that among the Clans. If I have something you need, I give it to you. If you have something I need, you give it to me. For us, it's truly to each according to their needs. If we each needed to hunt or bake to survive, there would never be time for

the other parts of life. We each choose our life's path and then follow it, knowing the Clan will always provide what we need for survival. We share the fruits of our labors, no matter what that labor might be, freely with all." Spyder admitted that it sounded almost utopian and was really no different than the way the Æthereal did things. Spyder also knew it would never work on his home world; humans were too covetous. While they were discussing barter versus currency systems, the pair had left the woodcrafter and entered a metal smithy. Once again, Spyder found a single artisan manipulating metal using only his mind. When he examined a shelf holding some of the finished pieces, Spyder was amazed by the intricacy of the work and the use of multiple metals. “How does he manage to join these two dissimilar metals together like this?” Spyder asked as he pointed to one spot where one type of metal ended and another began. “I don't see any kind of a seam here." "There is none,” came the voice of the metal smith from behind them. “When I want to use a different metal, I merely change it into the new one I want to use." "Excuse me? You change the metal itself?" "Yes, exactly. I look deep into the metal and see its basic structure. I then change that structure until it is the one I desire." Spyder was stunned. “You can manipulate matter at the atomic level using your mind?" "Why, yes. All of us can use our minds to do a great many things. Working at so fine a level takes much patience and practice. A mistake can result in the wrong property being changed, or even convert the work into something entirely unsuitable.” The artisan looked at the various objects that made up Spyder's clothes. “I see your artisans actually cast or press your metals into shape and they use some interesting alloys.” Pointing to one spring clip on Spyder's belt, he added, “You should be careful not to trust this clip. It has a flaw in the metal and will snap under any real pressure." Spyder detached the clip and looked at the point indicated by the artisan. He could see a tiny flaw in the cast aluminum, a pinpoint-sized hole in the metal. The artisan plucked it out of Spyder's hand and held it in his own. Brow furrowed in concentration, the artisan looked deep within the metal itself and caused it to fill the void, bonding with the other molecules around it until the void was filled and the piece was sound. Handing it back to Spyder, the artisan said, “It is fixed now. You can use it without worry." Spyder examined the clip once again and there was no sign of the flaw anywhere. It was gone. As he replaced the clip onto his belt, he began to thank the artisan, who said, “It is what I do. No thanks are needed." The rain had stopped, so Korin led Spyder over to Clan Home for a quick bite to eat. After introducing Spyder to Clan Mother and the rest of the Clan members present, Korin directed Spyder to sit on one of the floor pillows next to a table piled high with various fruits, nuts, platters of raw meat, and loaves of fresh bread. Spyder helped himself to some of the bread, fruit and the nuts, eschewing the meat. When Korin saw what Spyder was doing, he explained to the Clan members that humans eat their meat cooked rather than raw, making it sound like a dietary requirement rather than a preference.

It was a novel experience for Spyder, watching a group of eleven ursine beings devour heaping platters of raw meat, various fruits, nuts, and breads. There were large carafes of water to wash it all down with. Clan Mother had provided Spyder with a smaller tumbler, which, he learned later, was their equivalent of a toddler cup. One thing about living with giants, it teaches me humility. At one point, Spyder got a demonstration of another ability of the Ursars. Clan Mother had just sat down when one of the males asked her for another basket of bread. She told him to get it himself. He turned and stared at the basket of bread on the counter. The basket rose in the air and floated across the room to settle gently on the table next to the one who wanted it. "Telekinesis, too?” Spyder asked, incredulously. "Yes, we can move things with our minds. The important thing to remember about that is moving an object with the mind takes just as much energy as would to move it physically,” Korin explained. “I can only move those things mentally which I am physically capable of moving. For really heavy things, the Clan cooperates and merges their mental strengths together." After thanking Clan Mother for the wonderful meal, Spyder and Korin left Clan House and started their way back to the clearing. “Korin, how did you know about our habit of eating cooked meat?" "It was not from spying on you.” Korin looked uncomfortable. “Ever since we went under the machines of the Ancients, I have felt like my head was stuffed full of things I didn't know before. Sometimes, like today, knowledge just springs into my mind and I understand a concept without a great deal of explanation." "I know exactly what you mean,” Spyder said. “I felt the same pressure in my head afterwards. I, too, felt an understanding I shouldn't have had when I was shown your mental abilities. It was if something inside me said this was as it should be." When they reached the clearing, Korin said, “Tomorrow will be a difficult day, my new friend. For tomorrow, the cubs come home." **** Judy walked into the offices of the United States Geologic Survey, Cascade Region and went over to the receptionist. “I would like to see Doctor Sanders, please." The receptionist looked her up and down, noting the stylish business suit and gold accessories. “Do you have an appointment? Doctor Sanders is extremely busy today." "No, but I am sure she'll want to see me. Would you please tell her that Special Agent Judy Deavers is here and needs a moment of her time?" Her mannerisms conveying the sense that she thought it a complete waste of her time, the receptionist buzzed Doctor Sanders. “Doctor, I know you left instructions not to be disturbed, but there's a woman here who insists on seeing you. She says her name is Special Agent Judy Deavers." Jennifer Sanders burst out of her office like a tiny tornado, ran around the counter and swept Judy into a tremendous bear hug. “Judy! Why didn't you tell me you were coming to town? How are Eric and your little boy? Oh, don't let me forget but I have something for him."

Judy had to laugh at the irrepressible Jennifer Sanders. They had met when Judy asked the USGS for assistance investigating the cavern found after the Tumwater Canyon bombing incident a few years before and they had been friends ever since. The geologist had shown up at the site clad in shorts, a tshirt, and hiking boots, stuck out her hand and said, “Call me Jenna.” Their respective careers may have kept them physically apart, but they traded emails on a regular basis. Looking Judy over, Jenna asked, “So what's with the suit? I thought you Guardians all wore leather!" "I didn't think the USGS needed everyone asking what the Guardians were doing visiting your office. Plus, it's nice to wear something other than leather once in a while." "Wouldn't know, never wear it myself. Give me a pair of hiking shorts, a t-shirt, and a pair of good boots and I'm all set,” Jenna said, then laughed. “Well, come on back to my office where we can talk more comfortably." Once behind the closed office door, Judy asked about the Tumwater cavern exploration. “Oh, the field work is completed and I have a team of assistants getting all the data into shape for presentation to the scientific review committee. The same is true for your other two caverns, by the way. You made a trio of geologists very happy when you let us get involved!" "So it sounds like you have some free time right now,” Judy said. Jenna caught the implied question in her friend's statement. “I have a bunch of vacation time saved up, so I could be gone up to six weeks. What's up?" Judy sat forward on her chair. “First of all, I have to tell you this is Guardian business or, more to the point, it's Æthereal business. What I have to tell you and what you may discover as a result of becoming involved in this project will never be available for public or private dissemination, and I do mean never." Jenna sat back. “You sound serious.” Seeing Judy's nod, she said, “Okay, I can live with that." "Before I explain, I need to ask whether you can get your hands on a portable ground probing radar unit that can be operated by either you alone, or in combination with an untrained assistant." Jenna thought for a moment. “I know what you need, but we don't have one I could borrow. Our unit is always in use, so getting it for some off-the-books project would be extremely unlikely." Judy asked, “But if you had access to one, you could operate it. Right?" "Well, yeah, sure I could operate it. There's a new unit out now that's no bigger than a suitcase and only takes one person to operate." "Okay, I need you to write down what that unit is and where I can buy one." "Buy one! Judy, those things cost millions of dollars!" Judy smiled. “Not an issue. And by the way, you will be paid a very handsome consulting fee for

helping us with this project. Thanks to an agreement we have with the US Government, that money will also be tax free." "You know you don't have to pay me to help you, Judy. Helping is what friends do for each other. After all, you gave me Tumwater and that made my career." "Friends also watch out for one another and share in good fortune. Well, good fortune has smiled upon you today. How does a million dollars sound as a consulting fee?" Judy laughed, as, for a brief moment, Jenna was rendered speechless. "Who do I have to kill?” Jenna asked, the same exact question she asked when Judy had revealed the existence of the Tumwater cavern. "Not a soul. Okay, here's the situation. The Guardian Council of Earth has a Council chamber located inside the Austrian Alps. As far as we can tell, there is absolutely no access from that room. None. The Guardians enter solely through portals." Jenna nodded her understanding. "We postulate there must be a hidden passage somewhere. How else would the chamber have been built? We want you to find that hidden passage.” Judy sat back and waited as her friend digested the idea. Jenna said, “I'm in. This won't be easy. First there's getting the equipment and me to Austria and then out to the site. Depending on the size of the chamber, the mapping shouldn't take long—maybe a day, tops. Once we know where the passage is, assuming it exists, then we have to figure how to get into it. That could take a while." "Moving the equipment and you to the site will be easy, Jenna. The Æthereal will provide our transportation. When can you leave?" "Well, let me make a couple of calls to tell folks I'm finally taking a vacation, then we can go grab some dinner. Afterwards, I can pack and be ready to go." "Sounds like a plan but first tell me what equipment we need to get." Jenna wrote down a list of the necessary items on a piece of scratch paper and passed it to Judy. While Jenna made her calls, Judy opened her secure cell phone and called Eric. “Hi, honey. You were right. She was speechless less than one minute, so I owe you a backrub. Got a piece of paper handy? Here's the equipment we need to get." **** Spyder sat down at his desk, strangely enervated by the day's events. He reached into what he referred to as his “in” basket, the spot where the twice-daily message portal deposited the flash drives he exchanged with Katherine, and found two drives. The first was his own drive while the second, colored a curious shade of pink, was from Katherine. He slid his drive into the USB port on his laptop and opened the file it contained.

He read her letter. It seemed Danny had contacted the good Doctor Brasington but the man wasn't interested in taking on another project at this time. Just as well since Spyder didn't think there was much need for a man with his specialty here. In fact, the only thing he knew for sure was that he had no idea who else was needed here. At the very end of the letter, he finally found an explanation for the second flash drive. It contained, Katherine said, some personal photos she had Katarina take to brighten his time away from her. Spyder popped his drive out of the port and inserted hers. The drive did indeed contain a series of photographs of his lovely Katherine. In the first few, she was wearing some of the lingerie she had bought from Victoria's Secret but in the remainder, she wasn't even wearing those filmy undergarments. It was the last photo that caused him to spill his drink. It wasn't Katherine; it was Katarina. Spyder presumed the two had traded off as photographers taking these shots for their respective husbands and the photo of Katarina had been included as a mistake. Spyder sure hoped it had been a mistake; he would hate to have to fight Danny over it. He had to admit, though, that Danny was a very fortunate man. He closed down the picture viewer and removed the drive, placing it carefully in his desk drawer. He then opened a file and started to write his wife, thanking her for the memento she had sent but never mentioning the extra picture she had inadvertently included. Spyder may be newly married but he figured the surest way to get into trouble with Katherine was to say he had seen Katarina naked.

Chapter 7 Jenna Sanders was nervous. Okay, she was scared spitless. No matter how much Judy told her it was safe, she was still afraid of the portal. Astra held the shimmering blue nimbus open as Judy finally took Jenna by the hand and pulled her through the opening. Before she could even start to yell, they were in the Council chamber. Jenna immediately began to look around. The first thing she noticed was the circle of massive stone thrones. She strode over to one of them and examined the stone. Despite her years in the business, she could not identify exactly what kind of stone was used in making these sixteen thrones. She surreptitiously tried to scratch the stone with her diamond ring but not a mark was made on the smooth, polished surface. Whatever it was, it was harder than diamond. As she turned back to the others in the room, her eyes traveled to the painting. She took in the meaning immediately—the dragon triumphant over the man, rather than the usual portrayal. The painting was spectacular, though. It was then she realized that below the painting was a shattered lance. “Does the lance mean the painting is a true depiction?” Jenna asked. A sultry husky voice came from behind her. “Yes, my dear, quite true. The lance shattered against my breast and the blow unhorsed the knight." Jenna spun around and found the scarlet-clad Guardian known as Hecate. “I suppose his reward for his bravery was being eaten." "Of course. Didn't your own Darwin counsel the survival of the fittest? Charging a full grown Æthereal with a pointed wooden stick indicates a level of stupidity that should not be passed on in the gene pool.” Hecate smiled. “You must be Judy's friend, the geologist. What do you think of our little hideaway?" Jenna looked around again. “From a professional perspective, it's one of the most fascinating chambers I have ever seen. The facing stone on the hearth came from thousands of miles from here. The floor is made of polished granite, as is the ceiling and walls, with each square fitted together so minutely, there are no traces of a gap. The only way you can see they're faced with individual squares is the alternating grain pattern. I have absolutely no idea of what the thrones are made from. The material is harder than diamond since I couldn't even scratch the shine with my ring. "Visually, there are absolutely no indications of a hidden entrance. I studied the photographs taken by Danny and can't discern any unexpected shadows or lines that could point to an opening. To be honest, the only opening we know of is the fireplace chimney,” Jenna said, pointing at the hearth. “But we'll know soon enough once I run the scans with the ground penetrating radar." The next hour was spent setting up the radar for the first scan. Jenna carefully measured the area nearest the fireplace, since they knew there had to be a chimney inside that wall, placing the emitters and detectors with care and patience. When at last everything was in place exactly the way she wanted, Jenna moved to the keyboard and everyone else gathered behind her. She reached one finger down and stabbed the ‘Enter’ key to trigger the radar pulse. Seconds later, the detectors collected the returning echo pulses and the software analyzed them, displaying the results on the screen as white for a solid and black as a void, the gradients in between to indicate an empty space at differing distances. This

screen was solid white except for the expected narrow chimney, which was indicated by a very dark gray channel that led upward. "Well, so much for the obvious choice,” Jenna said as she saved the results from the first scan. “We'll now shift our scan around the room in a clockwise manner." "Why clockwise?” Eric asked. "Why not? It is just as good as the other direction but I'm a methodical person and I prefer clockwise to counterclockwise, unless, of course, we're below the equator." Astra laughed, one of the few who caught the allusion to the Coriolis effect, which determined the rotation of storms above and below the equator. The next eight hours were spent checking each of the walls but in every case, the result was the same: a blank white screen indicating a solid expanse of rock for at least fifty feet, the penetration distance she had selected. “Okay, now we look down." The sensors were then placed on the floor starting with the large empty space in front of the hearth. Jenna triggered the pulse. The screen was white. As Jenna went to save the result, Judy said, “Wait a second." Jenna paused. "Are my eyes getting tired or is there a very slight variance in the white along the bottom edge of the screen?” Judy asked. "If there is, it indicates a void at the very edge of the detection range.” Jenna studied the screen and said, “We'll overlap the next probe to see whether the variance repeats on a new scan." The sensors were moved so they overlapped the old edge and extended almost to the circle of stone thrones. Another pulse and now the scan showed a screen that changed color from white through to pale gray in a steady gradient. “Okay, there is a void below this chamber and it's sloping away from us." "That makes sense, actually. The Ancients used a sloping ramp on Ursaria,” Ebon said. Since they were now on the track of the hidden entrance, the effort to position the sensors seemed minor. Two of them were placed directly under the east and west thrones. The pulse was fired and the screen displayed another gradient pattern from a pale to a dark gray that indicated only the thickness of the floor separated them from the hidden passageway at a point approximately three feet from the wall. "Okay, that's done. You have a hidden passage underneath the thrones that extends downward at a fairly smooth rate. If we assume the ceiling of the passageway is parallel with the floor, the fall is about one foot for every ten feet. The only remaining issue is how to get it open,” Jenna said. “The GPR doesn't indicate any type of lever or release mechanism." The group prowled the room, trying to decide what might release the barrier to the tunnel beneath the floor. Wall sconces were tested to see if the old cliché from the movies would work, but none of them

could be moved so much as a millimeter. Jenna examined the thrones. She tested each one, discovering the one to the southeast could shift a quarter turn counterclockwise. Acting on a hunch, she moved to the southwest throne and rotated it a quarter turn clockwise. The northeast was rotated counterclockwise and the northwest moved clockwise. As she turned the final throne, there was a hum and the section of the floor holding the west and east thrones began to lift, pivoting behind the east to reveal the dark space underneath. **** As Spyder sat down next to Korin, the Ursar said, “Enjoy this sunrise fully because soon, the cubs will be upon us. Clan Mother has promised to hold them until after the sun has risen.” With that admonition, Korin turned his face to the horizon to watch for the sunrise. It was still as magical as it had been that first morning. Spyder had found that he slipped into a light meditative state as he watched the slow but inexorable progress of the rising sun, from the brief instance of the first rays to the full disk. That trance was shattered by many childish voices shouting, “Korin!” and then they were both buried under a virtual avalanche of furry bodies. Spyder was not prepared for the onslaught and many of the cubs outweighed him. He could only compare it to being hit by the entire front line of a professional football team when not wearing a helmet or protective pads. While the tough leathers with their titanium wire reinforcement protected him from most of the damage, at least one rib was broken and the claws on one cub's foot cut his face. His anguish apparently translated through his barriers and he dimly heard Korin shout, “Enough!” as the Ursar surged to his feet to rescue the human. Korin was angry because the human had been accidentally damaged. The cubs had not known how fragile a species humans were, so they had not tempered their enthusiasm. He was also angry because he had not warned either the cubs or Spyder. He started grabbing cubs and tossing them aside to reach Spyder. Finding that he held one of the older cubs, he said, “Go get Clan Mother now. Tell her the human is hurt." When he finally reached Spyder, he said, “Remain still. Help is on the way." Spyder grunted. “It's not that bad. Maybe a rib broken. Let me up." "No, not until Clan Mother has seen you. Here, hold this pad against the cut to stem the blood flow." Moments later, the group parted to admit a very angry Clan Mother. She knelt beside Spyder and extended her senses. Astra had once healed Spyder and this felt much the same. After a few moments, Clan Mother sat back and grunted. “That is as much as I can do. While the bone structures are the same, your soft tissue is slightly different and that will have to heal on its own." Spyder nodded his head. “I am grateful, Clan Mother, for your attention to my wound. I have some supplies in my shelter I can use on the facial laceration." Spyder stood too quickly and swayed, so Korin helped him to the shelter. Seeing the size of the doorway, Korin chuckled. “You must go in by yourself for I will never fit through that door, even on all fours." A small voice piped up behind them. “I can help, Korin."

They turned and found the smallest of the cubs. Lili was only a few inches short of four feet in height but still carried her chubby roll of baby fat. Her fur was short and soft, marked with a blaze of lighter color around her throat and her eyes. "Lili, don't be a nuisance,” Korin growled. “You cubs have caused enough trouble for one morning." Spyder could see the tears forming in the little one's eyes and the quivering of the bottom lip that transcended species. He knew he had to let her help. "It's okay, Korin. Let her help me if she really wants to." Korin grunted his assent and Lili scampered to Spyder's side, letting him rest his hand on her shoulder as they entered the shelter. Following his guidance, the strange pair made their way to his first aid kit and he took out the antibiotic and sterile dressing. After cleaning the wound, he smeared the antibiotic ointment over the two inch slice and then covered it with the dressing. Once secured in place, Spyder turned to see Lili standing by his desk looking at the photograph of Katherine. When she saw that Spyder was ready, she helped him back to the doorway where Korin assisted them both out the door. “Really, Korin, I can do this." Spyder turned to the little female cub and said, “I'm fine now, Lili. Thank you for helping me." A smile broke out on her face at his words and then she scampered off to tell the other cubs about what she had been able to do. Korin chuckled. “You've made a conquest, Spyder. She will be underfoot from now on." "That's okay with me. I think she's adorable,” Spyder said, a smile on his face despite the way it pulled at the wound on his cheek. Korin's prediction was soon proven true. Lili rarely left Spyder's side that day. At one point, as Spyder and Korin sat in conversation, Lili laid her head in Spyder's lap and went to sleep. Spyder found himself stroking her fur, much as he would the hair of a human child who had done the same thing. It was in this position that Clan Father found them. Clan Father gestured for them not to get up and he slowly eased himself down beside Korin. “I see you have made a new friend,” Clan Father said, with a slight gesture to indicate the sleeping Lili. “They say cubs are an excellent judge of the character of adults. The other cubs are quite put out that Lili spends as much time with you as she does. They all clamor for the same opportunity." Spyder smiled down at Lili. “This little one is special. The others tend to be very rough and tumble all the time, and that's fine when they focus on someone like Korin. This one is too small for their games and she feels left out. I know how that feels, so I give her something to make her know how special she is." "I have spoken to the other Clan Fathers about you. They wish to know many things about the Æthereal and human relations with them,” Clan Father said.

Spyder spent the rest of the afternoon talking about the Æthereal. Lili, pretending to still be napping, listened to every word. Each time Spyder absently stroked her hair, she wanted to wriggle with delight but she knew that Clan Father would make her return to Clan Home if he knew she was awake. When the sun began to set, Clan Father himself swatted her rump and said, “Get up, little fake. I know you have been awake for quite a while. You are too big to carry."

Chapter 8 As the slab rose ponderously, Jenna moved the sensitive ground penetrating radar unit to the other side of the chamber. She quickly took stock of what everyone was wearing and, in her professional opinion, no one was prepared to go down the ramp now being uncovered. "Stop!” Jenna shouted as a few headed for the ramp. “Look, folks, grubbing around underground is what I do. It's my job and my passion, so listen to me when I say not one of us is ready to go down that ramp. We aren't wearing the proper clothes, nor do we have the right gear." A firm voice said, “She is right. We Æthereal would have no problems because if something happened to this form, we would merely dissolve it and create another. Our human partners, however, would not be so fortunate. Let us take counsel with the expert and do this safely. Whatever is down there has waited for eons. It can wait a little longer,” Azure said as he walked around the opening to set each throne back into proper alignment. Once again, the moment the final throne was moved, the slab began to close. “Now that we know how to actuate the mechanism, we can open it again when we are ready to explore it.” He reached out a hand to Jenna and said, “Come with me. Let us discuss what we will need to do this right." Jenna was so absorbed in the contact, she never realized he had opened a portal and taken her through it. All she knew was an Æthereal, who looked a great deal like Mark Harmon with just a touch of gray at the temples, had taken her by the hand. She didn't care where they were going. Judy looked at Astra as the pair vanished through the portal. “You don't suppose..." Astra smiled. “It is highly unusual for Azure to act in such a manner. He is normally quite brusque with others. I recommend we catch up to them before he reverts to his normal self." Eric picked up the delicate equipment and Astra opened a portal. Seconds later, the Council chamber was empty once more. **** Clan Mother spoke to Clan Father after their evening meal. “I am worried about the human called Spyder. He lives alone. As is well known, it is not good for a male to always be alone, for it can cause them to go rogue." Clan Father pondered this statement. From the moment of birth, an Ursar was rarely alone. The extended Clan provided little opportunity for prolonged separation. As a cub, they slept in the nursery with all the other cubs. As an adult, they shared a common sleeping pit with the other adults. Awake, they joined others in their chosen path. In all of Clan memory, there had been few who had chosen to be alone, and they went mad and had to be destroyed. "It is a mystery to me how anyone can spend so much time alone, yet Spyder shows no signs of going rogue. Perhaps their species does not require the same things ours does,” Clan Father said slowly. “After all, we know little about them." Clan Mother said, “Do the Clan stories not tell of the times when we searched for the lost Guardians of Sol? Did our probes not reveal the humans, male and female, who wandered the Earth? Were those

humans not often found in pairings?" Clan Father sighed. “Yes, the Clan stories do say those things." Clan Mother went on, “Think on this, then. The seven Æthereal who came here were also all males and they were rogues. I worry about the cubs, especially Lili, who spends so much time in the company of this human." Lili, who had been listening from a spot not far from the two leaders of her Clan, knew Spyder was no rogue. She also knew something the adults did not. Spyder had a mate. She had seen it in the probes the cubs had set to watch Spyder while they were still hidden in the caverns. She had also seen the object in his shelter that held her likeness. "Clan Mother, Clan Father, Spyder has a mate,” Lili said at last, trembling with her fear at addressing them, since they would realize she had been listening. Clan Father spun around to face Lili. “You have been told not to eavesdrop on others’ conversations, cub! Get to the nursery!" "But, Clan Father, you must hear me. Spyder has a mate!" Clan Mother moved over to the trembling cub and crouched down by her side. “Lili, tell me how you know this to be true." Barely holding back her tears, Lili said, “On the day when Spyder was hurt, I helped him into his shelter. While he was tending his wound, I saw a thing that held the likeness of his mate. His face softens every time he looks at it. He misses her very much. He is no rogue, Clan Mother." Clan Father studied his youngest cub. “I know you too well, little cub. There is more. What are you hiding?" Lili trembled. In a small voice, she said, “We watched him. From the day he arrived, the cubs have watched him. Not just while he is with Korin, but even when he was alone in his shelter. He spends much time working with his machines, but every night, he also just holds her likeness and looks at it for quite a while.” Lili ran to Clan Father and took his hand. “He is good, Clan Father. You have seen how he cares for the cubs, even me, though I am smallest." Clan Father knew he should be angry over the violation of his decree that no probes would violate the human shelters, but he could not be mad at Lili. Her earnest appeal to him showed that Spyder was indeed good, for he had touched this young cub in a way that spoke loudly of his kindness and generous spirit. Clan Father knew who was behind the probe and he would deal with that later. "Lili, you may be small, but you are very brave. It took a brave heart to explain what you knew and how you attained this knowledge, even though you thought it would make me angry.” Clan Mother nodded in agreement as Clan Father continued, “You have set our fear aside regarding Spyder. Now, go to the nursery and get some sleep, little one." Lili hugged Clan Father's hand to her cheek and then did the same with Clan Mother before scampering off to the nursery, her heart singing with the praise from Clan Father. She knew Clan Father would

make things right. Fondly watching his smallest cub run off to bed, a smile graced the stern face of Clan Father for a moment. Clan Mother said, “We must find some way to have Spyder bring his mate here, too." "Yes, Clan Mother. It will be done." **** The room was filled to capacity. The Guardian pairs sat on one side: Ebon and Eric, Astra and Judy, Forrest and Danny, and Laranja and Katarina. The unpartnered Æthereal sat on the other: Azure and Indigo, Sienna and Terra, Hecate and Scarlett, Brundig and Grendal, Amber and Starfarer, Oura and finally, Etienne. Jenna Sanders sat alone. Azure spoke first, “I have asked our new friend Jenna to explain to us how she would explore this new passageway that extends below the Council chamber. Among the humans, she is an acknowledged expert in this field. And while we may have lived underground a substantial amount of time, we know nothing about how humans would do this." Jenna stood before the group. Taking courage from Judy's smiling face, she said, “Ideally, we would first attempt to explore the descent remotely. By this, I mean we would send in a remote controlled unit. This will allow us to see what's waiting for us, plus test for hidden dangers, like pockets of methane gas or flooded passages, etcetera. Once we have an idea of what we're facing, we can then go in ourselves with the appropriate safety gear, such as self-contained breathing apparatuses, hard hats, heavy duty lights, ropes, what have you. If there's a sudden drop off, we go to that point and then lower the remote down using ropes so we can see what's below. If it's a continuation of the passage and is deemed safe enough, we follow the remote." Azure stood to address the group. “I recommend we adopt this strategy. I know we are all eager to explore what lies beneath the Council chamber but I would also suggest we limit the team involved because, frankly, we will be getting in one another's way. I suggest the team consist of myself, Jenna, Forrest and Danny, and Laranja and Katarina. I make this choice based on the need for the exploration group's involvement and an acknowledgement that wherever Forrest goes, Laranja will follow.” The assembled group chuckled and the two newly mated Æthereal looked both embarrassed and pleased, as did their human partners. Ebon looked the group over. “As much as I hate to be left out of this, I can see the wisdom in what Azure recommends. Does anyone have a valid objection?" Astra spoke up, “What about a medical emergency involving any of you? Should there not also be a White on the team?" Azure said, “I really don't think it is needed, Astra. You know as well as I do you can be there in an instant if we need you. I think you just want to come along!" Astra laughed, acknowledging the accuracy of his barb. “You may be right. Okay, I will remain on standby should you need me."

"Anyone else?” Ebon asked. “Then the proposal is approved. Jenna, make a list of what will be needed and we will get it. Do not worry about the cost. Get the best." Jenna looked up at that. “Oh, I could get used to this." **** Spyder sat beside Korin as the sun finished rising. Apparently, Clan Father had been rather stern with the cubs about the events of the preceding morning and their morning ritual had not been disturbed. Korin cleared his throat. Spyder knew this usually meant he had something either personal or delicate to bring up. He waited patiently for the big bear to speak. "Spyder, why are you here alone?" Spyder was momentarily confused by this question. “I thought you understood that. I came alone to determine what other people should be brought here." Korin said, “That is not what I meant. Forgive me, but Clan Mother and Clan Father wish to know why you did not bring your mate along. Among our kind, it is not good for a male to be alone, for it can bring about madness. They grow concerned because you are alone." Spyder laughed. “Thank them for their concern. My mate wishes to be here very much and I want her here, as well. She will come soon, though. She is training another to take our places.” Spyder looked at his big friend. “When we were planning this, I was told not to bring any of our women because none of your females had been seen. It was thought that your culture either devalued your females, or felt they needed too much protection." Now it was Korin's turn to laugh. “You have told me of the great bears on your world that are so much like us, and I have seen them through my probes to know you have spoken truly. Tell me, is it not the mother bear that is the most ferocious when her cubs are threatened? The same is true with us. While we males may posture and say we lead, it is really the females who drive the Clan. A strong Clan Mother means a strong Clan." Pointing out at the clearing and the portable structures now resting there, Spyder said, “I was considering something. Our shelters are utilitarian but they do not harmonize with nature. Would it be possible for me to move into an empty Clan building, if one exists? Most of my needs can easily be transferred from these ugly shelters to one of your buildings without difficulty and then we could remove these eyesores from the clearing." Korin pondered this. He knew of one small, almost useless, dwelling that was available. It was useless precisely because it was so small. Originally meant as a storage shed, it could easily be adapted to suit the needs of a human. “I think this would be possible. We would have to make changes to it, but that would also give you a chance to see how we do such things here. I will speak about this to Clan Father the next time we eat." A rustling of a nearby shrub caught Korin's ears. “Come out, little one." Lili scampered out and ran up to Korin, laughing. He held her for a moment and then let her settle on the ground between himself and Spyder.

"I told them you were good,” Lili announced. “I told them you had a mate." Spyder looked up at Korin and detected a hint of embarrassment. This was confirmed when Korin cleared his throat once again before speaking. “When Clan Mother and Clan Father were speaking about you, this little one intruded on their conversation. She spoke of the likeness of your mate in the shelter." Spyder recalled the day Lili had been inside the shelter and that she had been looking at Katherine's picture. So she had interpreted that photograph to be of his mate in so short a time? That spoke highly of the intelligence of this little cub. "Thank you, Lili, for speaking up for me,” Spyder said to the cub. “Weren't you afraid to speak to Clan Father and Clan Mother that way?" She nodded, her eyes very round. “We broke his decree but he had to know you were not rogue." Once again, Spyder looked to Korin for explanation. “Clan Father had decreed that no one was to spy on you in the clearing, but one of the older cubs let his curiosity overcome his good sense. They watched you at night.” Korin hurriedly added, “Clan Father has punished those responsible." "I hope not too severely, for no harm was meant or done by their intrusion. But I don't understand how they were able to watch me when they weren't here." "We have the ability to send our minds out to look at things far away. I'm not sure how to explain it better than that,” Korin said. "Like the astral projections the Æthereal do! They can send their consciousness out of their bodies to different places,” Spyder said. "Yes, like that. We have to be careful, because the probe can be seen. There is a small glowing light." "I've seen those! They reminded me of fairy lights,” Spyder said. "What are fairy lights?" "Among the folk tales of my world, some involve fairy lights. These were predominantly found in a place called England. Small, golden balls of light that would flit about and then vanish when looked at directly. People decided they were tiny creatures they called fairy, and depending on the story, some were good and others, bad." Korin smiled. “For a long time, we have searched for the lost Guardians of Sol. While we never found them, we did find you humans and we would sometimes spy on you, trying to decide whether you were the lost Guardians, or if you had taken their place. It is still common for a young one, learning how to use a probe, to send his mind to your world.” Korin chuckled. “No wonder we didn't find the Guardians, for some had disguised themselves as human, while most left the world completely." "And that neatly explains the source of that legend. Fairy lights. I wonder how the ones who saw those lights would have reacted if they knew they were part of large creatures who looked like bears!” Spyder laughed.

Chapter 9 Clan Father had no objection to converting the small outbuilding into a dwelling for Spyder and, when she came, his mate. In fact, Clan Father had found the human shelters disturbing and was grateful for the chance to rid the clearing of the disharmony they represented. He had met with many of the stone and wood artisans to develop a plan for the new dwelling. Using what Spyder called pictures, he showed the others what the inside of a typical human dwelling looked like and what it normally contained. It was decided that a large shelf would be built up off the ground and thick padding would be used to make the human version of a sleeping pit. The wood artificers were challenged by the concept of a chest of drawers and wardrobe for hanging clothes, since the Ursars had no need for either. Clan Mother pointed out that these objects were similar to the pantries found in the Clan kitchens. Somewhat mollified, they turned fresh eyes on the project and found ways to adapt what they already knew how to make. Some things Spyder planned to bring from his prefabricated shelter, especially the kitchen and bathroom facilities. A bear might go in the woods, but I doubt Katherine would! That thought brought a smile to his lips as he measured the space required to install the shower, toilet, and plumbing. The real secret to these sanitary facilities was the way they were supplied with fresh water and wastes were disposed of. The system included a large tank constantly refreshed by a tiny portal that connected it with a massive water purification facility back at Borland Guardian Base on Paradise. A similar portal disposed of waste products to the recycling plant at Borland as well. Power would be provided through portable Borland generators that would easily handle the needs of his refrigeration unit, kitchen appliances, water heater, lighting, and computer equipment. Most of those units had the generators already built in, so all he had to do was move them. Spyder had enjoyed meeting with the various artificers involved in the project and getting to know so many more of the Ursars. Using pictures and sketches, he conveyed what he thought would work for supporting the kitchen equipment. At one point, he had brought one of the wood artificers to the communal facility in the clearing. The facility was large enough that she was able to crawl inside to see for herself the various things he had planned to move to the new kitchen. She had taken her own measurements of things and then said she knew what was needed. As the day drew to a close, Danny wrote to Katherine, telling her all about the recent changes in the situation. He explained he would soon be moving from the shelter into a more appropriate native dwelling. And then he told her the best part. He expected her to be ready to join him in one week, replacement or not. He then explained how the Ursars wanted her here so they might learn about the rest of the humans by meeting the other gender, plus to prevent him from going rogue! **** Jenna had found a state-of-the-art reconnaissance robot to deploy into the passage. “This thing is very similar to the ones NASA uses for exploration on other planets. Very robust. It's capable of falling on its side and still going on. Since the radio system works from stellar distances, it should be more than adequate for what we'll find. It has built-in atmospheric testing equipment, too, so we can run continuous monitoring on the air." "Looks bigger than the Mars rover,” Danny said. "That's because it is. I thought about getting a smaller unit, but then decided it was the wrong thing to

do. I wanted the air tester to be up where our noses would be, not down on the floor. Methane is lighter than air, so while a sample from a height of six inches might be clear, there could be a pocket above that. I figure a sensor at six feet sounded about right." She then pointed out some other features. “Live cameras on all sides, both ambient and infrared. That way, we can see what's down there, even in little or no light. It'll also spot heat sources, like living animals or volcanic vents. There are even audio pickups. The treads can pretty much climb over just about anything in the way of rubble." "Looks perfect, Jenna. You have done well,” Azure said. Jenna was annoyed at her reaction to the Blue's praise. Her heart raced and she even blushed a little. Down, girl! Forget that he looks like Mark Harmon. He's a dragon, for goodness sake. Taking a deep breath, another part of her mind said, So what? "I've looked over the rest of the gear and it's also top rate. I think we're ready,” Jenna said as a means of distracting herself. "Good. I will tell the others and we will start tomorrow,” Azure said. “Now, how about joining me for dinner? You can tell me about the caves you have been in." **** One of the things Azure had insisted on before they set out was getting Jenna fitted with a set of Science Corps leathers. Now that she had them on, she had to admit, they were pretty awesome. She remembered telling Judy that an old pair of shorts and a t-shirt was enough; now she was not so sure. A girl could get used to wearing leathers when they were as comfortable and practical as these. She had made one homage to the past in her choice of shirt. It was her favorite, black with “Have a gneiss day” on the front and “Schist happens” on the back. Of course, with the jacket on and zipped, no one could see it but she knew it was there. At the moment, however, none of that mattered. At Azure's command, they had rotated the four thrones and unlocked the passageway. Once it had swung completely open, Jenna had hopped down into the passage to study its walls. They were dressed with the same facing stone as the walls of the Chamber, as was the floor and ceiling of the passage. I sure hope we don't run into any water down here, or this floor is going to be very, very slick! She then looked to see if she could determine how the section of the chamber floor had been lifted up, but there was no apparent mechanism visible. She could not see any signs of a release or locking mechanism either. Whoever built this was good. Azure and Forrest picked up the robot like it was a feather and deposited it on the passageway facing down the slope. The light from above lit the passage for about twenty feet before darkness overwhelmed it. Well, the floodlights on the rover would take care of that problem. Azure lifted Jenna back out of the passage so she could operate the rover from the console. She initiated the start-up sequence, watching carefully as all the various system diagnostics ran. The process took almost half an hour to complete but finally, the rover was ready to move out. “Everybody ready?” Jenna asked unnecessarily. She activated the cameras and started the rover down the ramp. By design, the rover was not a speedy vehicle. It was designed to crawl over broken terrain at a stately one mile per hour, continuously

sampling the air and making recordings with all the various instrumentality that it had mounted. As it approached the edge of the darkened tunnel, something happened. Lights began to illuminate all along the tunnel length disappearing into the distance. “Well, we won't need floodlights,” Jenna said. “This will also make the video recordings clearer than low-light or infrared." Jenna had to admit to herself that this was probably the most boring video screen she had ever seen. The view on the monitor never changed; a steady, monotonous tunnel downward. Looking at the screen, she realized they had gone downward at that grade for almost an hour. The odometer connected to the treads said they had traveled almost a mile when she realized the view had changed slightly. The tunnel no longer looked endless because there was a wall taking shape in front of her and the floor was starting to level out according to the inclinometer built in to the rover. She switched to one of the sidemounted cameras and saw what she expected. The tunnel was making a short turn. This was essentially a landing on a stairway. She maneuvered the rover around the bend and then stopped it at the head of the downward ramp. "What's up, Jenna?” Katarina asked. "We've just turned the corner on this staircase, is all. I need a potty break." "No problem. Laranja can take you out of here. Would you like me to press on? I have been watching you operate this thing and think I can do it." Although she wanted to do it herself, Jenna expected there would be several more of these switchbacks before they came to the end of this passageway. She watched Katarina operate the machine for a moment, pointed out a few things to watch out for, and then finally turned to Laranja, saying, “I'm ready. Excuse me, gents, but I need to powder my nose." Once she and Laranja were back on Paradise in Laranja's home and nature's call had been answered, Jenna started to ask the Orange about Azure. “Does Azure have a partner?" "No, he does not. Azure only seems to have time for Science. This quest of Forrest's has quite energized Azure,” Laranja replied. “Many of us have been quite worried about him because he can be so focused. There have been times when he has literally forgotten to eat or sleep while he's pursuing some mystery.” Laranja then explained about the mysterious dead zone on the doomed planet called Serenity and Azure's quest to solve it. “Of course, Spyder ended up solving the mystery first by translating the alien archive. I am not sure Azure has ever forgiven him for that." "Who's Spyder?” Jenna asked. "He's the head of the Science Support Staff and our resident computer expert. He is another one who we used to worry about, but he fell in love with Katherine Dwyer and we worry no more,” Laranja said. “Well, ready to go back?" **** They had traveled through nine switchbacks so far and everyone was bored. Only Jenna was watching the screen out of the corner of her eye while she figured on a scratchpad. Let's see. The fall is one foot for every ten feet forward. So each one mile leg has resulted in a change in depth by one-tenth of a mile. So at the end of this tenth leg, we'll be about one mile down. She glanced at the sensor readings. Air is still absolutely normal, as is the barometric pressure. That should be impossible, but she had

come to learn that nothing about this passage was normal. After all, if what the Guardians had said was true, and she had no reason to doubt them, this passage had been sealed for over a thousand years. She rubbed a weary hand over her eyes. Ten hours of this felt like an eternity. She had let Katarina and the others each have a turn to break up the monotony but she was still tired. An alarm sounded on the console and she realized the rover had reached another turn. She swiveled the joystick that changed its direction to the right. It took a moment before the scene on her monitor registered in her tired brain. The rover could go no farther because they had reached the bottom of the passage. Before her were two huge doors blocking the rover from going anywhere. The team studied the display. “Now what?” Jenna asked. Azure said, “We are all tired. We should take a break for today and resume tomorrow. Have you confirmed the air is fine where the rover is?" "Yes, all the conditions there are the same as they are here, but don't ask me how that's possible one mile beneath the surface because everything I know says it isn't,” Jenna said. "That is good because tomorrow, we will start at those doors."

Chapter 10 It was moving day. The entire clan had turned out to watch and help. The cubs each took something from the pile of equipment Spyder had set aside for his new dwelling. His clothing and other personal effects had been the first transferred, and then everyone started on the pile of kitchen items. He had arranged for some support from the Æthereal in moving the bathroom facility. Some things just shouldn't be carried through the woods; using a portal made much more sense. As the work crews from Paradise came through the large portal to disassemble the prefabricated units and return them to Paradise, Katherine was among their number. She ran over to Spyder and gave him a big hug; her diminutive frame leaping into the air so she could wrap her arms around Spyder's neck as he, in turn, held her around her waist to support her. For a brief moment, the hubbub around them disappeared and they were the only two beings present. The soft barking laugh of a cub brought Spyder back to his senses. Laughing, he spun Katherine around once and then set her feet back on the ground. “Katherine, I want you to meet Lili." Katherine saw the little cub and knelt so she was the same height before extending her hand. “Hello, Lili. Spyder has told me all about you and how much of a help you are.” Lili giggled, then hid her head behind Spyder, suddenly bashful. When she stood up, Spyder took her by the hand and moved across the clearing to introduce her to the rest of his new friends. “Clan Mother, Clan Father, Korin, I would like you all to meet my wife, Katherine." Katherine did not understand a word of what they said to her, and she looked at Spyder in confusion. “They welcomed you to their Clan area, Katherine. Don't worry, you'll pick it up fairly easily once you go through the Ancient's machine." Clan Mother said something else. “Oh, Clan Mother wants to know where your things are so they can be moved to our new home." "Spyder, I can't come now. Phil Evans isn't completely trained yet,” Katherine explained. "Katy, look around at this world and think about it. Evans can handle things and if he can't, then he isn't the right person for the job. The Æthereal can reach us whenever they need to if there's an emergency. Please, Katy. Stay here with me,” Spyder begged, taking her hands into his, a pleading look on his face and she knew she would stay. "Give me an hour to get everything together,” Katherine said, then she kissed his cheek. It was probably closer to two hours before she came back with her things. Laughing cubs grabbed the bags and boxes, taking them off into the woods to Spyder's new dwelling. Spyder took her hand, feeling extremely happy she was by his side once more. The adults of the Clan gathered around to greet and examine the new visitor while the cubs watched the last few Support Staff personnel move the last of the shelter pieces through the portal. The cubs knew Katherine would be around for a while; this activity would soon come to a stop. When the portal

closed, the cubs started to drift back toward the adults. Only one cub remained in the clearing. Lili found herself reluctant to share “her” Spyder with this human woman, so she hung back as the others raced to the trees and the gathered adults. There was a horrible screech from the air and the flap of mighty wings. The faint scream of a hurt cub echoed as the group swung around toward the sound. An enormous flying creature that reminded Spyder of a pterodactyl had Lili dangling by one leg from her claws as she strove to fly back up into the sky. The adult Ursars raced into the clearing, their claws flashing out like suddenly drawn daggers but it was too late. The creature was already too high for them to reach. Spyder's hand flashed to his side and he grabbed his semiautomatic pistol. He quickly chambered a round and sighted along the barrel as he had been taught. He'd always been an indifferent marksman but he knew that little cub's life depended upon him. Slowly releasing his breath, he squeezed the trigger and the loud report of the handgun startled the Ursars. Spyder snapped off six shots at the large beast and it dropped Lili before it crashed to the ground. Clan Mother and Clan Father quickly joined their minds, fashioning a gentle net to capture the falling cub and ease her to the ground safely. The cub was still crying in terror but she was otherwise unharmed. Korin led the charge out to the crashed predator, claws ready to slash it to death, but it proved unnecessary. Spyder had blown most of its head away with his final shots, killing it instantly. "What the heck was that thing?” Spyder asked as he spun around to the adults. Clan Father bowed to Spyder. “The Clan owes you a deep debt for saving the life of our little one, Spyder. We call that a grakor. They live in the high mountains and are rarely seen in this part of the world. They are the reason we keep the cubs under the trees or hidden in the caverns. Grakor are reluctant to attack an adult because we can defend ourselves and are too heavy for them to lift. May I see your weapon?" Spyder handed over his pistol and it looked like a toy in Clan Father's huge hand. “How does this work?" "When the trigger is pulled, the hammer falls, striking the primer. This causes the primer to ignite, then the chemicals inside the cartridge explode. The pressure of the sudden gas buildup forces the bullet out of the barrel. This all happens very quickly and the bullet travels at great speed. The bullet itself is usually soft and expands when it hits something, making a small hole going in and a very large one coming out,” Spyder explained. “Small guns like this one are only good for short range. We have larger ones that can fire great distances." "The Clan has now seen your claws, human, and our respect for your kind has increased,” Clan Father said, once again bowing to Spyder. “We are honored to have you among us." **** The celebration to welcome Katherine became an even bigger affair since Spyder had saved Lili. The little cub stayed by his side throughout the afternoon, except when she went to get him more food or drink. Her hero-worship of Spyder now extended to include Katherine as well, once everyone realized she, too, carried a pistol at her side. The events of the day finally caught up with the little cub, and she fell fast asleep with her head resting in Katherine's lap.

Clan Mother herself came over and gently picked up the little cub. Clan Mother's tenderness and concern for the little cub made Katherine realize that Clan Mother was literally Lili's mother. As Clan Mother carried the cub to the nursery, she paused in front of Spyder as if to say thank you one more time. Spyder came over to where Katherine was seated on a pillow and helped her to her feet. “It's time to head home.” Turning to Korin, he said, “We'll see you in the clearing in the morning.” The two humans said farewell to Clan Father and then walked out under the trees and the starry night sky. "I'm so glad you're here. I've missed you so much,” Spyder said as he took her hand to lead her to their new dwelling. "I missed you, too,” Katherine said. “I'm also very proud of you for your quick action in saving Lili. If it weren't for you, she would have been eaten alive by that thing or its offspring." Spyder said, “I had to try. I couldn't let that thing have any of the cubs, and especially not Lili." When they reached the newly remodeled dwelling, the Clan had one last surprise for Spyder. Sitting in the center of their dining table was the magnificent wooden sculpture of the Æthereal that Spyder had admired. **** The team assembled and immediately portaled to where the rover was sitting. Jenna had brought along the remote console and powered the unit up once again, running a systems diagnostic to make sure nothing had changed since she had shut it down the evening before. She did this not only to make sure the rover was intact, but also to get her mind off the preceding evening. She had shared another dinner with Azure and was now even more unsettled over how she felt about the Blue Guardian. She could not deny her obvious attraction to him, even though she knew he was not human and that scared her. Azure and the others were standing at the doors, which were about ten feet high with each panel at least five feet wide, just slightly smaller than the passageway itself. Azure called over his shoulder, “Jenna, can you tell what these are made from?" Jenna walked over to the doors and peered at them closely. She ran her fingers over the surface and then resorted to her standard test for hardness. She took her diamond ring and scratched the diamond across the surface without any effect. “Harder than diamond, just like the thrones up in the Council chamber." The area around the doors was featureless, giving no clue whatsoever on how to open those doors. Jenna placed a stethoscope against the doors but detected no sounds on the other side of them. “Well, that's no help. I have an idea. What would you think of using the radar on these doors to see what's beyond them?" "Did we bring it with us, or is it still in the Council chamber?” Laranja asked. "It is still in the chamber over by the hearth. Be right back.” With those words, Azure opened a portal to the chamber and was back a moment later carrying the heavy GPR. He set the case down on the back of the rover, opened it, and began to remove the leads that connected the emitters and detectors to the unit. Jenna started measuring and marking the locations for their placement. Once the various devices

had been placed and the leads connected, Jenna turned on the GPR. Once the unit had warmed up, she pressed the key to initiate the pulse. The screen was a uniform shade of dark gray except around the edges, which were white, and a thin void down the center, which was the line between the two doors. The calibration systems determined the doors were a uniform thickness of twelve inches. Forrest walked back over to the doors, placed his hand against one, and opened a portal that he stepped through and closed behind him. Jenna screamed, “The fool! We have no idea what lies beyond those doors. There could easily be no air, or a poisonous gas, or even a deep water channel. Does he have a death wish?" Azure laughed at her outburst. “Jenna, he is in no danger. Forrest is an Æthereal, remember?" Laranja came over to the shaking woman and said, “Jenna, thank you for your concern for my mate. It shows what a caring person you really are. I am in contact with him and he says beyond those doors is just more tunnel. He also says the air is different and much warmer. He suggests you send the rover through a portal and we can all wait and see what it reveals as it continues down the extension of the tunnel." Jenna saw the wisdom in that plan, but she was still shaken by what she perceived as an unwarranted risk. She still had trouble accepting that these seemingly human people were really virtually immortal dragons, especially Azure. She packed up the GPR and strapped it to the back of the rover. She then sat down on the stone floor, picked up the remote console and directed the rover toward the blue nimbus that now appeared in front of the doors. She drove the rover through the portal and out the other side. The image on the monitor showed Forrest leaning against the wall of the tunnel beyond. He stepped through the portal and it closed. Closing the portal seemed to have no effect on the signals from the rover, so Jenna started the unit forward down the tunnel beyond the doors. Once again, the view on the monitor remained unchanging, only the reading proved the rover was really moving. For the first hour, there was little change in the monotonous tunnel. Soon thereafter, however, the display showed the lights had gone out. Jenna triggered the floodlights on the rover and slowed it to half its normal speed. She then saw the passageway had suffered a cave-in at some point in the past. As the rover was brought to a halt next to the collapsed section, she studied the display carefully. There were gaps between the rocks and places where the collapsed ceiling had canted against the wall leaving a space large enough for someone to pass through. She studied the atmospheric and temperature readings and found them consistent with what could have been expected at this depth. "Well that's the end of the rover for now,” Jenna said, turning back to the group. “I suspect this is a set of emergency doors. When the tunnel collapsed, it breached the integrity of the system and the doors closed to maintain the environment in this part of it." Azure said, “What do we do now? We cannot just portal through it, since we do not know what is beyond the obstruction, or how large it is." Jenna thought a moment and said, “The conditions in that tunnel are marginal for humans, but with an

airpack, it might be possible to attempt to climb through the obstruction. It won't be large enough for us all; I think only I and Katarina will fit through the small spaces I see." Katarina said, “I'm game." Azure took Jenna by the hand. “Are you sure this will be safe?" "No, it won't be safe,” Jenna laughed, “but we don't have any choice unless we want to give up.” Jenna was very aware of Azure's hand on hers. She tried to concentrate on his words and ignore the signals her own body was sending to her brain. Dammit, Jenna Sanders. You are not some lovesick teenager with a crush on the star quarterback, so quit acting like it! But no matter how much she railed at herself internally, she still found herself wondering what it would be like to be with him. "Very well then. We shall begin in the morning with the proper gear. You will both wear your leathers since they are reinforced and may offer you some protection,” Azure said. Jenna rebelled against his authoritative tone. “Why wait? One of you can just pop out and pick up the gear. I don't see any reason not to get started now." Azure glared at her for a moment. Damn, he's even better looking when he scowls! "Very well.” Azure and Forrest portaled back to the area they had stored the gear. "You go, girl!” Katarina said, laughing. “I don't think anyone has ever stood up to him before." Laranja said, “You are right. I think it is good for him to know he is not always right, and that others may have a better idea than he does." **** Once Azure and Forrest returned, Jenna strapped the airpack onto Katarina, along with a helmet with a built-in short-range transceiver that connected to the mask. She clipped a long tether rope to the carabiner on the airpack harness. “Okay, you follow me and move where I do. I know you're linked to Laranja, so she can track our progress. Ready?" At her nod, Jenna said, “Wish us luck.” At her signal, Azure opened a portal next to the rover and the tethered pair stepped through. Once at its side, Jenna switched on her helmet lamp. "Katarina, can you hear me?" "Five by five." "Okay, let's do this.” Jenna bent down and crawled into the space between the wall and the broken ceiling. She soon found that she had to crawl on her belly and was very grateful for the protection provided by the leathers. She'd lost a lot of skin crawling around in caves over the years and each time it had happened, she swore she would abandon shorts and t-shirts as appropriate exploration garb. She had to twist a bit around a boulder but found enough space to squeeze above it to the left. Her headlight picked up a shine of white on the rocks. It was salt. That made sense. The Alps were riddled with salt mines. She suspected she knew what caused the collapse; simple water trickling through an underground fault. The way the rocks had been polished and shaped told her it was the most probable

explanation. Add to it the pressure generated by a couple of glaciers during one of the Ice Ages and presto, instant tunnel collapse. She expected to come across an opening in the floor ahead or else the tunnel would still be filled with water. The path through the rocks became more serpentine and she had to twist around even more, calling back guidance to Katarina as she encountered each turn. Finally, she had to stop when she came to the expected ravine. She waited for Katarina to join her. "Okay, now what?” Katarina asked as she saw the yawning chasm in front of them. "Now comes the fun part. First, we anchor you to this rock. See that spire of rock over there? I'm going to loop this rope around it and then pull myself across. Once I make it across, I'll tie myself off and then you get loose and follow. With one of us always anchored, we'll be ready in case the other slips.” Jenna grinned at Katarina's pale expression. “Don't sweat it. I've done this hundreds of times." "You may have, but I have not. In fact, this is my first time in a cave." "Are you serious? The way you're handling yourself, I thought you were a pro!” Jenna said. “Well, let's do it." After Katarina made a loop around the rock beside her, Jenna carefully looped her rope and flipped it across the gap. Her first attempt missed, as did her second. “Third times the charm,” she said as she hit the mark. Tugging the loop tight, she looked at Katarina and said, “Here goes nothing!" She crouched down and sprang into space across the gap, gathering the rope to her as she flew through the air. When she began to descend, she hung onto the rope tightly. She winced as she banged into the rock wall but then slowly pulled herself up to the ledge on the other side. Once she had caught her breath, she tied herself to the rock. "Okay, your turn,” Jenna called to Katarina. "I don't think I can do that,” Katarina said, looking at the deep chasm. She could not believe Jenna had just leaped out into that void. "You can do it easily. As you jump, I'll pull the tether in. Just brace yourself for the impact when you hit the rock face. Once you settle, climb the tether hand over hand like you did in school as a kid." "We never climb ropes as children in Hungary,” Katarina said. “And it was not part of my espionage training, either. Instructors say that went out of style at end of world war.” Katarina's accent had come back as her stress level increased. "Well, look at this way. If I can do it with this middle-aged dumpy body of mine, then someone as fit as you are should have no trouble at all. Another thing to consider is that if you don't jump, I will cut this tether and go on without you because I can't get back. I have no choice but to continue on." Katarina thought about what Jenna had said. She was right about their comparative physical conditions and she did not want to think about what Azure would have to say if Jenna went on alone. Screwing up her courage, she crouched down and sprang outwards. Since she had no real experience, she had leapt straight out, so she fell lower than Jenna had. She also had not figured out how to approach the wall

and badly misjudged the closure rate. She hit the wall with her head first, and then her sides. The blow stunned her. "Kat? Katarina? Answer me!” When Jenna received no response, she slowly pulled her friend upwards. It was difficult work because Katarina was not helping in any fashion. It was only as her head neared the edge of the ledge that Katarina began to revive. She reached out with one hand and grabbed a projecting rock and helped Jenna pull her onto the ledge. "Remind me never to do that again,” Katarina whispered as she lay catching her breath. "With a little luck, we won't have to. Are you okay?" "Well, if it weren't for the helmet, I'd have a heck of a bump on my head. What I do have is a small crack in my mask so I guess we had better get going." Jenna coiled her rope back up and checked Katarina over to make sure she wasn't hurt worse than she let on. Realizing they had, as she had said earlier, no choice but to press on, she started to make her way through the rubble. The initial path led slightly downward and around a series of strange boulders. As she started to climb one using a set of convenient holes, Katarina said, “You do realize that is not really a rock, right?" Jenna stopped and looked once again at the object upon which she was climbing. It was not rock; it was the skull of some prehistoric carnivore. “I wonder if he was a friend of Azure's,” Jenna quipped. “Well's it's a rock now.” She resumed her climb and soon found herself slipping whenever she tried to gain a purchase. Her light revealed she was trying to climb on the smooth stones of what was once the floor of the tunnel. She braced her hands and feet against opposing sides of the narrow passage and slowly eased herself out of the passage and into the tunnel beyond. "I've made it. I'm through to the tunnel." "Thank goodness. This was starting to get old,” Katarina replied as Jenna helped her out of the rubble and into the tunnel itself. The two women staggered away from the collapsed section into the tunnel another five hundred feet or so. “Okay, contact Laranja and see if she can open a portal for us to go back to them. Once we get back, I'll send the rover through the portal to this spot and let it do the exploring for a while. I'm tired." **** Once they were back with the group and the rover was proceeding down the tunnel, Jenna allowed herself to relax. Astra had been summoned to treat the minor injuries she and Katarina had sustained when they each hit the rock wall. Jenna had only some minor bruises but Katarina had cracked a rib, which Astra had easily repaired. Thinking back to her foolhardy stunt in leaping that chasm, she was amazed at how much she continued to push her luck. Granted it was the only way across the gap but it was still very risky. Glancing at the monitor, she realized they were approaching another set of closed doors. "More doors. Hopefully, the tunnel will be back to normal after we get on the other side of them. This should mark the end of the closed off portion,” Jenna said to the others. She glanced back at the

monitor and realized Azure had portaled next to the rover. He opened a portal through the doors. She guided the rover through the portal into the lighted tunnel beyond. The atmospheric sensors and temperature gauge confirmed the conditions had returned to their previously controlled levels. **** "Hey! Jenna! You better come take a look at this!” Katarina called out a few hours later when she was taking her turn watching the monitor. Jenna scrambled over to look at the monitor. They were coming to the end of the tunnel. This time there were no doors to bar the way forward. Instead, there was blackness. Jenna triggered the forward floodlights on the rover, illuminating a vast cavern.

Chapter 11 Katherine had found the sunrise to be every bit as beautiful as Spyder had described it in his letters. She enjoyed the quiet fellowship with her husband and Korin, but she also knew she would have preferred a few more hours of sleep. Their reunion had been quite passionate and it was very late before they finally settled into slumber. The first order of business for the day was to take Katherine to the Chamber of the Ancients to have the Ursar language implanted in her mind. Katherine was not frightened by the idea; in fact, she was quite fascinated by the whole process. When she awoke and removed what she now knew were temporal conduits, she looked around the chamber at the other stations and wondered aloud what they all were meant to do. "I don't know, Kat-rin,” Korin said. “Sorry, but your name is hard for me to say." "That's all right, Korin. You can call me Katy." "Kay-Tee. I like the sound of that. It's a happy sound in my mouth,” Korin said. Katherine smiled at the compliment as Korin led the way out of the chamber and back up to Clan Home. They found Clan Mother supervising a group of cubs as they cleaned up the kitchen area. Katherine bowed her head in respect as she greeted Clan Mother. “It's an honor to be a guest in your home. I am to be called Katy, since my name is hard for you to pronounce." Clan Mother looked the human woman over. She was so small, barely taller than the six month old cubs working in the kitchen. She was also very thin, except for her hips and the strange bumps on her chest. Like Spyder, the female was devoid of fur. Even the fur on the top of her head was shorter than Spyder's. Clan Mother realized that for some strange reason, the human female had cut her hair deliberately. How odd. Kay-Tee did not look like she was very strong. She had no fangs and the claws on the tips of her fingers were pitiful. Still, Clan Mother knew Kay-Tee would be a formidable opponent, for she carried a device on her side like the one Spyder had used to kill the grakor. The skins she wore were a different color than those worn by Spyder. Could that be because they were different genders, or was there some other meaning to the color of the skins? Clan Father had said the human who accompanied Forrest the Green had worn skins of a completely different color than those of Spyder, or Kay-Tee. "Welcome to Clan Home, Kay-Tee. I would like you to stay to visit with me while these two wander off and do whatever it is that they do,” Clan Mother said. “Would that be acceptable to you?" Without hesitation, Katherine accepted Clan Mother's invitation. "Good,” Clan Mother said. “You two can go. I will get to know Kay-Tee." Spyder bowed his respect to Clan Mother and followed Korin out of Clan Home. As they left, Clan Mother turned to Katherine and said, “May I show you around the house?" Katherine was then taken on a complete tour of Clan Home, from the nursery to the sleeping pit and

every place in between. The tour finished up in what would be called a solarium in a human home; a large room whose ceiling and most walls were of glass. There were potted plants and colorful floor pillows scattered around. The flowering plants gave off a soothing aroma. “This is my favorite place,” Clan Mother said. “This is one room where cubs are absolutely forbidden, so it is the one place I can find peace and quiet. I felt we could talk here without being disturbed." "What if one of the cubs needs you?" "The other mothers will care for them. We raise our cubs in common, loving them all equally, for we are all one Clan,” Clan Mother said. “While we may partner with any of the males while in the sleeping pits, it is the mothers who raise the cubs and, if truth be admitted, rule the males." Katherine smiled at that. “It's much the same with us. The men may think they're in charge but we women know who is really the boss." "Are there many in your clan?" "No. Humans are monogamous for the most part and our family units consist of parents and any of their children. We may have extended families, including the parents or siblings of the mother and father, but we all live separately as the smaller family unit. In my own case, neither I nor Spyder have any living family, so our unit is just the two of us." Clan Mother sat quietly for a moment and then seemed to shudder. “I am sorry but that seems so strange to me,” said Clan Mother. “I cannot imagine spending my life with just one male. So you have no cubs ... what did you call them, children?" "No. Spyder and I have been together less than a year and part of that time, he has been away." Clan Mother looked at her and then said, “This will sound very personal, but if you have no cubs, why are your milk glands so swollen? I presume those round bumps on your chest are milk glands." Katherine glanced down at her breasts and smiled. “Yes, they are milk glands but they aren't swollen. This is their normal appearance. They serve as an attractant to the male and advertise that I'm old enough to bear children." Clan Mother just shook her head. “You are a strange species. These skins that you wear in place of fur. The three humans who have visited here have each worn skins of a different color. Is there a significance to that?" Katherine thought for a moment before she remembered that Danny Trasker had visited with Forrest before Spyder had been sent here. “The colors reflect our affiliation with different groups within the Guardians. The first human who came with Forrest the Green was a member of the explorers, so his leathers were dark green. Spyder is a member of the Science Corps, so he wears dark blue. I'm one of the Science Support Staff, so I wear the light blue." "May I feel it?” Clan Mother asked. Katherine unzipped and removed her jacket, handing it over to Clan Mother for her inspection. Clan Mother examined the coat very carefully, looking at the metal zipper and the snaps, the small Velcro

flaps that covered some of the pockets, and the satin lining worn during warm weather instead of the heavier fleece used in cold weather or high altitude flights. “What is this made from? I can see that parts look like they are some kind of animal skin while others look like metal ores, although I have no idea of what kind." Katherine said, “The main shell of the coat is made from the skin of a herbivore that lives on my home world. The skin is treated, dyed this color, and cut to the shapes needed to make the garment. There are tiny reinforcing strands of a metal called titanium throughout the garment. This connects to sensors and other things on the Æthereal riding saddle to activate a sensor grid and to act as a shield against weapons. As you saw when the cubs swarmed over Spyder, the leathers prevented their claws from marking him, except for his face, which wasn't covered." Clan Mother looked dubious at Katherine's assertion that this thin material could stop their claws, so Katherine invited her to test it. Clan Mother raised her hand and her claws sprang out in a flash. They extended from between Clan Mother's fingers, which she had curled out of the way. The claws themselves were about six inches long and tapered to sharp points. It reminded Katherine of the character Wolverine from the X-Men comic books. Clan Mother took a nearby chunk of wood and carved off a piece to demonstrate how strong and sharp her claws were. She then held Katherine's jacket up and stabbed her extended claws at the back of the jacket. The claws failed to penetrate the leather, although they did leave a faint abrasion on the surface. "You wear this to protect yourself as well as show what path you follow then. This, I understand. Why then do you have other false skins underneath?" "The leather is uncomfortable against the skin. These softer clothes protect the skin and help keep us covered.” When Clan Mother just looked at her, Katherine figured there was nothing else to be done so she pulled off her shirt and passed it to Clan Mother. Clan Mother felt the soft cotton material. “It feels like a flower petal.” Clan Mother's attention, however, was divided between the soft fabric and the now exposed bare chest of the human female. Before Katherine could react, Clan Mother reached out one hand and ran the tip of one finger down from Katherine's collarbone, over the left breast, and across the erect nipple. “Your skin is very soft, too. I can see why you protect it with these things.” Clan Mother chuckled. “What you need is a thick pelt and some body fat like me!" Clan Mother handed back the garments as she said, “It seems you are not so different than we are. We have milk glands, too, but ours on lower on the belly and not swollen all the time. I suspect the rest of our bodies are also similar." Katherine was afraid for a moment Clan Mother would want her to finish removing her clothes to verify this, but Clan Mother said, “Put your false skins back on, Kay-Tee. I have to admit, I find your hairless forms too much like newly born cubs, pink and soft, and it makes me uncomfortable." "Thank you, Clan Mother.” As she slipped her shirt back on, Katherine wondered whether Spyder had gone through something similar but decided he had not or he would have told her about it in one of his letters. She suspected that Clan Mother was in charge of healing and wanted to make sure about their biology before anything serious came up. Clan Mother said, “Let us talk about cubs."

**** Spyder and Korin had gone to meet with Clan Father in a glade not far from Clan Home. After greeting Clan Father respectfully, Spyder said, “Clan Father, I have some questions about the Clans.” After Clan Father gave a nod of acquiescence, Spyder continued. “I've seen about ninety members of the Clan, if the cubs are included. Are there many Clans?" Clan Father pursed his lips and blew out a snort. “Your question is both simple and yet complicated. There are indeed almost ninety members living here at Clan Home, but that is only a part of the Clan. Within this region and across this landmass, live other members of the Clan, perhaps ten thousand all together. There are many other Clans, living on other landmasses on this world and among other planets in this system, and in others beyond this one. When a group, such as the one here at Clan Home, grows too large, some of the young adults either move to another that can take them in, join another Clan, or dwell on other worlds. Otherwise, the groups can become quarrelsome and resources become stretched. We have found the optimum size for a Clan group to be around one hundred. If you counted all the members of all the Clans on all the worlds were we have settled, the total strength would be around ten billion." Spyder was momentarily nonplused by Clan Father's statements. He had never imagined there were that many Ursars. The small idyllic community in which he was living gave no indication it was a part of such a vast interstellar civilization. “Forgive me, Clan Father, but I have seen no sign to show that your people traveled among the stars. Do you use portals like the Æthereal?" Korin said, “When we must travel any great distance, Spyder, we use devices left behind by the Ancients. We step into a device, think about where we wish to go, and step out at that place. It takes no time at all, whether the trip is to another valley, or another world around a distant sun." Spyder was stunned. The Ancients had left the Ursars functional matter teleportation devices scattered throughout this world and on others, as well. **** Traveling by portal sure beats the hell out of walking five miles! Jenna thought as she stood beside the rover at the edge of the cavern. Missing her favorite caving spotlight, Jenna used the simple expedient of a hand mirror to redirect the rover's floodlights around the cavern to illuminate different areas. What she saw astounded her. The cavern appeared to be at least a quarter to one half mile high. It stretched as far as the beam of light could carry to either side. In front of them was a deep chasm. They had dropped a rock over the side but heard no sound from its fall so the chasm was either bottomless, or so deep it might as well have been. The shattered remains of what was once a rock bridge across the chasms was still visible in places, the rest had fallen into the dark depths below. The chasm itself must have been close to a mile wide. There was just no way to cross. "Well, damn,” Jenna said aloud. “All this way just to be stopped here." Katarina chuckled. “Jenna, you just don't know the Æthereal very well. Who is more at home in a cavern than they are? They live underground and are designed to function in this kind of environment. They can see in the dark and they can fly."

Azure said, “Forrest and Laranja are going to explore the cavern while we wait here." "You aren't going with them?” Jenna asked. "No. I did not think you would like to be left alone as their partners are also going with them,” Azure said. “Come. We might as well have something to eat and drink while we wait.” He took Jenna by the hand, opened a portal, and pulled her through it. Jenna found herself in Azure's living room. She never completely understood why most of the Guardians maintained a human style dwelling. Azure's was a typical example of what she considered a bachelor pad. Lots of leather furniture, big screen entertainment center, brushed steel kitchen, thick carpets, and a sound system that piped light jazz throughout. "And just what are we doing here?” Jenna asked. "Well, eating lunch for one thing and talking for another." "Talking about what?” Jenna asked, nervously. Azure looked at her, his calm gray eyes steady. “I want to know why you are avoiding me. Have I done something to offend you?" Jenna trembled as she looked into his eyes. “No, you haven't offended me, Azure. Far from it, in fact.” She swung away to face the opposite direction, putting her hands up to her face. “Oh, this is so hard. I'm a middle-aged woman, who has spent all of her adult life digging around inside mountains and caves. I'm not very good with people, especially men." She spun back around to face him. “You scare me, or rather, you make me scare myself. I'm very attracted to you and that scares me. In this form, you're a handsome, virile man while I'm a short, dumpy woman. As if that weren't bad enough, I admire your mind and envy the knowledge you have that I don't about geology and the world. I'm so used to being the expert, that I'm intimidated by the amount of knowledge you have that I don't." Azure chuckled. “At least you respect my mind as much as you like my body. Jenna, I am just as attracted to you. To us, it is the mind that is everything and yours burns brightly with both intelligence and humor. There is nothing wrong with you. You are so much like me, it is amazing. We both have been so focused on our work that we have left little room for anything else." The true meaning of his house's style hit home. “You have no mate?" "No, I never had one. Æthereal mate only with their life bond, and that is forever,” Azure replied. “That does not mean I have been celibate. I have deeply cared for two other human women in the past, but that was centuries ago." Jenna was suddenly very nervous and reached for a glass of water that Azure had set by her untouched plate of food. It fell from her suddenly numb fingers and shattered when he asked, “Would you consider being my partner? We could spend the next couple decades exploring that magnificent cavern."

As she turned to him, she realized why Azure had insisted her leathers be the dark blue of the Science Corps.

Chapter 12 Katherine had already returned to their dwelling by the time Spyder came back from meeting with Clan Father. He gave her a quick kiss as he passed by her, and then hung up his jacket in the closet after putting his weapons belt on the shelf near the bed. He walked back into the kitchen and leaned against the wall, watching her as she prepared their dinner. He had to admit he loved the way she filled out those leather pants. Of course, he also loved the way she looked without those leather pants. As if sensing his gaze upon her, Katherine said, “Stop looking at my butt and help me fix dinner. You can set the table." Laughing, Spyder grabbed the plates and silverware, put them on the table, then opened a beer from the refrigerator unit. “Want one?” he asked. When she nodded, he got one out for her and decanted it into a pilsner glass, which he placed next to her plate. He then fixed a tossed salad for them both while she dished up the lasagna. Once they were seated, Spyder said, “How was your meeting with Clan Mother?" Katherine laughed. “It was interesting. You would have loved it since I ended up half naked before all was said and done.” She then described how this had happened. “After that, we started talking about cubs and babies. Did you know that it takes roughly eighteen months for one of their cubs to gestate? The average cub weighs about ten pounds at birth but grows very quickly. Lili, for example, is less than a year old, even if she is the size of a human adolescent. They reach physical maturity in less than ten years and sexual maturity shortly thereafter." "I wonder how old Korin is,” Spyder said aloud. "Korin is about twenty-five. Did you also know they have no sexual taboos? The concept of incest does not exist in these Clan groups. There are no fears of dangerous recessives because the Clan Mother monitors the fetal growth at the cellular level from the moment of conception. If an embryo is flawed, she either repairs it or causes it to abort. Furthermore, the Clan group is a polygamous family. Each adult female is available to every adult male and vice versa. They are very uninhibited in their passions. Clan Mother was quite explicit in her recitation of some of their techniques, and she was surprised we had not come across any of the Clan sporting in some of the glades." "And I suppose you gave her the same degree of information about us,” Spyder said. "Yes, of course I did, and yes, I was equally as explicit with her.” She blushed as she remember just how explicit. She had found it very easy to speak with Clan Mother about the most intimate details of human life. A small smile crossed her lips when she recalled Clan Mother's comment about human menstruation. “How inconvenient,” was all she had said. “So how was your meeting with Clan Father?" "Filled with shocks and revelations. How many Ursars do you think there are?” Spyder asked. "I have no idea. The population density isn't that great. I mean, we haven't seen more than ninety of them at a time. But I have no idea whether this is typical with the whole species,” Katherine replied.

"It is. In fact, no Clan Group is larger than one hundred individual members. What blew me away was when Clan Father said there were more than ten billion Ursars." "No way! This planet cannot be much larger than Earth and to support that kind of population density, all available land would be used by them." "That's the second surprise. They aren't just on this world. They've spread throughout the planets of this system and into some beyond this one. The Ursars are an interstellar civilization." Katherine put her fork down and stared at him. “No way! But how? There's no sign of any technology that could possibly be used to travel between the stars." "And that's the final shocker. The Ancients left them a functional network of matter teleportation devices not only on this world, but throughout the planets of the other systems." "Wait a minute. You mean like a Stargate or something?" "No, I think it's more like those transporters on the old Roddenberry series Star Trek. You step in, get zapped, and come out someplace else." After cleaning up, the two spent some time composing a report of their discoveries about the Ursars. It was much different adopting a more serious reporting style than Spyder had used previously. Katherine's portion was a treatise on the biology of the Ursars and included her observations about their living conditions. Spyder concentrated on the data about the interstellar nature of the Clans and the news about the active network of matter teleporters left behind by the Ancients. **** Azure took Jenna to the field at the Borland Base and had her fitted for a helmet. The Science Support Staff showed her how to connect her suit to the sensor array built into the saddle they had just mounted on Azure's back. Once she was connected and her riding straps had been fastened, Azure took her for their first flight. She was absolutely delighted. For the first time in her life, she found something that rivaled the feeling she got while exploring some deep cavern. Even as they flew high above the mountains, Azure spoke to her mind. 'I am so pleased you enjoy this, too. I need you to hang on tight.' With those words, he opened a portal and they were suddenly in the cavern above the chasm. 'Activate the low light mode on your helmet,' came the advice from Azure. She fumbled a bit with the controls but soon, her visor cleared like she had a massive floodlight mounted to her head. She could see the magnificent stalactites that hung from the ceiling, some thousands of feet long. Streaks of color from various minerals painted the stone icicles in pastels of yellow, red, ocher, blues and greens. Azure swooped deep into the chasm, his senses alert for the stalagmites he knew lurked below. Soon they were swerving around them like it was a slalom course as they continued to descend. Finally, they found the bottom nearly a mile farther down; a raging underground river tumbling over rocks until it plunged over a waterfall into a still lower cavern. Azure began to beat his way back up to the level of the passageway and there they found the others waiting for them on the ledge opposite where the rover was located. Azure landed on a wide space and let Jenna climb down from the saddle after she tied her helmet to the saddle. Once she was down, he shifted to his human form and they walked over to the others.

Katarina ran over and threw her arms around Jenna. “Welcome to the Guardians, Jenna. We knew he would convince you!” Once Katarina released her, she found herself being hugged by the others as well. Jenna felt tears prickle in her eyes as she realized that each of them sincerely meant what they said and that she truly was now one of them. Oh, wait until Judy hears about this! "I have a question for the group. Do we bring the rover over here, or do we proceed on foot from this point?” Azure asked. "The safe thing to do is use the rover for all the same reasons I gave before, especially the potential gas pockets. Plus, we really didn't bring the right equipment to do this the old-fashioned way on foot.” Jenna laughed a little. “Okay, I admit, you have spoiled me with all the portals between places and bypassing the long, boring hiking part." Once again, the group laughed with Jenna. Azure held open a portal and Jenna walked through it to a point in front of the rover. She turned the rover's systems back on, ran its diagnostics and then drove it forward into the portal, following along behind it until she was standing among the group once more. "Okay, we have the rover over here. Any ideas where to go next?” Jenna asked. "While you two were gone, we did some exploring on this side and guess what we found? That's right, another tunnel. It's located around that stalagmite over there,” Danny said, pointing to what looked like a wall but was really a nine hundred foot spire of rock. While Jenna maneuvered the rover to the tunnel, the others set up a small campsite to make the wait more pleasant. Laranja furnished some nice comfortable chairs for them to use; ones that, Jenna found out later, came from Laranja's own home. A side table next to one chair was there for Jenna to use for the remote console. There were table lamps and even a small portable kitchen Katarina was using to fix them all some dinner. Jenna sat in the chair and watched the familiar scene of the tunnel receding in the distance while her mind ranged over the events of that afternoon. After she had consented to becoming his partner, he had swept her into his arms and kissed her. Jenna had been kissed before but that kiss had burned away all memories of those that had come before. And while she didn't have a lot of experience, what happened after that kiss had been incredible. She finally understood what all the ballyhoo was about. Perhaps some of her thoughts had leaked out or she was just easy to read, but Laranja came to sit beside her and quietly said, “We are happy for you both, Jenna. Mixed-gender partnerships are not very common, but not unheard of among the Æthereal. There are actually seven, I think, and most of them involve the Reds. Once you get to know us, that fact will make more sense." "We have become more than just partners in science, Laranja,” Jenna said almost in a whisper. "I know. The tension and confusion you radiated before has been replaced by calm and joy. Add to that the fact your T-shirt is on backwards and you have a hickey on your neck, and the conclusion was fairly obvious." Jenna blushed furiously as she looked down at her backwards shirt. She felt absolutely mortified. At that moment, Azure's voice rang in her mind. 'She is just teasing you, Jenna. Laranja has always acted like my older sister and her teasing is the way she lets you know that she approves of our relationship.

She knows it will be good for both of us.' Jenna smiled at his reassurance. 'And what would she do if she didn't approve?' 'Eat you, of course.'

Chapter 13 Spyder and Katherine lay amid the tussled covers on their bed, the sweat cooling on their bodies, trying to understand what had just happened. Somehow, as they strove to bring one another to the culmination of their shared passion, a barrier had been breached and their minds had touched. For that moment, Spyder had been Katherine and she had been him, each experiencing the other's joy and pleasures. It had transported them to a level of fulfillment neither had achieved before and now they lay in each other's arms, stunned and amazed. 'How was this possible?' 'I don't know.' It didn't matter which of them had the thought or answered; they were truly one mind now. Katherine ran her hand over the muscles on Spyder's chest and could feel it as if she were the one being caressed; all the while knowing Spyder was feeling exactly the same things. 'As amazing as this is, I wonder if it will be this way from now on. It would be ... ‘ ’ ... Disconcerting to the say the least. It sure will spoil Christmas!' They truly finished one another's thoughts now. 'Let me try something.' With that thought, Spyder erected the barriers that Astra had taught him. Once again, he found himself alone in his mind. He slowly thinned the walls around his mind until he could connect to Katherine without submerging his mind into a conjoined whole. 'Try this.' He demonstrated the technique for building and then thinning the barriers. Katherine immediately attempted the same and, while she was slower that first time, she soon had the trick mastered. 'Okay, now we can be alone in our heads, or talk mind-to-mind whenever we want,' Katherine said. She reached for him once more. 'For some things, no barriers are needed at all,' she said as she dropped her mental shields, putting her lips to his. 'I know how this happened now,' Katherine said as she poured their coffee the next morning. 'Yes, it was the Ancient machine. It didn't teach us the language. It opened our telepathic centers so we picked up the meaning of their words from their minds as they spoke, the same way they do ours.' 'I want to try something else,' Spyder thought to Katherine. He built up an image of Astra in his mind, so clear that he could almost see her, and then he called, 'Astra?' 'Spyder? Is that you?' Astra's thought came back tinged with her astonishment. 'How is this possible?' Spyder sent her a mental summary of their theory and Astra said, 'That actually makes a great deal of sense. We know the Guardian races are all telepathic, so the Ancients must have been, as well. Their machines must be programmed to activate that ability in other sentient beings.'

'That was my thought as well,' chimed in Katherine. Catching some of Katherine's thoughts through her leaking shield, Astra said, 'So you two have found the secret known by few humans, the bliss of conjoined intimacy. I wish you much joy, children of my heart.' With that comment, Astra's mental presence was gone. Finishing their breakfast, the pair made their way to the clearing to greet the dawn. **** "How far has that rover traveled along that passage?” Danny asked. "According to the readings from the odometer, it's gone almost ten miles. However, the built-in GPS says it's only three miles away,” Jenna replied. "That's odd,” Katarina said. “Can you account for the discrepancy?" "Yes, I can. They are both correct. The passage may appear to be straight but in reality, it's curved in a spiral. The rover has basically been turning is very slow circles around this spiral. It's also descended another two miles beneath us,” Jenna said. "Did you know it was turning?" "Oh, yes. I had the treads locked in a straight line but it kept hitting the wall after a few minutes. I started measuring the curvature at that point and then modified the driving program to account for it so I didn't have to keep resetting the rover. It has worked steady for,” Jenna said, checking her watch, “...the last nine hours." "How much longer do you think until there's some kind of change?” Katarina asked, the boredom in her voice very evident. Jenna smiled after she glanced at the monitor. “Oh, I would say about another five minutes. That's about how long it'll take the rover to hit the doors I see at the end of the passage." As she expected, everyone stepped behind her chair to look at the monitor. Once again, there was a set of featureless doors blocking the tunnel completely. "Okay, that is enough for one day,” Azure declared. “Let us all meet back here again in the morning and we will go see what is beyond that set of doors." **** Korin was not as surprised as they had expected when they told him about their new telepathic ability. “All the Clan can do this. Do you mean humans are head blind?" "Well, yeah, I guess you could call it that. Oh, there have been cases where people have claimed to be able to read the thoughts of others, but they've generally been regarded as either fakes, or those who can read the body language of others so well, they only think they're reading another's mind,” Spyder said.

"But don't you communicate with the Æthereal mind-to-mind?" "When they're in natural form, sure, but the Æthereals do all the work, talking to us and then reading our thoughts back to them. Partners can become so finely attuned to one another, that sometimes, the human can initiate a mental conversation, but only because the Æthereal is usually keeping a watch." "Are you sure, or is this what you humans have believed since you don't use mental speech? I suspect you are capable of it but it's dormant until you spend a lot of time with the Æthereal, or it's opened by the Ancient's machine,” Korin said. “If the ability wasn't there to begin with, there would have been nothing for the machine to awaken. After all, humans didn't exist when the Ancients left this galaxy." "You're probably right. I cannot help but think that humanity would have been much better off if we had avoided the misunderstandings which caused so much grief in our history,” Spyder said. Korin said, “Clan Father said he would meet us at the same glade and Clan Mother has invited Kay-Tee to accompany her to visit another Clan group nearby. She said you would be back before darkness falls." Katherine sprang to her feet and said, “I better not keep Clan Mother waiting, then. See you later, Spyder." "We'll walk with you part of the way, for the glade we seek isn't far from Clan Home." The trio set off into the tree line, unaware that Lili followed them. Lili watched as Katherine left the others with a cheerful wave of her hand and walked down the path that led to Clan Home. Lili stared to follow the two males, when a pair of human arms suddenly grabbed her from behind. "Gotcha!” Katherine said. “Little one, you should know better than to follow the two males like this. Come with me back to Clan Home. Perhaps Clan Mother will let you come with us." Taking the hand of the little cub, Katherine began to lead her back to Clan Home. Lili kept looking over her shoulder at the retreating backs of the two males she loved most, wishing she could have been with them. Clan Mother was very stern with Lili but relented to permit her to accompany them on their visit. The novelty of leaving the area around Clan Home soon made Lili forget about Spyder and Korin. After all, they were just going to sit in a glade and talk with Clan Father. She got to go visiting, whatever that meant. As they walked through the forest, Clan Mother told Katherine about the various plants and their uses. Katherine asked about the changes of season and found that because the planet had so little axial tilt, the seasons remained fairly constant. It was hotter closer to the equator and colder closer to the poles. Snow existed in the high mountains and the polar areas but the majority of the planet was temperate and mild. Clan Mother also described the vast oceans that divided the landmasses. Like those of Earth, these oceans were salty and home to a variety of aquatic life forms. Certain Clans specialized in harvesting sea creatures as a food source, but for Clan Mother's family, a meal from the sea was a rare treat. Her Clan subsisted primarily on the meat from an animal that was like a cross between an antelope and a

bighorn sheep; very fast and agile with large curved horns that were used to ram attackers in defense. The Clan also ate various tubers and plants, fruit and nuts. The walk had taken almost three hours and Katherine was beginning to feel it. She had not been spending much time at the gym once Spyder had left on this mission, and her exercise since she had rejoined her husband had all been connubial. She vowed to start jogging every day to regain her aerobic fitness. She wondered what the Ursars would think when she started running everyday. Katherine spotted the group of Ursars before she did their dwelling, since it blended so well with the cliff face it abutted. As they approached the group, one Ursar stepped forward to take Clan Mother's hand and bow, placing her head against Clan Mother's hand. The bowing female said, “Welcome, Clan Mother. We are honored." "Greetings, Under Mother, it has been too long. May I present Kay-Tee, a human and one of the Guardians of Sol?” Clan Mother said, drawing Katy forward. To her surprise, the entire group bowed their heads to Katherine at her introduction. She was embarrassed, as she knew she had done nothing to warrant such a greeting of respect from them. “No, please, don't do that." Under Mother said, “We bow in respect to the Guardians of Sol and to the humans who have become their partners. We also pay honor to those who slay the grakor and save the young cub." Clan Mother said, “Under Mother is in charge of this Clan Group. One of the females is preparing to give birth and, as Clan Mother, I have come to give witness.” Turning to the Under Mother, she said, “Lead us to the chamber." Incredulous that she had been invited to witness something so personal, Katherine followed behind Clan Mother as she entered the Clan dwelling. An hour later, there was a new cub in the Clan; a tiny little male with a blaze of white atop his muzzle from his nose to between his eyes. **** Clan Father was waiting with another male who Spyder had not yet met. This male was larger than any Spyder had seen, standing perhaps twenty-five feet when fully upright. His frame was massively muscled and his body bore many scars. Some were obviously from claw slashes, while others were the distinctive pattern left by burns. One eye was a milky white that bespoke blindness. Spyder was not at all surprised when Clan Father introduced the male as War Chief of the Clan. Feeling insignificant beside the massive War Chief, Spyder still managed to bow his head in respect for so honored a warrior, as this giant must be. "War Chief is the only living Clan member to have slain a grakor, although the beast came close to slaying him. He has also fought the Grays on several worlds." War Chief's voice was a deep rumble that Spyder could feel in his chest when the huge Ursar spoke. “I have heard how you killed the grakor and saved little Lili. May I examine the tool you used?" Spyder handed over his pistol and once again, explained the way it worked. War Chief's smallest finger was too large to fit inside the trigger guard, so Spyder said he would demonstrate. He had Korin place a

melon on the branch of a tree thirty yards away. Spyder took careful aim and fired. The melon exploded. War Chief grinned, a truly frightening sight as the scarred visage drew back his lips, exposing his many sharp teeth. Spyder felt an almost atavistic fear, and kept reminding himself War Chief was an intelligent being and would not eat him. "Clan Father says you have even bigger weapons that can reach objects farther away with great accuracy. I would like to see such a thing some day,” War Chief said as he examined the shattered rind of the melon. Seating himself once more, he said, “I am here to talk to you about the Grays." Spyder activated his recording devices after explaining to Clan Father and War Chief what they were. They had no issue with the devices, although they regarded them as unnecessary since all Clan members had eidetic memories. Spyder explained that he could send the recordings to the Æthereal and they would see and hear War Chief as he spoke. There was a grudging acceptance that such a thing would be useful, so Spyder was given their blessings to use the devices. "It has been many centuries since the Grays challenged us on our home world. When their scout ships flew down from the sky, many of the Clan went to meet them, unprepared to accept that beings so small could mean them harm. The Grays slew them with weapons like yours that fired a projectile. It took many hits to bring down a single Clan member. Eventually, the Clan swarmed over the Grays and destroyed them with fangs and claws. "We knew from the teachings of the Ancients who these tiny beings from the sky were and that they were the mortal enemies of every living thing. All Clans began to hunt them and destroy them whenever they were found. Many Clans were wiped out in the battles to rid this world of them. "We then went to other worlds, cleansing them of the Grays. The Grays developed newer weapons to fight us with, including those which used flames. It was in such a battle that I became War Chief. Even as my fur burned, I tore the Gray into little pieces and scattered them around." As the War Chief described the battles, Spyder watched as he subconsciously extended his fighting claws. They were formidable weapons, a full twelve inches long and sharp as razors, the tips coated in some silver metal that shone in the ruddy sunlight. "Now they have a new weapon we cannot fight. It makes the Clan burn from the inside out. Have you seen this?" Spyder said he had and explained about the microwave beam weapon the Grays had been using against the Æthereal. He described the shield developed by David Borland and how it was used to capture and return the Gray's own beam against them. Using his leather jacket, he showed them the titanium filaments and sensors that were a part of it. War Chief used his metal tipped claws but could not puncture the material. “Too bad we would look foolish in clothes,” was his only comment. "Do you think there is any way to adapt your shields to our use?” Clan Father asked. "Clan Father, with your permission, I will ask Ebon, the Guardian of Earth, if he will come speak with you about such matters. I think you could use the shield collector and cannon we riders carry when riding the Æthereal." "You have my leave. It is time we once again spoke with the Æthereal, Guardian to Guardian."

Chapter 14 Astra and Judy were waiting for the team when they came back. "I heard what happened but I just couldn't believe it!” Judy exclaimed as she rushed to Jenna's side and threw her arms around her friend. “I'm so happy for you!" Pulling Judy off to one side, Jenna asked, “Are you sure? I mean, it's kind of unconventional, isn't it?" "Jenna, the unconventional is what I expect from you,” Judy said, then laughed. “Nobody here gives one fig for convention. The Guardian partnerships are based on a compatibility of minds. As for the rest of it, it's no one's business but yours and Azure's. Don't sweat the small stuff, Jenna. Those of us who know you or Azure are very happy for you both." Jenna gave her friend a big hug. She had been very worried about how Judy would react to her new liaison with the Blue Æthereal. She should have known Judy would understand. After all, she was the first of the Guardian partners. "A practical question you probably haven't addressed yet is your status with the USGS,” Judy said as she opened the portfolio she was holding. “Once you sign these, you will be officially transferred from the USGS to the Guardian Force Science Corps as a geologist and partner to Azure, the head of the Science Corps." Jenna was stunned. “I didn't know Azure was in charge of the Science Corps!" "Would it have made any difference had I told you?” Azure asked. "Azure, I have to admit at the time, I wasn't thinking about the Science Corps or anything other than being with you,” Jenna said. “And no, it would not have made any difference.” Jenna grabbed the forms, signed them, and thrust them back at Judy. “What do I do about my life back on Earth? You know, car, house, furniture, all that stuff?" "We've gotten fairly good at this sort of thing. The new laws passed permit the government to purchase your house, car, anything else you no longer need or want. Æthereal, Limited has now settled all your outstanding financial obligations, from your credit cards to your phone bill. Your personal items, clothes and whatnot, will be brought to Paradise and stored until you're ready for them." Judy looked at the stunned look on Jenna's face. “Look, I know all this is quite overwhelming and will take some getting used to. One of the things you'll want to do before too long is write letters to everyone back home to let them know you didn't just fall off the face of the Earth, even if that's what you did. We'll also arrange for all your mail to be delivered to the Guardian offices in Washington, where it can be sent to you here. I presume you will be staying with your partner since that's what most of the Guardian partnerships do. Eric and I seem to be the exception since Astra lives on Earth and Ebon lives with Hecate." Jenna nodded her head, not trusting herself to speak. "Okay, then. Get lost with Azure for the rest of the day. Get to know one another,” Judy said. “Once

things settle down and you finish this exploration, we'll get together for a quiet evening together." Azure took Jenna's hand and they stepped through a portal, vanishing from the field. Judy just shook her head and smiled. **** Ebon the Black, Guardian of Earth, and his partner, Eric Johansson, touched down in the clearing where Spyder had first lived. 'Greetings, Clan Father. I am called Ebon and this is my partner, Eric.' 'Greetings, Great Guardian of Earth. Spyder has told us much about you and we welcome you to our world,' Clan Father said. "I understand from Spyder that you wish to learn about our shields and other means of defense from the Gray energy beam weapons. Spyder, come take the beam weapon Eric brought.' Spyder made his way over to the three hundred foot long Black and deftly caught the Gray beam weapon Eric tossed down to him. He then walked back over to stand beside Clan Father, War Chief, Korin, and the others who had come out to greet the head of the Council. He showed them each the weapon and War Chief said it was the same as those the Grays had been using against them on other worlds. Ebon said, 'Spyder, when you are ready, fire the weapon at me. Eric will use the arm shield and cannon to redirect the energy at the large rock across the clearing.' Spyder explained what was intended and Clan Father made sure no Clan members, especially curious cubs, were hiding near the boulder. Spyder shouldered the weapon, took aim, and fired. The bright beam of light stabbed out at Ebon, and the massive Æthereal seemed to sparkle as the energy danced along his scales, captured in the tiny web of titanium that fed the collectors. Eric then raised the shield strapped to his arm, and aimed it at the boulder. The collected energy blazed from the cannon's emitter and struck the boulder, and within seconds, the buildup of heat within the rock caused it to explode in a shower of fragments. Spyder ceased firing and Eric drained the collectors by continuing to fire at the remains of the boulder, causing the fragments to slag and melt. Finally, the energy had bled off completely. He unstrapped the shield and mounted it on the saddle where it would be easily accessible, then slid off Ebon's back. Once Eric was on the ground, Ebon transformed to his human avatar and the pair walked over to the assembled group. War Chief bowed. “That was quite impressive. I have seen what this Gray weapon is capable of doing to flesh. To withstand even a moment of its touch is beyond us. You are formidable, indeed, Great Guardian." Ebon smiled. “The credit goes to the humans, War Chief. They were the ones who created the shields and cannons, not the Æthereal." War Chief asked Eric, “Do you think it would be possible to adapt this shield and cannon to something we can use to defeat those Grays now attacking some of our other worlds?"

"Yes, War Chief, I do think it would be possible. I think if you carried a shield like the one I used, only larger so you were behind it, you could easily defeat this weapon,” Eric said. “I'd like to take some measurements of one of you, say Korin here, to use for designing the shield. Or perhaps you'd allow Korin to travel to Paradise with us and assist us in this work, Clan Father." Clan Father looked at Korin and could see that he was quite willing to travel to Paradise for this purpose. “Very well, that is a good plan, but I would ask that Spyder and Kay-Tee return with you as well. They have become Korin's friends and I would ask them to be with him in a strange world, so he does not feel alone there." Spyder bowed his head at this and said, “It would be our honor to show Korin around Paradise, Clan Father, but I ask that we be allowed to return to the Clan when Korin's work is finished. Katherine and I have come to love this world and still have much to learn from the Clan." Clan Father said, “You will both always be welcome here." After much discussion, it was decided that a portal would be opened in three days to bring Spyder, Katherine, and Korin to Paradise. **** Azure walked into the kitchen where Jenna was preparing a pasta salad for their lunch. “We may have to hold off on any further explorations for a few days, Jenna. Both Forrest and Laranja have been called away to deal with some kind of issue involving one of the exploration teams and, of course, Danny and Katarina will be going with them." "Well, it's not like it's going anywhere. It'll be there when we're ready to go back. The break will give me a chance to get my things sorted out and settle some matters back at the USGS,” Jenna said. “Think you could take some time to go back to Earth with me?" "I see no reason why not, but I will have to be here in three days when Spyder and Katherine come home. They are bringing a guest with them; one of the Ursars named Korin. We are going to try to adapt the shield for them." "What's an Ursar?” Jenna asked. “I'm not sure I've ever heard of them." "They are another of the Guardian races left by the Ancients to combat the Grays. I believe I have heard them described as twenty foot purple bears." "Oh, my!"

Chapter 15 "We only have two days before we leave for Paradise and I wanted to show you one of my favorite places,” Korin said after the sun had risen. “It is a fair walk, but worth the effort." Spyder and Katherine readily agreed and soon found themselves hiking along a barely discernible path that wound through the deeper parts of the forest and up into the hills above Clan Home. As the sun rose, they became quite warm and the two humans soon removed their leather jackets, tying the arms around their waists. They finally crested the last hill and Korin said, “Behold!” Before them lay a pristine lake surrounded by a large grassy area. “This is one of my favorite places because the water is always cool and fresh. It's fed by an underground spring, you see." As they reached the edge of the lake, Korin kept walking forward, wading into the water until it reached his lower chest. Then he leaned forward and dove into the water. Wet, Korin looked even more like a Kodiak bear, splashing about in the lake. Katherine looked over at Spyder and found him busily removing his boots. His jacket, web belt with holster, and shirt were already in a pile beside him. "Just what do you think you're doing?” Katherine asked. "I'm going swimming. One thing I've missed is being able to swim,” Spyder said. "But you don't have a suit!" "So what? I don't think Korin will care and there's no one else around.” With the last lace undone, he quickly toed off his boots, removed his socks and then stripped off his pants and jockeys. A quick dash to the water and his pale form dove into the water. Surfacing, he yelled, “Come on in. The water's fine!" The heat of the day and the sweat from the hike made up her mind for her. Katherine soon removed her own clothes and, after spreading her shirt out to dry, followed Korin and Spyder into the water. It was heavenly. All her life, Katherine had secretly harbored a desire to go “skinny dipping” but had always been afraid she would get caught. It was a fear of embarrassment, rather than any sense of impropriety that had kept her from acting on the impulse. Now, she had the chance. The only one who could catch her nude was the one man who had every right to see her that way, her husband. Korin didn't count, of course, since he was just a great big teddy bear. Spyder slipped up behind her and put his arms around her. “Hi, beautiful." "Don't get any ideas, sport. I am not going to provide Korin with a lesson in human reproduction just because you get turned on by seeing me naked,” Katherine said laughingly as she put her arms around her husband's neck. They were distracted by a nearby splash. Looking to the edge of the lake, they could see an unexpected but unsurprising addition to their swim. Lili was doing a credible dog paddle, making huge splashes with her hands but keeping her head above the water. Katherine pushed away from Spyder and swam over to the young cub to make sure she didn't drown.

**** After about an hour, Katherine waded back to the shore and sat in the lush grass brushing out her wet hair to help it dry. It was one of the many times she was sorry she had let it grow out. Lili was sprawled on the grass near her, dozing in the warmth of the day after the exertion of learning to swim. Spyder was still splashing about with Korin, climbing up the giant's back and then diving from his shoulders into the water. Every once in a while, Korin would grab Spyder and throw him across the water. Their laughter echoed across the lake. With all the snarls and tangles finally out of her hair, Katherine laid back on the grass, fanning her hair out to help it dry. The warmth of the sun beating on her bare skin felt good, and she wondered whether it was possible to get a sunburn under this red sun. That was her last thought as she, too, drifted off to sleep. Spyder came up on this idyllic scene, debating whether to drip water on his sleeping naked wife. Deciding she looked entirely too good this way, he decided against disturbing her. He stretched out beside her, put his arms behind his head, and fell asleep himself as Korin dozed on the other side of him. He woke briefly when Katherine rolled next to him and put her head on his chest but soon drifted back to sleep, truly content. They all napped for about an hour. It was the irrepressible Lili who woke first and made so much noise racing about in the grass, that the rest awakened as well. Korin took Lili by the hand and started to teach her about the different plants and trees that were found around the lake, leaving the humans a few more moments of quiet. Spyder looked at Katherine and said, “This has been great. Look, I'm going to say something and you're probably going to get mad at me, but I need to get it out." Katherine sat up, eying her husband through narrowed eyes. “What?" "I think you should start spending a bit of time in the gym when we get back to Paradise. I mean you look great, but your stomach's becoming a little rounded and...” Katherine's soft smile made Spyder realize what clues he had missed. Her gentle nod was all the confirmation he needed and he let out a loud whoop that startled Korin and made him rush over, carrying Lili. "What's wrong? Is there danger?” demanded Korin. "No, that was a sound of great joy. Katherine's going to have a baby.” Seeing Korin's confusion, Spyder said, “A cub, Korin, a human cub." "When? Now?” Korin asked, confused. "No, in about seven months,” Katherine replied. Lili started dancing around and in a singsong voice, started chanting, “Kay-Tee's a momma; Kay-Tee's a momma,” while Korin looked on, still confused. **** Jenna hadn't anticipated the impact the dark blue leathers of the Guardian Science Corps would have on

the office of the USGS. She had come to think of them as just another field uniform, like her old shorts and t-shirts. It wasn't until she stepped through the doors of the USGS office—her old office—that the reality set in. "May I help you, Guardian?” The receptionist had seen the uniform and not who was wearing it. It was only at her second glance that the face registered. “Doctor Sanders!" "Hi, Christy. Like my new look?” Jenna asked a little maliciously. She had always found the girl to be a bit pretentious and snobby. Even though she was the lowest person in the office hierarchy, the receptionist acted as if she were better than the rest. Jenna suspected the blonde's long tresses owed their color to Clairol; her body, especially those too-perky breasts, to the talents of some plastic surgeon and her wardrobe of designer clothes to a sugar daddy somewhere. It was Jenna's fervent hope that whoever was chosen by USGS to become the new regional director would be another woman. Otherwise, she expected little Christy would be dangling her assets in front of any man sent to run the place in hopes of advancing beyond what her very limited capabilities qualified her to do. "Doctor Sanders, the Director wants you to call him,” Christy said. The way she had capitalized the title made Jenna sure she meant the Director of USGS. "So get him on the line and patch it back to my old office,” Jenna said as she walked around the counter and headed back to the corner office she had spent years getting. How little it mattered now. She reached her desk just as the telephone rang. Picking up the handset, she said, “Jenna Sanders." The warm baritone of the USGS Director said, “What the hell made you join the Guardians?" "And hello to you, too, Director. Yes, I enjoyed my vacation,” Jenna said. "I'm sorry, Jenna. This has thrown me for a loop. It's very rare for a regional director to resign. Most of you hang on until retirement or death.” The director continued, “You really were the last person I expected to leave. The Tumwater Cavern made you a shoo-in to be my replacement." Jenna said, “I am flattered, but I wasn't interested in going any higher in the Service. No way I would be happy behind a desk playing politics." "So tell me about this Guardian business,” the Director asked. "Azure, the head of the Guardian Science Corps, asked me to be his partner and I couldn't say no. I'll get to explore places I never even dreamed existed,” Jenna said. “I've already been off planet. Azure's place is on Paradise." "So there's no way I can talk you out of this?” She heard the director sigh. “So who do I put in your place?" "Make sure you pick either a woman or a gay man. Otherwise, that little bimbo out front will be an issue." "If she is a problem, why didn't you get rid of her?” the director asked.

"Have you ever tried to fire someone from civil service? Can't be done unless you have a case of criminal activity,” Jenna said. “When I gave her a performance review, she actually had the nerve to challenge it saying that I was, and I quote, threatened by her youth and beauty." "Oh, one of those. Well, I have just the right person for the job.” The director's chuckle was almost evil. “Doctor Olga Nordstrom." Jenna laughed. “You truly are a devious and evil man, and I love that in you. She will put that one in her place. Not only is she a brilliant geologist, she still looks like she did when she was Miss Norway and Miss World." "I know, plus there's one other factor. She hates women who try to get ahead on looks alone. She's spent her life proving there's an extremely intelligent woman inside that magnificent body so your little receptionist should get brought up short in no time flat.” The director paused. “What about your professional publications? I know the Tumwater Cavern articles are coming up soon." "The galleys are done and approved, so there's nothing to do but reap the accolades when they reach the journals,” Jenna said. “I'll clean my office out today so it'll be ready for Olga. If you need me for any reason, just contact the nearest Guardian office and they can reach me anywhere." After exchanging small talk for another few minutes, they ended the call with a promise the Jenna would stop by the next time she was in Washington. Jenna grabbed a box and started to pack. She very carefully wrapped one item and put it in a special box. While exploring the Tumwater Cavern, she had found several round nodules against one of the cavern walls. She had carefully cut one of the nodules in half, revealing an absolutely stunning amethyst geode. She knew the perfect person to receive half of it and that was Judy Deavers. **** The entire Clan gathered to say goodbye to Spyder and Katherine, and to wish Korin a safe journey among the Guardians of Sol. Their clothes had been packed into duffels and the wonderful carving of the Æthereal was carefully padded and secured in a crate. Korin, typical of his species, had no belongings to bring but Clan Mother had given him a basket filled with his favorite fruits. As they finished the requisite speeches and hugs, the portal opened. Spyder passed their baggage through the blue nimbus and then took Katherine by the hand and stepped through. Korin looked at the tunnel of blue light, swallowed his fear and followed. Before the portal closed, one more dashed through before anyone could stop her. Lili would not abandon her friends. Her sudden appearance on Paradise caused some consternation. Surprisingly, it was Korin who requested she should remain. “We are not solitary creatures. With Lili here, I won't be alone, especially at night.” Lili was permitted to stay on Paradise after Ebon portaled back to the Clan and consulted with Clan Father. Their arrival on Paradise had been timed to coincide with the setting of the sun. The orange ball sinking behind the distant mountains was oddly comforting to the large visitor surrounded by so much that was strange to him. Even the colors of things were changed and different. The buildings were just like those that had been in the clearing, all sharp angles and made from unnatural materials. There were few trees to hide from the huge sky overhead. Intellectually, Korin knew there would be no grakor here where the huge Æthereal ruled the sky, but the fear of attack from above was bred into him. Lili cowered by his side, her little eyes round and wide as she took in the strange place they had come to. He could feel

her tremble against him and he placed his huge hand on her shoulder for comfort. Ebon directed them to the specially prepared den that had been made for Korin per Spyder's descriptions. It contained a large sleeping pit and sanitary facilities like those in Clan Home, as well as a common area filled with colorful floor pillows. The open windows had the polarizing filters installed to convert the glare of Paradise's yellow sun to the more ruddy tones of their home world. Even the interior lights had been altered to match the wavelengths of light they considered normal. Spyder said, “I hope this is adequate, Korin. We're concerned about the strength of the sun on this world and how it will affect your eyes. The sun here is yellow and much brighter and stronger than you're used to back home. As a result, we've made some filters for you, and Lili as well, to wear over your eyes. These should make the light more tolerable.” He handed over a large pair of what looked like snowmobile goggles with red polarized lenses. Korin looked at the goggles with a puzzled expression so Katherine came over and took them. Half climbing into the seated bear's lap, she reached up, fitted the goggles on his head, and stepped back to admire the fit. She made a small adjustment and was satisfied. She smiled at the Ursar. “You look good." Spyder burst out laughing. “Great. Now we have a purple bear in sunglasses!" "They make me look foolish, Spyder?” Korin's worried voice carried a touch of affronted dignity. "No, Korin, you don't look foolish at all,” Ebon said gravely. “You may, in fact, establish a fashion trend." Lili reached up and touched the goggles, clearly curious about these things on Korin's head. “Lili get?" Katherine ran her hand affectionately over the young cub's head. “Yes, Lili, you get a pair, too. You'll have yours in the morning." Satisfied with that, Lili said, “Eat now?" **** Later, finally back in their quarters, Spyder said, “It feels strange to be back here. I hate to say it, but I liked living with the Clan." "Me, too,” Katherine said. “So think about this. The faster you can adapt the shield, the sooner we can go back home." Taking her in his arms, Spyder asked, “Are you sure, Katy? Do you really want to be the only two humans on a world full of bears?" Katherine smiled. “Yes, I'm sure. And remember, before this year is out, there won't be just two of us." "I still can't believe I'm going to be a father,” Spyder said. “I don't know what kind of dad I'll be." "Are you kidding me?” Katherine asked. “I've seen you with Lili. You're going to be great!"

Chapter 16 Spyder and Katherine went by the special quarters and collected Korin and Lili to take them to the edge of the landing field. Orienting them to face the right direction, they all sat in silence to watch the rising of the sun, continuing their daily ritual. As the weak light of false dawn began to lighten the sky, Katherine put the protective goggles onto Lili's head while Korin put on his own. Their eyes thus screened from the intense yellow sun, they were ready when the disk began to appear over the horizon. The colored lenses even approximated the same wavelengths they were used to, so the sunrise appeared almost the same. There were subtle differences, though, and Korin found it slightly unfulfilling. Unknown to Korin, so did Spyder and Katherine. Lili, however, found the experience fun. Once the sun had risen, they all walked back to Korin's quarters to share the morning meal. Katherine thought Lili might enjoy hot chocolate. Enjoy was an understatement. Lili barely waited for it to cool before she drained her mug. She really loved the tiny marshmallows Katherine had added to the drink before she served it, but the partially melted sticky white goo stuck to the edges of her muzzle and she worked it all free using her long tongue. While they ate, Spyder said, “Korin, I'll take you over to the science labs and get you together with the teams who will be working on the portable shields. Meanwhile, Katherine has suggested she take Lili in hand for the day." "That's a good plan,” Korin said. “Lili would find the labs boring and perhaps become a bother." "I not a bother!” Lili said, indignantly. “I spend time with Kay-Tee and drink hot choc-o-late." Everyone laughed at her assertion of independence. When breakfast was over and the dishes had been cleaned up, the four left. Korin and Spyder turned to the left toward the Science Corps complex, while Katherine and Lili went to the right to the spot Katherine had agreed to meet Astra and Judy. Katherine found it very enjoyable to walk down the sidewalk holding the hand of a bear cub while answering Lili's myriad questions. Katherine answered Lili's questions as completely and honestly as she could, even admitting she did not know the answers to them all. As they walked, though, she had to admit she also enjoyed the looks of those they passed. It was through their reactions that Katherine realized she and Spyder were the only two humans who could understand the Ursars, thus proving to her that the newly opened telepathic channels in her brain made that possible. The two of them would have to serve as translators for the Ursars, unless they were with one or more Æthereal, who could also understand the other Guardians. As they approached Astra and Judy, Katherine said, “Lili, I want you to meet two of my friends. The tall one is Lady Astra the White, the Master Healer of Earth and a White Æthereal. The other one is Judy Deavers, Astra's human partner. Astra, Judy, this is Lili." Astra bent down and took Lili's hand. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Lili. I am so glad you decided to come visit us with Korin." Lili immediately liked this tall white woman. She could sense the healing ability probing her body, which reminded her of Clan Mother. The other woman, the human, caught Lili's attention, however. She was holding something in her arms and it moved.

"Lili, I'm Judy and this is my son, David,” Judy said. As she spoke, Astra translated her words into Lili's mind. Lili looked at the small, sleeping baby. It was so tiny. Was this a human cub? She reached out one finger and gently touched the baby's cheek. The baby stirred a little. Lili was enchanted. She looked at Katherine as if to ask is this what you are carrying? Katherine said, “Yes, Lili. This is a human cub. In seven months, I'll have one of these and you'll have to help me take care of her.” Lili nodded her head solemnly. **** Spyder and Korin met with the assembled science team led by Indigo. At first, they discussed a wide variety of ideas and finally settled on utilizing the shields used by the Roman legions upsized to almost twenty feet long and six feet wide. The surface of the shield would be polished to a mirror shine to further confuse the enemy while masking the tiny sensor and collector web that would be integrated into its surface. The back of the shield would have two handles to carry and control it. The handles would contain the trigger mechanism to enable firing the collected energy back at the enemy. Also built into the back at an Ursar's eye level would be a display so the carrier could see without exposing themselves to enemy fire. The display would be capable of providing an enhanced view, either in infrared, or telescopic. The microprocessor pack and power source, using Borland generators, would be mounted between the handles to balance the shield. Once the basic design had been established, the methods for fabrication had to be determined. Korin listened to the assembled team, sometimes frustrated by his partial understanding of what they were discussing since he had a limited human vocabulary. Spyder explained most of the points he missed but still, there were some ideas outside his frame of reference. In his mind, one didn't make something by attaching things together mechanically; one grew them together at the atomic level, melding the pieces into a single whole. Using Spyder to translate, he explained how these things were done on his world. Indigo had never seen such a thing and realized how much sturdier and safer such a technique would make the shields. He asked, “Do you think we could get one of your artisans to help us?" Korin smiled. “I know how to do this and would be glad to demonstrate.” Korin reached over to the design table and picked up a standard pencil and a metal ruler. He placed the pencil atop the ruler and then concentrated, focusing his consciousness into the junction between the two dissimilar materials. He slowly intermingled the atoms of each object until one was imbedded in the other, fusing them together. He handed the conjoined materials to Indigo. Indigo studied the ruler in astonishment. “If I had not just witnessed it, I would never have believed it.” He shook the ruler to see if the pencil could be dislodged and finally accepted they were now one. “Will you help us fabricate the shield using your talents?" "Of course,” Korin replied. “These are for my Clan and all those among my kind who fight the Grays." **** Azure said, “Jenna, let us get out of here for a while. Want to go flying?" "Sure!” Jenna answered, as she knew he had expected since she loved flying.

Once they were airborne, Azure surprised her by opening a portal and they were once again in the massive underground cavern they had discovered underneath the council chamber. Azure had somehow found the time to rig lights throughout the vast cavern, providing subtle colored illumination on various stalactites and stalagmites. It was if she were touring the Grand Canyon by air, or a magical fairyland of color and forms. After exploring the cavern, they landed and Azure shifted to human form. Casually, Azure said, “Since we are already here, why not go check on the rover?" Jenna suspected that was his plan all along and she nodded her head. He opened a portal and they stepped to the side of the rover. Nothing had bothered it. Jenna realized that Azure was standing by the doors, his hands pressed against them and extending his senses through the strange metal entry. “There is a chamber beyond these doors rather than another tunnel." "Are you planning to go in there alone?” Jenna asked. “If you do and something happens that prevents you from returning, what will happen to me? I cannot get out of these tunnels alone." "While I doubt anything could keep me from coming back to you,” Azure said, “you have a point. I will not risk anything happening to you. The question is moot, however, because there is some type of barrier surrounding this chamber that prevents me from opening a portal into it." "How is that possible?” Jenna asked. "I have no idea. Such a barrier has never been encountered in our entire history." **** Lili was absolutely fascinated by the strange device that hung on the wall in Katherine's home. It displayed moving pictures and audio. Although she did not understand the words, she knew she was looking at creatures similar to the Clan, yet not the same. Katherine had said they were Kodiak bears on Earth and these pictures were made by some organization Katherine had called the National Geographic Society. Lili could see a superficial resemblance to the Clan, reminding her of those rare members who were head blind and regressed to a more bestial behavior. Once that program ended, Katherine started another one. This one was animated and called Bambi. Lili had no frame of reference for the creatures in the video and she soon lost interest in the show. Instead, she began a methodical exploration of the room she was in. Human furniture was too uncomfortable for a cub, but that did not stop her from trying out the various chairs, sofa, and loveseat. She liked the softness of the cushions. The bookcases drew her attention and she was soon looking through each of the books and magazines in the shelves. Since the Clan had eidetic memories, they had little use for a written language to preserve their thoughts, but she found the various photographs interesting. Most she did not understand since they depicted activities outside her frame of reference but still, she puzzled over them, trying to figure out what they portrayed. "Lili, what are you looking at?” Katherine asked, seeing the small cub sitting next to a pile of books she had pulled from one of the bookcases. Lili showed her the book, which was one she had borrowed from Danny concerning the animals of North America. Lili had been examining the pages that dealt with the different species of bears. “Clan but not Clan,” was Lili's only comment as she turned the pages.

**** Ebon, Indigo, Spyder, and Korin had met to discuss the progress made in designing the shield weapon for the Ursars. "I think we have the design down. Fabricating the components will not be that difficult,” Indigo said. “The time consuming part will be assembly. Since we will not be joining the parts mechanically, we are dependent upon Korin's ability to manipulate the atomic structures along the joints to bond the pieces together. It is a slow process." Korin hung his head. “That's because I'm not a master at metals. One of the true artisans would be much faster." Spyder reached out. “Korin, you've done just fine. You have shown us what's possible." Ebon said, “So what we need to do is bring a group of artisans here to put the pieces together." "That will create a different problem,” Indigo said. “That is the one of communication. The Ursars and the Æthereal understand one another but only Spyder and Katherine among the humans can understand Korin and Lili. And those two are also the only humans who the Ursars can understand unless there is an Æthereal present." "That will be a problem,” Ebon admitted. "I'm not sure what a long-term solution would be but we could take the humans most critically involved back to Ursaria and run them through the Ancient's machine, assuming the Clan agrees,” Spyder suggested. Ebon thought for a moment and said, “I will go see Clan Father and discuss this with him to see which path the Clan chooses to follow."

Chapter 17 Ebon and Clan Father bowed to each other at the same time, causing them both to smile at the humor of the situation. Each felt the other to be more worthy of respect. Clan Father said, “This question of precedence is foolish. Let us clasp hands as equals and be done with it.” He stuck out his enormous hand and Ebon placed his much smaller one into the grip of the Ursar leader. "Gladly. I have come to seek your wisdom,” Ebon said. Clan Father snorted. “I know not what wisdom I have to offer, but perhaps two minds can find a solution where one could not." Ebon explained the decision to use the Ursar technique of molecular bonding rather than mechanical connection and the impact that decision would have on fabricating the shields. He then said, “So we face two questions. First, do we move all the materials here to have your artisans put them together, or do we bring your Clan members to Paradise and assemble the shields there?" Clan Father thought about the issue. “This is indeed a question. We have no place here that could serve as a fabrication facility large enough for this project.” Waving his huge hand in the air, he continued to speak, “I know you could send through one of the shelters the human use but that would create a different problem. We find them to be unsightly and they bring disharmony to us." Ebon smiled. “They are ugly, are they not?" "We could send a group of metal artisans to Paradise but they could not be alone. They would require a sufficient number of females to accompany them and possibly, even some of the cubs,” Clan Father said. "Perhaps we could work out a compromise,” Ebon said. “We could open a portal each morning and bring the artisans to Paradise. At the end of the day, we would open a portal back here to return them to the Clan." "That would be possible. I will need to talk with the artisans to see how many would enjoy the challenge of working with the Guardians of Sol,” Clan Father said. “You said earlier there were two questions." "Among the humans, only Spyder and Katherine can understand or speak to the Ursars." "Hmmm, that is a problem,” Clan Father agreed. “I imagine you wish to have some humans go under the Ancient machine." "Unless there is some problem of which I am unaware, that is the only solution I can see,” Ebon replied. "How many humans?" "At least ten. Eight are working with Korin, the other two are my partner and my partner's mate, who is helping Katherine with Lili."

"This is agreeable. Since you will be opening daily portals, it will not be necessary for Korin and Lili to remain apart from the Clan. Perhaps Spyder and Katherine may also wish to return here in the evenings,” Clan Father said. Ebon nodded his agreement, and the deal was made. **** Of course, when the portal was opened the next morning, there had been a few additions to the roster of humans to go under the Ancient's machine. At Judy's insistence, Katarina and Jenna had been added to the list. She had explained the women's plan to visit with Katherine on Ursaria during the day while Korin and Spyder were working with the artisans fabricating the shields. While Clan Father, Ebon, and Azure met with the artisans, Korin, Spyder and Katherine led the humans to the Chamber of the Ancients. One by one, they underwent the machine. Judy went first, followed by Katarina and Jenna, Eric, and finally, the scientists who had been working with Korin and who would need to communicate with the artisans. As they walked away from Clan Home to rejoin Clan Father and the Æthereals, Katherine took Judy, Eric, and Jenna off to one side. "Look, there is something I need to warn you about. It's kind of an unexpected bonus to this treatment,” Katherine said. “When you're intimate with another telepath, it is probable that your minds will also join together and things get really intense when that happens." "Oh, really?” Judy asked. “How intense?" "I can't describe it exactly. Astra called it conjoined intimacy,” Katherine said. “Just thought I should warn you so you don't get blindsided by it the way we did." "Thanks, Katherine. Why didn't you include Katarina in this?” Jenna asked. "Because Danny isn't a true telepath." "Yet,” Eric said. “I can think of no group more in need of this ability than the explorers." "True enough,” Judy said, “but we cannot keep imposing on the Ursars this way." "Yeah,” Eric agreed. “We need our own Chamber of the Ancients." **** Lili was thrilled when all the humans could talk to her and understand her. She really liked the human females, especially those who were always around Katherine. It made things so much better now that they were coming to Clan Home valley, rather than the bright world of Paradise. Those goggles had not been very comfortable but they were better than trying to see without them. She couldn't wait to get back with the other cubs and tell them all about her adventures. Katherine was also delighted to be home again. She had really come to think of the dwelling amid the trees as her true home. She was looking forward to watching the sunrise each morning and perhaps

luring Spyder back to the lake for a swim, even though she knew he would be returning to Paradise each morning with Korin and the artisans. She also knew that one or more of her friends would be coming to visit her regularly, starting with Katarina. **** Azure spoke with Ebon once they had returned to Paradise. “Clan Father came up with twenty master artisans willing to work with us on this project. If you assume that each artisan can complete one shield in an hour and they can work a ten hour day, then each one will complete ten shields a day, or a total of two hundred for the group. Since we need to make at least ten thousand of them, it will take us a little over seven weeks to make them all.” Shaking his head, he added, “That is without any breaks or time off, either. In reality, I would say it will be closer to eight or nine weeks." "That is a long time. Perhaps once we get started, additional artisans will volunteer,” Ebon said. Azure replied, “I sure hope so. There are other things we must attend to but few this important to the war against the Grays." "Such as your explorations under the Council chamber?" "Yes, such as that. From listening to Jenna's description of the Chamber of the Ancients she visited, I think that is what ultimately lies beyond those doors under the Council chambers.” Azure's frustration colored his voice. “I do not understand how they could block a portal beyond those doors!"

Chapter 18 Spyder and Katherine had found that morning's sunrise deeply satisfying, as had Korin and Lili. The majority of the artisans who were going to be commuting to Paradise to assemble the shields had joined them, and the collective sigh of contentment as the rays of the sun broke the plane of the horizon where indicative of their own pleasure in this simple ritual. 'Azure, we're ready for the portal,' Spyder sent to the Blue Æthereal on Paradise. A large portal opened in the center of the clearing and Katarina stepped through from Paradise. Korin led the assembled artisans through the portal while Spyder kissed Katherine goodbye, then raced to follow. Lili started to follow him but was brought up short by Katherine's command to stop. Katarina stooped to grasp the cub's hand and said, “Lili, you know you don't want to spend the day watching Korin and the artisans putting the shields together. Won't it be more fun to hang out with me and Katherine?" "I guess so,” Lili said. “Maybe we could go swimming?" "Well, if we're going swimming, then first, we must stop by my house,” Katherine said. "I don't have a swimsuit,” Katarina said. "You don't need one. After all, you and I are the only humans on the planet now that Spyder has gone back to Paradise for the day,” Katherine said. “And it's not like we've never seen each other naked." Katarina laughed, remembering the night they had drunk way too much wine and taken the naughty digital pictures for their husbands. “Did Spyder say anything?" "Nope, not a word. Danny?" Katarina shook her head. “Nothing from him, either. So they were either being very gentlemanly about the extra pictures, or they're just being quiet about their inadvertent and unexpected surprise." Katherine shook her head, “I still can't believe we did that. It must have been the wine. I guess we'll never know what they thought when they saw the pictures." "Are you sure you want to know what Danny thought when he saw that shot of you in your birthday suit?” Katarina asked. Katherine shook her head, “Probably no more than you want to know what Spyder thought. Well, let's grab some towels and head for the lake." **** Spyder and Korin introduced the artisans to Azure and the assembled human support personnel. The artisans studied the prototype Korin had put together, examining the points of fusion of the dissimilar metals. Master Artisan turned to Korin and said, “This is good work, young Korin. You could have a future in this art."

Korin bowed his head in acknowledgement of the high compliment, and said, “I thank you for your kind words of praise, although I don't believe they're truly warranted. It took me a very long time to accomplish what you see before you, and I know any one of you could do this work much better than I." "Perhaps. While it is true that our experience will permit us to work faster, that same skill shows me that you truly have the feel necessary for working in metals. That is something that cannot be taught.” Turning to Azure, he said, “I believe the way to do this will be in stages. Some of us will bond the collectors to the shields, while others will mount the other components until the shield is complete." Azure smiled. “The humans call that an assembly line, a technique made popular by one of their great industrialists named Henry Ford. Yes, I think this will be the wisest path for us to follow. The support staff will arrange the various components into the most logical assembly sequence." "Very well, then. Let us get out of this bright light and into the shade of one of your structures and begin. We have much to do,” Master Artisan said, gesturing for Azure to lead the way to where they would be working. **** Katherine and Katarina were lying in the grass near the lake, letting the warmth bake into their bare skin, while Lili splashed around in the shallows. Katherine had been very adamant about Lili staying away from the deeper waters unless an adult or another Ursar was with her. 'Katherine, would you mind some company?' Astra's voice rang in her mind. 'Well, that would depend on who, since Katarina and I are swimming au natural.' "Oooo, I love swimming that way!' Astra replied. 'May Judy and I join you?' Katherine said, “Don't panic, but Astra and Judy are about to join us." "That's fine. Actually I've been to Astra's underground lake before with Judy and Astra, so I understand Astra's stance on the wearing of swimsuits. I don't mind." Moments later, a portal opened and Judy and Astra stepped through. A few minutes after they arrived, the two new arrivals were frolicking in the waters, playing with Lili. Katherine and Katarina joined them and Lili's barking laugh was soon drowned out by the joyous sounds from the other four. After a bit, however, they all made their way back to shore. Lili turned to Astra and said, “They say you are a White. What does that mean?" Astra smiled at the little cub. “I am a White Æthereal. That means I am a healer." Lili's eyes got very big. “You ... you ... you are an Æthereal? A Guardian from Sol?" Astra reached out to calm the cub. “Watch." Astra stepped away from the group and shifted to her natural form: two hundred feet long, her scales

white with an iridescent sheen, eyes big silver orbs, her wings spread to the sun, startlingly white teeth and claws. Astra the White waded into the lake. Lili spent the next couple hours climbing on Astra and sliding down the dragon's flanks and wings into the water. While they were enjoying themselves, Judy turned to Katherine and said, “I want to thank you for your warning. You were right, the effect is indescribable and incredible." Katarina looked confused. “What are you talking about?" Judy said, “Right after we went through the Ancients’ machine, Katherine warned us of an unexpected benefit of the treatment. It's what Astra calls conjoined intimacy. During moments of intense passion, the barriers around your mind come down and you link with your partner. In many respects, you become your partner, feeling what they feel. It makes everything that much more pleasurable." Katarina said, “That has not happened with me." "That's because Danny isn't a telepath, nor has he gone through the Ancients’ machine,” Judy said. “But Eric told me that he's going to ask Clan Father whether some of our Green partners, especially Danny, can undergo the treatment as it will be immeasurably valuable in their work exploring other worlds." Katherine took Katarina's hand and said, “Girl, you will not believe what it is like until you experience it yourself. Once it happens, you can actually converse mind-to-mind anytime you wish to." Judy nodded. “That's happened to me and Eric as well. It's funny, though. I now know my husband's mind so well, that I'm no longer bothered by his reaction to the way Katarina fills out her leather pants because I know it's solely an appreciation of her beauty. His love for me is absolute." Katarina looked at her friend. “Then you know what Spyder thought about..." Katherine nodded sheepishly. “Yes, I do. He found you very attractive and somewhat envied Danny his good fortune. And, like Judy, I know his admiration is simply an appreciation for how beautiful you are and offers no threat to how he feels about me." At that moment, there was a noise from the edge of the woods and the group turned to see Clan Mother approaching across the meadow. "Hello, Clan Mother. What brings you all the way up here?” Katherine asked. Clan Mother said, “I was told a Guardian from Sol had arrived and that it was a White. I thought I would speak with her, healer to healer, about your pregnancy." Astra waded ashore. 'Greetings, Clan Mother. I apologize for coming unannounced but I so wanted a chance to swim in the open air for a change.' "You are most welcome here any time you wish, Master Healer. It is an honor for the Clan to have you visit,” Clan Mother said. “I would like to talk with you about Kay-Tee." Astra shifted form back to a human shape, still nude in deference to the dishabille of the others, and walked over to the group. “What a wonderful idea. I have been meaning to check on her progress

anyway." At Astra's request, Katherine stretched out on the towel. Astra knelt on one side of Katherine and Clan Mother squatted on the other. Astra placed her hand on Katherine's abdomen and extended her senses into Katherine's body to monitor the baby's progress. Astra had not said anything to Katherine but she was concerned about the potential effect the heavier gravity on Ursaria would have on her pregnancy. The baby was doing fine, and Katherine's body seemed to be adjusting to the increased gravity quite well. It would bear watching, however, as the pregnancy neared term and increased the stress on the abdominal muscles. Astra expanded her survey and checked the rest of Katherine's body for any problems. She had been quite aware that Clan Mother was shadowing her every move and was impressed at the level of empathic healing ability Clan Mother possessed. 'All is well, then?' came Clan Mother's question. 'Yes, everything is fine. The gravity on this world is stronger than where Katherine's species evolved, so I am concerned about the effect it will have when she is further along. Especially here ... ‘ Astra guided Clan Mother to the abdominal muscles in question and then to the uterine opening, ’ ... and here.' 'I will watch for you. When it is time for this cub to be born, will you come?' 'That is my plan, Clan Mother, but sometimes, human cubs come on their own schedule, whether we are ready or not.' Katherine's mental voice broke in. 'You know I can hear you. Trust me when I say that I will call you, Astra, as soon as this little one wants to be free.' 'Of that, I have no doubt. Even if you did not, I am sure Spyder's call will be heard across the galaxy.' The medical examination over, the whole group redressed in their clothes and headed back to the valley of the Clan, little Lili skipping ahead. When they reached Katherine's house, Clan Mother bid them farewell and took Lili home. Astra, Judy, and Katarina followed Katherine inside the dwelling and took an abbreviated tour of the small home. After a few more minutes of casual conversation, Astra and Judy made their farewells and departed back to Earth. Katherine saw a faraway look in Katarina's eyes and asked, “What are you thinking about?" "I was wondering whether Danny would like to live here, too,” Katarina said. “Oh, Katherine, I have to admit I miss having you and Spyder around. While there are other partners there, we have not become as close to them as we have with you two." "What about Laranja and Forrest?" "I don't think they would mind. After all, Laranja and I can link mind-to-mind any time we need to, and so will Danny and Forrest once Danny undergoes the machine." "Well, I certainly think it's a great idea,” Katherine said. “After all, it would be nice to have you as a neighbor. I'll discuss it with Clan Mother and see what she thinks, while you sound out Danny and your partners."

**** After Spyder, Korin, and the artisans left the next morning, Katherine made her way to Clan Home and asked to speak with Clan Mother. Lili escorted Katherine to the solarium, where Clan Mother was resting amid the flowers and plants. "Forgive me for intruding on your quiet time, Clan Mother,” Katherine said as she sat on one of the many floor pillows near the large Ursar female. "You can never intrude, Kay-Tee, for I have come to think of you as Clan, for all that you are human,” Clan Mother said fondly. “What is it?" "Do you recall my friend, Katarina? She was the tallest of the human females at the lake yesterday." "Yes, I do remember her.” Clan Mother chuckled. “Unlike you humans, we Ursars do not forget things, Kay-Tee." Katherine laughed softly at herself for forgetting the eidetic memory all Ursars possessed. “My friend has expressed a desire to join us here in the Clan valley. I thought it would be best to speak with you to see if this would be acceptable to the Clan." Clan Mother looked confused. “Your friend would come here alone?" "No, Clan Mother. Her husband Danny would come as well. Danny has been here before with Forrest the Green, his partner." "Clan Father has spoken of that one to me. Would the Green come as well?" "I don't believe so, Clan Mother. The Green and his mate would remain on Paradise, although they might visit here sometimes. Danny's and Katarina's duty is to travel with their partners to explore other worlds,” Katherine explained. Clan Mother said, “Let me think on this, Kay-Tee. I will discuss it with Clan Father to discover his thoughts on the matter." Katherine bowed to Clan Mother, pressing her forehead to the female's hand as a token of her respect to the ways of the Clan. She could see that Clan Mother was pleased by the gesture. **** Danny looked at Katarina, dumbfounded by her question. “Would you repeat that?" "I would like to move from Paradise to live on Ursaria near Spyder and Katherine." Danny thought about it for a moment. “What about Forrest and Laranja? Maybe they wouldn't want to leave Paradise." "They wouldn't have to leave. I can talk to Laranja wherever we are and you will soon be able to talk to Forrest that way, too."

"That Ancients’ machine thing, huh? Look, I'm not so sure I want to do that, honey." "Oh, trust me on this, Danny. I heard about a very interesting side effect today.” She then explained what she had been told about the full mental communion possible during moments of passion and the effect it had. “Plus, we will be able to communicate with each other mind-to-mind when we want, too." Danny looked at his wife and knew he had little choice in the matter, not that he minded. His brief exposure to the Clan had been favorable and the idea of rejoining his friends was a plus. Imagine the photographic series he could do on the Clans of Ursaria! To be perfectly honest, knowing what was going on in his wife's mind would be a benefit, too. "Okay with me. Now we need to convince Forrest and Laranja." Katarina smiled. “Laranja has already agreed on behalf of them both. I think she's looking forward to a little privacy with her mate, too." Closing her eyes in concentration, Katarina thought, 'Katherine?' 'Katarina? Is something wrong?' Katherine's mental voice replied. 'No. I just wanted you to know that Danny agreed, as did Forrest and Laranja.' "That's wonderful! I've spoken with Clan Mother and she'll speak to Clan Father. I should have an answer soon.' There was a hint of a giggle in her reply, and then she said, 'I'll speak with you tomorrow. Come see me. I have to go now. Spyder is getting affectionate.' **** Clan Father said, “It will be good to have other humans here to give companionship to Spyder and Kay-Tee. I remember this human Danny who traveled with Forrest the Green. He is well mannered and respectful." Clan Mother replied, “His mate is likewise considerate and respectful, and can speak with us. Lili likes her." "How can I stand against both you and Lili? Even if I had objections, they would be as dust in the breeze to the force of you two together.” Clan Father chuckled. “We shall have to build a bigger dwelling for the humans of our Clan if others are to join them." "You would do this?' "I will do this. It will take some time, though, since so many of our master artisans are working on the shields." Clan Mother said, “I have a suggestion. There is a large outcrop of stone near the lake where the humans like to swim. I believe it may be suitable." "That spot is somewhat remote from Clan Home. Would this not be a problem?" "I do not believe so, Clan Father. The humans enjoy that area greatly and I think it would be a wise

move to spread our Clan in that direction anyway." Clan Father said, “I will consider this."

Chapter 19 Azure looked at the assembly area, pleased with what he saw. The past month had seen amazing progress in the shield construction. He had underestimated the speed at which the master artisans could work their craft. Over five thousand shields had already been put together. "I bow to your talents, Master,” Azure said to the master artisan. “I had not thought such speed was possible." "It is nothing, really. The fusing of the dissimilar metals takes very little concentration, unlike transmuting the metals into something else.” He shook his shaggy head. “I must confess to you that most of these before you are not the work of masters. When I realized the simplicity of the shields, I brought in my apprentices, thus freeing the masters for other work back home." "I stand even more impressed. If this is the work of apprentices, then I shall have to see what miracles a master can perform." Master Artisan said, “Why not come with me to my shops this evening when we break for the day and see what is there?" "I would be honored." **** Ebon smiled at Forrest and Laranja. Their pairing had been long overdue and it was obvious to all that the match was a true life-bond. “No, living apart from our human partners has never been an issue for us. With Astra partnered with Judy, it made more sense for Eric to continue to live at Astra's home. It also kept the poor man from being a target for Hecate's idea of fun. She does love to flirt with human males." "So you would have no objection if Danny and Katarina moved near Spyder and Katherine?” Laranja asked. “It has been obvious our partners missed their friends greatly after they moved to Ursaria." "Many of us miss them even now,” Ebon said, “but we can see that this move will do them all some good. As interesting as it must be to live among the Clan, human company is very necessary, too. I also think that the more of us the Clan gets to know, the better our relations will be with them in the future. Two pairs of mated humans will be better ambassadors than we could have hoped for after the damage the renegades had done to our image." "According to Katarina, the Clan has built them all a new dwelling near the lake,” Laranja said. “Like all Clan buildings, it is communal in concept. I gave Spyder permission to draw whatever he needed to make it perfect for them, and he managed to get his hands on some large, insulated windows, so the Clan included a solarium, part of which has been converted into a gym with a lot of exercise equipment. Eric really made Spyder see the value of exercise and he intends to stay physically fit." Forrest chuckled. “One of the rooms was designed to be an extensive cub room, but Danny had it converted into a complete photographic laboratory. He has confessed to me that he intends to do a photographic essay on the life of the Clans. National Geographic has offered him a substantial fee for first rights to the pictures."

"And Katarina has decided to build her own shooting range, carefully screened from the surrounding area to prevent any accidents. As you know, she has an impressive personal armory she intends to take with her,” Laranja added. "What about Katherine? What special changes did she make?" "Katherine concentrated on the nursery, as you would expect from a woman in her second trimester. Astra and Judy have been helping her, bringing in a variety of baby furniture and accessories." **** In addition to all the other comforts they had included in the design of their new home, Spyder insisted on a sauna. The Clan artisans had built some of the rooms underground, extending the dwelling below into the bedrock. It was here that the armory, darkroom, sauna, and extra rooms were located. One area caused the most discussion among the Clan, and that was the human insistence on separate sleeping areas for the two couples. Polygamous by nature, the Clan just did not understand this aberrant concept, but they adjusted their design to provide two separate yet connected chambers, divided by a low, partial wall that paid lip service to the concept, yet gave the room the spatial appearance of being one chamber. Katherine's reaction was one of amusement since the low wall to an Ursar was almost six feet tall to a human. She knew the wall would also make a wonderful place to put planters filled with flowering vines. The windows high in the exterior walls would admit ample sunlight for the plants. The communal area of the house was furnished in a combination of styles that would serve both the humans and their Ursar visitors. Comfortable sofas and chairs shared the space with large floor pillows, whose colors both contrasted and harmonized with the thick carpeting and upholstery fabrics. The wood artisans had crafted side tables, as well as the traditional low tables favored by the Ursars, which blended quite well with the cabinets and bookcases the humans had brought from Paradise and Earth. Katarina had insisted their bedroom be furnished in Danish Modern design. The pale stark design offset the dark rock walls of the room quite well, and the plush plum carpeting matched the matting Danny had used in the many framed photographs he had hung about the room. He had taken all the photographs himself, both on Earth before he partnered with Forrest, and the rest on various worlds they had explored. One incongruous item hung in a place of honor on an otherwise bare wall. It was the pelt of a tremendous six-legged feline that had been named a trascat. The pelt was complete with the six sets of razor sharp claws, one set of which had left the scars on Danny's face for this was the same creature that had attacked him. The Clan artisans had also constructed a tremendous walk-in closet more than adequate to house the combined clothing of both Danny and Katarina. There was ample hanging space and many drawers had been built in as well. Katarina was busily unpacking her clothing into the drawers when Katherine entered the space. “How's it going? Almost finished?" Katarina placed some folded clothes into one of the drawers and said, “Just about. I finished putting away Danny's clothes before I started on mine. What about you?" Katherine eased herself onto the edge of one of the chairs in the bedroom as she answered. “I've put away everything we had in our other dwelling. We haven't even thought about moving the rest of our

stuff from Paradise." "I thought you did that a long time ago!" "No, we never did. It was only when we returned to Paradise for that brief stay that we realized this had become our true home. I'm planning on getting the rest of our things in a day or two after we have everything settled in here. Where's Danny?" "He is down in the darkroom, making sure everything is just right. What about Spyder?" "He's checking the set up of the sauna and the gym equipment. I know he's missed being able to work out on a regular schedule,” Katherine said. “I know I'll be grateful for all the equipment once I give birth,” she said, rubbing her hand over her expanding stomach. Her hand paused as she felt the baby kick. She could never explain just how amazing that felt, but she had opened her barriers and shared the experience with Katarina, whose eyes grew round as she felt the flutter as if it were in her own body. "Wow! That was awesome,” Katarina said. “Thank you for sharing that.” She hugged her friend. "Well, this isn't getting the kitchen set up,” Katherine said as she heaved herself to her feet. **** Clan Mother approved of the way the humans had set up their home. She could see their use of materials from both worlds had fused together into a unique style. She did not understand much of what she saw, especially those items of human technology scattered around. Lili scampered over to one piece of equipment and loaded a shiny disk into a tray that slid out from the front of the unit. Lili had then carefully pressed a button and suddenly another piece of technology, this one a large flat screen, came alive with pictures and sound. "Kay-Tee says this is called a television, Clan Mother. See the creatures on the screen? They are not Clan but are like us. They are found on Kay-Tee's birth world.” Lili chattered on about the program, but Clan Mother had stopped listening, content to continue her examination of the human dwelling. She had been pleased to see the wooden sculpture of the Æthereal back in a place of honor on the shelving. There were other figures scattered on the shelves, obviously made by humans of creatures found on their world. She examined them carefully, noting the various materials used were not found on this world. She knew the artisans would be fascinated by many of them. There were also many framed pictures hanging on several of the walls. These were works done by Danny. She knew he had asked permission to take pictures of the Clan to make these kinds of objects. When she came to one photograph in particular, she stopped to study it carefully. It was of Lili, her eager face filled with the joy of discovery. The background was blurred into a softness that made the clarity of the foreground image that much sharper. If this was a sample of what Danny wanted to do, then Clan Mother knew it must be permitted. **** Katherine made her way slowly over to where Clan Mother was studying the photograph of Lili that Danny had taken while she was on Paradise. Danny had been rather pleased with the results of the shot, which had been taken candidly. It was what had sparked his desire to do a photographic essay on the Clan.

"Do you like it?” she asked Clan Mother. "Very much. He has captured the essence of Lili, her excitement and joy." "Would you like a copy? I know Danny would be thrilled to give you one in return for all the kindness you have shown us." Clan Mother agreed to accept the photograph. She intended to hang the picture in the solarium of Clan Home, where she could study it at leisure without worrying whether the cubs might damage it in their exuberance. Clan Mother reached out one hand to place it on Katherine's swollen belly, feeling the small life inside. This cub was active, kicking against Clan Mother's hand. Her senses told her that all was well with cub and mother. When Katarina entered the room, Clan Mother gestured for her to come closer. "Kat-ya, would you let me monitor you, as well?” Clan Mother asked. "Certainly, Clan Mother.” Katarina was surprised by the new name by which Clan Mother had addressed her; it had been the name her own mother had used. She'd been monitored by Astra before, so she was not concerned by having the large Ursar female touching her. Clan Mother sent her senses inward and examined the young woman's body. For the most part, the human was in perfect health; however, Clan Mother found one anomaly she could not understand. She placed her other hand back on Katherine and compared their internal organs. “Kat-ya, did you know there is an interruption in your tubes?" Katarina nodded, her eyes suddenly filled with tears. “Many years ago, when I was being trained to spy, the State doctors made it impossible for me to have children. In this manner, they hoped to prevent me from becoming ineffective for what they wanted me to do." "Does Danny know?” Katherine asked, holding her friend's hand. "No, I haven't been able to find the right way to tell him. It is especially hard now with you pregnant,” Katarina said. “I never knew how much he wanted a child of his own." Clan Mother said, “So this is something you want? You do not want to have cubs?" "I do want to have cubs, Clan Mother, but it isn't possible now." Clan Mother snorted. “So young to be so sure. I can repair this damage if you wish. Come see me at Clan Home tomorrow morning after sunrise." Surprised and suddenly filled with hope, Katarina knelt and pressed her forehead to Clan Mother's hand, her tears wetting the fur on the back of it. Clan Mother reached out with her other hand and patted the human on the head. **** Jenna was waiting for Azure to come back from the shield project. She had spent the downtime

working on a monograph about the Tumwater Canyon for publication by yet another professional journal. She'd approached this one a little different than the others. Since joining the Guardians, she had gained access to the actual Æthereal who had raised her young in that particular cavern, and she had shared some fascinating data about the early days in that region, as well as about the impact the advent of humans had on the life found therein. Apparently, many of the early nomadic people had found a way to enter the cavern and, true to their nature, the dragonets had consumed them. Based on information provided by the Æthereal, Jenna had already directed some archeologists to the rich trove of artifacts in one part of the cavern. When Azure kissed the top of her head, breaking her concentration, she said, “How goes the shield project?" "It goes very well. We should be able to wrap it up in another couple weeks. Going a bit stir crazy?" "Well, I have to admit that I would love to get back under the Council chamber and see what we can find in that cavern. Not to mention getting on the other side of those doors in the tunnel. What do you think is beyond them?" "Frankly, I think we will ultimately find Earth's Chamber of the Ancients." "Really? But that makes no sense to me, Azure. The whole Council chamber and tunnel complex is simply built to the wrong scale to have been built by the Ancients for the Æthereal. I mean, the Ancients designed you to be the Guardians of Earth. Why would they build a complex so completely unsuited for you to use?” Jenna asked. "I do not know and that is what makes me question a fundamental assumption my species has made,” Azure said. “Perhaps we are not the Guardians of Earth after all." "Don't be ridiculous! The captured Gray records revealed the existence of the Guardians and clearly indicated your presence on Earth. Even the Ursars and the Pride have said you are the Guardians of Sol." "Jenna, all you say is true but it does raise a question. If the Ancients built the Council complex and the tunnels, who did they build it for?"

Chapter 20 Katarina lay back on the floor pillows in the Clan Home solarium stark naked. Clan Mother had said the titanium network within the leathers created a minor interference with her efforts, so she had no choice but take them off. Katherine was there as well, holding Katarina's hand, as Clan Mother placed her paw on Katarina's abdomen and began to concentrate. Feeling a curious warmth spread throughout her lower belly, Katarina also felt an occasional twinge that never quite became painful. It was as if something were tugging on her insides. She closed her eyes and thought about what Clan Mother was doing. The healer was rejoining Katarina's fallopian tubes, removing the scar tissue and making them functional once again. It was hard to believe that the next time she and Danny made love, it could create a new life. She had no doubt that Clan Mother would succeed. In fact, she had discussed this at great length with both Laranja and Astra the night before. Astra had said that she could have done the repair had she known Katarina desired it. Even though, for a brief moment, Katarina had entertained the idea of having Astra fix the damage, she decided their new position as quasi-members of the Clan meant she was obligated to permitting the Clan Mother to make the effort. Not only would it cement her position as a Clan member, it would also give Clan Mother a better understanding of human physiology. Even lying here nude was a form of submission to Clan Mother, for it was obvious Katarina was completely defenseless. Finally, Clan Mother sat back on her heels, and let out a tired sigh. “It is done, Kat-ya. The repairs have been made." Katarina threw her arms around the female Ursar, hugging her closely as tears of gratitude spilled down her cheeks. Clan Mother was bewildered by this reaction as this was not something done in the Clan. Katherine gathered the weeping Katarina into her arms, and said, “She'll be fine, Clan Mother. This is one of the ways human females express excess emotions. Crying helps us deal with such an overload." "Very well, Kay-Tee,” Clan Mother said. “I will leave you two to allow Kat-ya to regain control of her emotions and to dress in her artificial pelts. You will find me in the kitchens, probably dealing with a very curious Lili." Once Clan Mother had left the solarium, Katherine let her barriers down and touched Katarina's mind. Letting her own sense of peace and calm soak into the woman, she just held Katarina until the woman finally calmed. Handing her friend a tissue, Katherine said, “Here, wipe your eyes and blow your nose. Then perhaps you should get dressed and we will go see Lili so she'll know you're all right." **** While Katarina had her appointment with Clan Mother, Spyder and Korin took Danny to the Chamber of the Ancients. Spyder had explained the process and it had somewhat lessened Danny's apprehension. Once the temporal conduits had been put into place on Danny's head, Korin activated the machine. While Danny was being treated, Spyder looked around the chamber. There were over a dozen stations within the chamber, many varying in design and function, but all controlled by the massive crystalline computers. Spyder would examine a station, trying to puzzle out the function of the device. He had come to the conclusion that the station in which Danny lay was in reality, a full medical device. Korin had said that sometimes gravely injured Ursar warriors had been placed on the tables and the station had repaired them. None of the Ursars working with the machines

truly understood how the stations functioned, nor had they ever been able to interface with the crystalline computers themselves. Spyder positively itched to try it. Across the chamber was a large circular disk inset into the floor surrounded almost completely by a tube of some transparent material. Korin had said that particular station was the teleportation device they used to transfer to other places on Ursaria and even other worlds. According to what Spyder was told, all one needed to do was think very hard about where they wanted to be—build a picture in their mind about the receiving station—and they would be sent there. There were strange symbols incised on the interior of the tube above the opening that seemed to correlate with the various destinations. Those symbols were essentially the address of the location, one set of icons represented each place. The Ursars had tried to mix up the order of the symbols, concentrating on them in a similar tube, and that is how they had found the other worlds they were settling. Each world had a Chamber of the Ancients with a receiving station. There were many other stations around the chamber that had as yet been unidentified by the Ursars. It was at these stations teams of older Ursars were studying. Spyder walked up behind one such group and listened as he puzzled over the device. It looked strangely familiar, as if he had seen something similar before. It took him a while before he realized what he was seeing was a representation of the solar system, perhaps the very one in which they were located. When he tried to open his mind to Azure, Spyder realized there was a blocking field operating that prevented mental communication from within the chamber. It was not unexpected, since the same field had also prevented any audio or visual recordings each time he had been in here. Since he could not reach Azure, he spoke to the assembled Ursars. "Forgive my intrusion, but I have an idea about the function of this device." The Ursar in charge of the group, a much older male with lots of grey streaks in his fur, turned on him and snapped, “What?” The Ursar's tone implied he thought it was a waste of his time to even converse with the human. "This looks very much like the displays we get from our devices for watching the stars and planets in our solar system, although more advanced. I believe this,” he pointed at one icon on the display, “may be your red sun, while these,” he said, pointing at other icons, “may represent the planets. The one with the small gold symbol may be this world." The grizzled old Ursar looked at the display once more and then muttered something under his breath. He studied the display more carefully and recalled the changes he had seen in the relative positions of the icons over the past years of his study. As much as he hated to admit it, the human was probably right about the station's function. He tapped a control and the image changed. “What do you see now?" Spyder studied the altered display carefully, finally realizing it was really the same thing but on a greater scale. “If you look here in the center, you see the same pattern of icons, only much closer together. I believe you've just changed the range of the device to show more of the area in space surrounding this world." "What would be the purpose of such a device?" "Well, if the data is close to real time, then I would think it could serve as an early warning device. If

something entered the area being watched, like a Gray ship for instance, the device could provide advanced warning of their approach so that defensive actions could be taken,” Spyder speculated. "Hmmm, that is a very interesting concept, young Spyder. Perhaps you are correct." Spyder bowed his head in respect to the old Ursar and backed away, returning to the medical station just as Danny started to wake up. Korin helped Danny off the table, and Danny automatically said, “Thanks, Korin." "Think nothing of it, Dan-nee." "Hey, I understood that!” Danny exclaimed. “I guess it worked." **** As the two couples entered their new home, Laranja broke in to Katarina's mind. 'Katarina, I know you have had a busy day, but you and Danny are needed here right away. I will open a portal at your location in twenty minutes.' Katarina groaned. The last thing she needed after the emotional roller coaster she had experienced today was to go gallivanting around other worlds, but she did understand duty. 'We'll be ready.' "Sorry, folks, but duty calls. Laranja will open a portal in twenty minutes. I have no idea what's going on but we should prepare for an immediate off-world deployment,” Katarina said. “We'll have to do the housewarming dinner some other time." "No problem,” Katherine said, “Are you sure you're up to it?" "Maybe not, but I don't have a lot of choice. Even Danny looks a little shaky after his time in the Ancient machine, but I promise we'll be very careful,” Katarina said. “You know our partners will keep an eye on us." Katherine hugged her friend. “I know but I am still allowed to worry about you." **** Right on schedule, the portal opened. Fully armed and equipped, Katarina and Danny stepped through to a briefing room on Paradise. As they expected, Forrest and Laranja were waiting for them, along with the other members of their usual exploration team. "Now that we are all here, I can get down to business. We will be heading out in the morning to perform an initial survey of a recently located planet. As usual, we have arrival coordinates through an astral scan, but do not know much else about the world,” Forrest said. Laranja added, “Since we do not know what we will find, I expect every Green armed, just as my Oranges will be. We must be ready for anything. I want helmets closed and airpacks on, with all sensor systems operating. The Oranges will fly high coverage, as well as serve as outriders on the flanks." Laranja and Forrest spent the next half an hour handing out specific assignments to each member of the team. Once all the assignments had been discussed and agreed to by everyone, Laranja said, “It is getting late. I want everyone to get a good night's sleep and meet at the departure point just before

sunrise." With that, the group began to disperse. Forrest said, “I suggest you two stay with us tonight at our place. We still have your old room exactly as you left it." "Sounds good. If we went back to the new house, we would probably spend the next several hours talking with Spyder and Katherine. This way, we'll be able to get that rest you mandated,” Danny said. As Forrest and Danny walked through the portal, Laranja turned to Katarina. “How did everything go with Clan Mother?" "She says it's all fixed. It's up to Mother Nature now,” Katarina said. **** Danny and Katarina were both still very tired when the team met at the field. Despite Katherine's warnings, the experience of conjoined intimacy had almost overwhelmed them both. When they had finally slept, their minds maintained a light rapport so they woke within seconds of each other. Even as they sat in their saddles watching the sun rise on Paradise, that mental link was still active and they traded thoughts about the sunrise. 'You two need to get some barriers around your thoughts before we leave,' Laranja said. 'It would not be a good thing if you were distracted at a critical moment by the link to your mate.' Laranja then showed the pair of humans a quick manner in which to shield their minds. 'When we get back, I will work with you to make better walls around your thoughts but for now, this will work.' The pair hurriedly followed Laranja's instructions and felt the isolation in their minds that existed before. It was reassuring to once again be alone in their minds and, at the same time, there was a sense of loss. Katarina put that thought from her mind as Forrest opened the portal and the others expanded it so the entire group could fly through it to the new planet. Katarina activated her radio and called for all riders to perform a sensor sweep. Scanning all frequencies and emission styles, they detected no electromagnetic signals. From their vantage point high in the sky, there were no obvious signs of any form of civilization. In some respects, it reminded Katarina of the world of the Clan. From this height and sweeping with the same sensors, she knew she would get the same results directly over Clan Home. Activating the telescopic mode in her helmet, she scanned the terrain below for any sign of life. At the confluence of two small rivers, she noticed what appeared to be worn trails back into the trees. 'Could be game trails, you know,' Laranja said. 'It probably is, but you taught me to never make assumptions. If I were a member of a preindustrial society, or even an Ursar, I would probably hide from big dragons in the sky, too,' Katarina answered her. 'Remember the grakor. Most worlds have a large winged predator.' Katarina slowly relaxed her barriers and let her mind quest outward. At first, there was nothing except her companions and then there was ... fear, mingled with curiosity. It seemed to be coming from the

trees just off that trail she had spotted. 'There is definitely something there. I want you to take me down to the edge of the trees and leave me there,' Katarina said. 'Are you sure that is wise? I will not be able to protect you, nor will your beam shield be operational if you are disconnected from the saddle.' 'I know. The leathers will offer some protection against ballistic weapons and I am armed.' Realizing Katarina was adamant, Laranja slowly glided down to the spot Katarina had indicated. As soon as Laranja's feet touched down, Katarina slid gracefully down the Orange dragon's flank, landing lightly on her feet and stepping away from her flying partner. Laranja sprang back into the air but remained nearby in case she was needed. 'And just what in the hell do you think you're doing?' Danny's outraged voice rang in her mind. 'My job, so relax. I don't sense a threat here. Stay linked with me but be quiet.' Katarina stepped onto the path. As she did, she opened her visor and finally took her helmet off, setting it on the ground next to the start of the trail. As she walked between the trees, she tried to think calming and welcoming thoughts. After she had walked another ten yards, the foliage about ten feet away parted and out stepped an Ursar. "Greetings,” Katarina said in her best attempt at the Ursar language. The large male stopped and studied her carefully. “You speak strangely but I can understand you. Where do you come from that you ride on flying beasts?" "They are not beasts. They are the Guardians of Sol, brothers in arms with the Ursars in their battle against the Grays, as was intended by the Ancients,” Katarina said. “The Clan calls me Kat-ya.” As she said this, she thought of Clan Mother and Clan Father, letting her memory of them carry over to the strange Ursar before her. The Ursar nodded. “I know that Clan. I am Ratik of the Seawall Clan." "Well met, Ratik. May I call the others down to join us?” At his nod, she called to her partner. 'Laranja, it's safe. This is an Ursar world. Would you, Forrest and Danny please join us?' Ratik watched suspiciously as the huge Orange landed once more and then he grew very still as she transformed into her human avatar. The even larger Green landed next and likewise shifted shape once Danny had stepped away. They followed Katarina's mental directions and soon found her seated on the path near a large Ursar male. "Ratik, this is Laranja the Orange, Forrest the Green, and Danny, my mate. Everyone, this is Ratik of the Seawall Clan.” Katarina acted like a hostess at a party introducing her guests to one another. As she spoke, another group of Ursars came from the brush and sat down beside Ratik. Ratik said, “This is Garon and the other is Malek, also of the Seawall Clan. These are the Guardians of

Sol." Malek said, “I thought they might be. I recall the descriptions of the Green Guardian who visited the Valley Clan and his human companion." Forrest said, “I am he and Danny is my partner. Both Danny and Kat-ya live with the Valley Clan now. What brings members of the Seawall Clan to this world?" "The Seawall Clan lives beside the great ocean and most of the Clan spend their time harvesting the bounty it provides. The Clan grew too large and some of us chose to follow the path of the warrior, rather than work in the sea,” Garon explained. “We joined a company of warriors under an experienced veteran and came here to settle this world. Eventually, we will found our own Clans." "Have you seen any sign of the Grays?” Forrest asked. The three shook their heads. “No, we have seen no sign of them but there is much of this world that we have not yet explored. Perhaps you should meet with our Leader,” Garon said, rising to his feet. “Come, follow us to our camp." Katarina retrieved her helmet and the four Guardians followed the three Ursars down the path. As they walked, Danny asked, “Forrest, what about the rest of the team?" "They are busy mapping the rest of the planet, looking for incursions by the Grays,” Forrest said. “Since this is an Ursar world, we can at least do that before we return home." The group finally reached a hidden camp deep in the woods. Katarina was surprised by the number of Ursars in the camp. There must have been thirty or forty, both male and female, young adults like the three they had already met. There were also several older males, each with scars to testify to their status as warriors. One stood out from the rest. He was taller, perhaps twenty-three foot, and broad of chest. His massive arms were easily as big around as Katarina's body. His pelt was streaked with gray, a testament to his age. His face was heavily scarred with deep furrows where the fur had turned white. His voice was a deep bass; a rumble that could be felt in the chest. "Greetings, Guardians. I did not expect to find your kind here on this world.” He thumped his chest. “I am War Leader to this new Clan." "Greetings, War Leader. Our presence here today is our first visit to this world, so we make no claim upon it,” Forrest said. “We are explorers only, seeking worlds for peaceful settlement, yet ever alert for the Grays." "We have found no sign of the Grays in the areas we have traveled,” said War Leader. “But we have not traveled everywhere since we came here." "My team is even now scanning this world to make sure the Grays have not landed somewhere without anyone's knowledge,” Forrest said. War Leader dipped his head in acknowledgement of the wisdom of that action. “We thank you. So far, this world is much like our home world, although the sun burns brighter and is yellow. Under the trees, it is better for us, because the light is not as strong."

"My home world is much the same as this one, with a yellow sun that stabs at the eyes,” Katarina said. “I now make my home with the Valley Clan." "Truly? I had heard some humans had joined the Valley Clan but you do not match the descriptions I was given." "The humans they describe are my friends, Spyder and Kay-Tee. My mate and I have just joined them there,” Katarina said. War Leader said, “Come, you must eat with us. We still have some delightful fruits from home." **** When the sweep teams reported the planet was clear of Grays, Forrest directed them to return to Paradise. War Leader was pleased to hear the results of the sweep, for it meant they need not fear an established Gray presence. "War Leader, may I ask you a question?” Katarina asked. When he nodded his great shaggy head, she said, “Do you have a lot of female warriors?" War Leader leaned his head back as he barked his laughter. “Females make the best warriors. They are cunning, tenacious, and vicious. It is not uncommon for them to hold the positions of War Leader and even War Chief. Why are you surprised? Are you not female and yet you are a warrior, are you not?" She nodded. “My thinking has been colored by my experience. All the females in the Valley Clan who I have met have been involved in the various Clan dwellings, or working as artisans. I have met few warriors, outside of the Clan War Chief." "I know well War Chief of the Valley Clan,” said the War Leader. “He is a fierce warrior; one never to be underestimated.” He ran his hand over one spectacular scar that ran from the base of his ear, across his brow ridge, and down the length of his muzzle. “He gave me this during a dispute over a command he had given me. Never again did I hesitate when he told me to do something." Katarina laughed. “He is rather formidable, isn't he!" Forrest stood. “War Leader, it has been a pleasure to meet you. With your permission, a Guardian patrol will stop by once in a while to see how your Clan fares and to make sure the Grays have not landed elsewhere on this world." "That is welcome assistance, Guardian,” War Leader said. “The Guardians will be welcome here."

Chapter 21 Jenna stood beside the rover once more, watching it run through the myriad diagnostics. She felt a little guilty that she had come here without Azure, but Astra and Judy had consented to bring her. Judy knew her friend was going crazy on Paradise with nothing to do while Azure worked on the shields for the Ursars. "Well, still in top notch condition,” she said as she powered the unit back down. She turned and found her two friends staring at the blank doors. “What's the matter?" Astra turned and said, “Azure and Forrest are right. There is some kind of barrier here that blocks all attempts to open a portal inside.” The White shook her head. “Never have I seen anything like this. We can traverse interstellar distances with a thought but I cannot move twelve inches through these doors." Jenna laughed ruefully. “In a way, that's almost reassuring. I mean, you Æthereal are these all-powerful and immortal beings of immense wisdom and knowledge. I know it's not true, but that's what most humans think when they see you. I find it almost a comfort that you're not really that way." Astra looked a bit nonplused and Judy laughed. “She's right, Astra. Ever since the Æthereal revealed themselves, the human race has developed an almost godlike respect for you. I mean, all those times you've saved the world are becoming public knowledge. Snatching an entire building out of Washington, D.C. just before the nuclear bomb inside could detonate made headlines around the world. All the miraculous cures the Whites have done. People think you Æthereal can do anything." "Surely you do not believe such nonsense!” Astra said. "Of course not, but I have lived with you for a couple years now and I know better. The rest of humanity has not,” Judy said. Turning to Jenna, she said, “What did the GPR show?" "Not a thing. The blanking field or whatever it is merely absorbed the radar pulse so there was no return to measure,” Jenna said. “The only way we're going to know what lies beyond those doors is to open them somehow." "So now what?” Judy asked. Astra thought. “Well, with my vast experience and wisdom, I can see only one thing we can do. Let's get out of here and go shopping!" **** Forrest had just finished briefing the Council on the results of the recent mission when Ebon said, “So the Ursars have established another foothold on yet another out-system world. They are spreading faster than we are." "Part of that is pure biology, Ebon. Their birth rate is higher than ours and yet their family units have a finite limit before they feel the pressure to expand their territory. Rather than deal with overcrowding, they use the Ancient's technology to open new settlements and thus, protect more worlds,” Azure said. Ebon said, “Remind me to ask Clan Father whether they have ever encountered another sapient species

on any of the planets they have settled. One would think they would have done so while settling over a hundred worlds." Forrest said, “Speaking of other worlds with sapient species, whatever happened on that one where we found the six-limbed ones living underground? That was the world where Danny Trasker was attacked by the trascat." "It progresses. Our Guardians have taken to assuming the forms of the indigenous animal species, including the so-called trascat, in order to patrol, although we have seen no indication the natives were aware of our previous visit, nor do we think they can detect our high patrols,” Ebon said. “We have also studied the natives and detect no advanced technology, nor do they seem telepathic. They are a simple, preindustrial society." Azure spoke up. “Are either of you familiar with the human constellations? The curious names they have given the patterns of stars they see from the surface of the Earth?” At seeing the blank look on the two Guardians’ faces, he continued. “Humans looked at the nighttime sky and saw patterns in the stars. Many of the names came from their myths and legends, others from creatures they were familiar with. The names of some of the stars themselves were derived in similar fashion." "That's all very well, but what does it have to do with anything before this group?” Ebon snapped. "Well, nothing really, except there was an interesting discovery made the other day. I was plotting the known locations of the Ursars and the other Guardian races on a star chart when Jenna happened to walk behind me. She glanced at the display and asked what I was doing. She had me overlay the constellation patterns over the top of the star chart so she could have a familiar frame of reference. It could just be a coincidence, but did you know the Ursar home world and other system worlds are in the constellation Ursa Major and their out-system worlds are all in Ursa Minor? Or that the Pride worlds are all in the constellation Leo? I find that coincidence ... inexplicable." **** Danny and Katarina had spent most of the evening talking about the new Clan they had met with both Clan Father and War Chief. War Chief had been amused by the identity of the war leader in charge of the new group. “He was hard-headed when he was young but settled down after a while." "It was an impressive set of reminders you left him with,” Katarina said. “His scars are more pronounced than Clan Father's." War Chief grinned, baring his teeth. “It was a good fight and lasted for almost two hours. He was young and strong, but I was older and more experienced, not to mention, physically bigger and stronger than he knew. In the end, he learned why I was War Leader on that patrol." Clan Father said, “So Seawall Clan has dispersed some of its young adults." Danny said, “I think the ones who went just didn't like working with the sea, Clan Father, rather than a need to cut the population." "That could be,” Clan Father said. “Sometimes, a Clan member just does not fit into the Clan and has to leave.” His heavy sigh made Danny suspect he was thinking about his own Clan's misfit, Korin.

"Perhaps you should permit Korin to work with the Ancient technology,” Katarina said. “I've heard him talking with Spyder about the stations and what they might be. He has a broad range of knowledge and has been gaining even more since he's been exposed to Spyder and the Guardians." "What you say has much merit, Kat-ya, and I will think on it. For now, it is getting late and you must be tired,” Clan Father said. Recognizing the obvious dismissal, Katarina and Danny made their farewells and left Clan Home for the long walk to their dwelling. The moonlight was bright enough for them to see the path, and they held hands as their minds touched in intimate contact. When Danny reached for Katarina's jacket zipper during one passionate kiss, she whispered, “Not here." When they reached their new home, they found Spyder and Katherine putting the clean dishes away. “How'd the meeting with Clan Father go?” Spyder asked. "It went well,” Danny said. “He is worried about Korin, though." "I put in a good word,” Katarina said. “I said he should let Korin follow his own path, which is working with the Ancient machines.” She watched as Katherine made her way to one of the chairs. “So how did your appointment with Clan Mother go?" "Oh, the baby and I are doing fine. Clan Mother says it will be a girl,” Katherine said. "Really? And how do you feel about that?” Katarina asked. "Excited, actually,” Spyder said. “I always wanted a daddy's girl of my very own." Katherine smacked Spyder's hand as she said, “We really are happy. We've decided to name her Meredith." "That's a lovely name, Katy,” Danny said. “You'll have to watch out, though, or our friends in high places will start matching little Merry with young David." Spyder and Katherine laughed. “I suppose that is a possibility for the far future but not something we need to worry about at this juncture.” Katherine yawned. “Well, I'm for bed. Pregnancy in a heavy gravity is hard work." Despite her condition, Katherine still preferred to sleep curled up against Spyder spoon fashion, with his arm around her and his hand resting on her expanded stomach. She drifted right off to sleep. Spyder felt the baby move under his palm and, through his link to Katherine, he could feel the movement like it was inside his own body. How remarkable. He, too, soon drifted off to sleep. **** On the other side of the wall, Katarina and Danny began to cuddle in their own bed. As their passions flared, the link between them strengthened and the barriers around their minds collapsed. It was the ultimate in sharing and loving. Katherine awoke completely aroused, feeling her body being caressed. At one level, she knew Spyder was not touching her but her body denied what her mind was telling her. It was obvious Spyder was

also experiencing the sensations and soon, they were both living the reality their minds insisted was already in progress. As their own minds linked and they dropped what little remained of their barriers, they suddenly realized that it was more than they had ever experienced before. It was now a fusion of all four of them; their minds had linked into a gestalt of experience where each of them was the other. It brought them each to a level of ecstasy none had ever achieved before. When it was all over, the two couples lay back in utter release but their minds were still joined. 'What just happened to us?' 'I think we just had the most mind-blowing sex ever!' 'But it was...' ’ ... All of us together.' 'Now I know why the Clan are polygamous. A race of telepaths would experience this every time. When you're all linked at this level, you're mating with all of the Clan at once.' 'So what do we do now?' 'I don't know.' Katherine yawned as she said, 'I do. I'm going back to sleep.' **** The group was rather subdued the next morning at breakfast. No one wanted to be the first to speak and they kept the barriers around their minds tightly shuttered. "Look, this is stupid,” Katherine said. “We're all pussyfooting around this morning trying to pretend that what took place last night never happened. Well, it did happen and we need to come to terms with it." "I'm not sure I know what to say,” Katarina said. "Exactly. I don't have the words myself,” Spyder said. "So let's not use words. Let's drop the barriers, link mind-to-mind, and see how we all really feel about this,” Katherine demanded. As she spoke, she dropped her own barriers. First Spyder joined her, then Katarina, and finally, Danny. Merged once again, they all realized that underneath it all, none of them really had a problem with what had happened during the night. The veneer of Judeo-Christian morality imposed by their upbringing could not withstand their new reality and understanding of what it meant to be a true telepath. Katarina, raised in a communist country without religious bias, had the easiest time discarding that stricture; Katherine, raised Catholic, had the hardest. They also knew their life bonds were not threatened by this added dimension; they were in fact, enhanced, shared not between two couples but spread out between the four of them. They would truly become Clan and raise their children as a group amid an atmosphere of love devoid of antiquated inhibitions. Still joined mentally, they moved into a group hug to cement their newly forged sub-Clan,

sealing it with a kiss for each member. They spent the day at the lake, swimming and sunning themselves. They were joined by Lili and Korin, both of whom were very careful whenever Katherine was in the water. Katherine had found the water more comfortable, the buoyancy supporting her swollen belly and breasts. Only two more months until the projected birth of little Meredith. Katherine suddenly felt very odd. Although she knew she was bobbing suspended in the water, she suddenly felt very cramped and compressed. She felt like her legs and arms were being smashed against her body and she couldn't move. The feeling was just a brief flash and then it faded away, leaving her shaken and disturbed. The light rapport the group had been in meant that each of them had felt Katherine's panic. They rushed over to her to make sure she was all right. Still shaken by the experience, she opened her mind fully to them, letting them relive the memory. Since they had all been swimming, none of them could account for what she had felt. They assisted Katherine out of the lake and they all made their way back to their dwelling. Dry and dressed in a soft caftan, Katherine was lying down to rest. Korin had taken Lili back to Clan Home, but had promised to seek Clan Mother's advice. Spyder was just bringing Katherine a cup of tea when Clan Mother entered the dwelling. Without a word, Clan Mother squatted beside Katherine and placed her hand on Katherine's stomach to assess the condition of the baby. All was well. Clan Mother said, “The cub is fine, Kay-Tee. What is it that has you so distressed?" Katherine described the quick impression that had flooded through her mind while she was in the lake. Clan Mother patted her reassuringly. “It was your cub reaching out to you." "What?” Katherine asked. “It was the baby I felt?” Quickly recalling the feelings, she realized Clan Mother was correct. That would be exactly how the baby must feel, compressed and unable to move. "When you feel that way, focus on sending reassurance and love back in return. When the cub gets restless inside, think of calm and peace. Think of the sun rise,” Clan Mother said. “Over the next few weeks, your link with the cub will become stronger as her mind becomes more aware. This is a special time for you both." "Clan Mother, human cubs are not telepathic,” Katarina said. "I suspect,” Spyder said, “the Ancient machine changed not only Katherine, but the baby as well. We didn't know she was pregnant when she went under the machine." Clan Mother said, “Perhaps. But maybe it is because the cub is exposed to mental speech and it has awakened that ability in the girl, much as hearing adults speak let cubs learn to talk." Clan Mother stood back up. “This is not something to worry about. It is a good thing for you. Until the cub learns to build barriers around her mind, you will always know what she is doing. That can be a very helpful thing. As to whether this is a natural consequence of being around telepathic parents or an

unexpected result of the Ancient machine, time will answer that. All we need to do is wait and see what happens when the next cub comes along from either one of you.” With those final words, Clan Mother bid them farewell and went back to Clan Home. **** While the others began to prepare dinner, Katherine closed her eyes and opened contact with Astra. She explained what had happened and Clan Mother's explanation, as well as their suppositions. Astra thought about it for a minute and then said, 'I had not really given any thought to whether the baby would have telepathic abilities, but it does seem reasonable. I suspect it is not directly caused by the Ancient machine but rather, a byproduct of your use of mental speech. Our young are always telepathic, even when still in the shell. Clan Mother is wrong, however, about the barriers. Your little Meredith will know how to make barriers from experiencing it through you. It is entirely possible she will be born much more aware of her surroundings than typical human babies because her mind will be stimulated by yours far in advance of what they experience.' 'Oh! Are you saying she'll experience everything I do?' Katherine was horrified by the thought. Astra was amused by Katherine's reaction. 'Katherine, nothing you experience will be harmful for your baby. She will grow up more aware and free of most of your human inhibitions. She will know what love is from all four of her parents. Yes, I caught your memory of last night's events and agree there is nothing to be either ashamed of or regret. You four are creating a new paradigm for how telepathic humans will live. Embrace it!' 'I promise to consider what you have said and to discuss it with the others. Thanks, Astra, for being there. I'll probably be checking in with you a lot in the coming weeks.' 'Any time you need me, I'm here. And I can be there with you physically whenever you need me to be.' Katherine opened her eyes and found the others were just watching her. She realized they had all heard her conversation with Astra so she didn't need to say anything. She just felt their warm acceptance and love, and knew everything would be fine. **** Astra stood watching Judy playing with her young son David and found herself wondering what it would be like not to be linked to one's offspring. She had never really given the matter any thought since the Æthereal were linked to theirs. Looking at Judy, she realized that Judy was not, to her knowledge, linked to David. "Judy, I need to ask you something,” Astra said. "Sure, what's up?” Judy asked. "Have you ever experienced any kind of mental flash from your baby?" "David? No, I don't think so,” Judy answered. “Why do you ask?" "It seems Katherine is linked to her unborn baby and has had flashes of the discomfort the baby feels in the womb."

"Whoa! That must have freaked her out!” Judy exclaimed. “How is that possible?" "Clan Mother thinks it is because the baby is surrounded by people engaged in mental communication, although Spyder thinks it may be due to the Ancient machine since Katherine was already pregnant when she went under it. He thinks the machine affected both mother and child." "What do you think?" "I am not sure. Tell me, do you and Eric communicate much mentally?” Astra asked. Judy turned red in embarrassment. “Not really. I mean, it happens when we're intimate, of course, but we don't use it much outside of that. We probably communicate more with you mentally than with each other." "I see. Whereas Katherine's baby is exposed to all her mother's experiences, including mental communications. It is possible she is learning that ability from her mother's mind, especially since that has recently been increased by the addition of two other telepaths in the household,” Astra said. "Two other ... Oh! Danny and Katarina live with them now,” Judy said. “Why would that...” Judy turned red again as she realized what must have happened. “Their conjoined minds connected, didn't they?" "Yes. They are coming to grips with the importance of that joining and what it means for them as a group. But the recent connection with little Meredith has overshadowed that for the moment,” Astra said. "I can imagine. Well, if ever there were two couples who could make this situation work, it's those two." **** Ebon had asked Master Artisan to let Clan Father know that the Æthereal would like to speak with Clan Father. When Master Artisan returned from Paradise, he passed along the Clan Father's invitation to visit at any time. Ebon opened a portal and stepped through to just outside Clan Home. One of the older cubs escorted him to a room where Clan Father sat amid the floor pillows covering the stone floor. "Greetings, Clan Father,” Ebon said, clasping the Ursar leader's hand. "Greetings, Great Guardian of Sol,” Clan Father said. “What brings you to see me this fine day?" "One of our exploration teams recently came across a new settlement by the Seawall Clan on a distant world,” Ebon said. "So I have learned from talking with Danny and Kat-ya. Their War Leader is known to our War Chief,” Clan Father replied. “Why does this concern you?" "In and of itself, it does not bring us concern, Clan Father,” Ebon responded. “It did raise a question

during our discussions at Council. With all the worlds the Clans have settled, have you ever encountered another intelligent species?" "I presume you mean other than the Grays, although I am forced to question the appellation intelligent when applied to that xenophobic species. We have not encountered any living sapient species, although we once encountered the remains of one in the form of a crashed spaceship so vast, it seemed like a small moon,” Clan Father explained. “It had crashed long before we arrived and there were no remains within the vessel when we examined it. Since the world was otherwise untenanted, we did establish an outpost there." "By strange coincidence, we once came across a planet whose population had fled a planetary disaster by fleeing in such giant ark ships. Perhaps this was the fate of one of their vessels. Someday, we might wish to send Spyder there to see the remains of the ship to determine whether it was the same culture as we found on Serenity,” Ebon said. “What then is your policy regarding worlds with another sapient species?" Clan Father studied the Guardian for a moment before responding to his question. “That depends. If the species would be advanced enough to reasonably protect themselves, we would withdraw. If not, we would probably establish an outpost to monitor the world, just in case the Grays discover it.” He shook his head. “We admit this would not be easy since most species would look upon us with fear as marauding beasts, rather than the peaceful and gentle folk that we are.” Clan Father's face split into what passed as a grin as he said that last part. “To be candid, we are not sure what we would do. What about your exploration teams? Have they encountered others?" "Yes, we found a preindustrial society of beings who seemed to live solely underground. We established a patrol on that world to watch for the Gray,” Ebon replied. “Of course, our ability to shift our forms makes that much easier than it would be for your Clans." Clan Father said, “Why do we not make a cooperative decision? Should we find a species that needs watching and we are unable to do so openly, we will notify you so you may send a team of your shapeshifting Æthereals to protect them." Ebon nodded in agreement. “That would be the best solution. One last question. What are your plans should you encounter an advanced culture that might be of assistance to us in fighting the Grays?" "Ah, that is the dream of all Guardians, is it not? If they look like they might be approachable by us, we will approach them. If perhaps using the humans might be more productive, we shall use them as our envoys. And if neither strategy seems best, we will send for you, my friend.” Clan Father laughed. “Imagine some advanced society suddenly confronted by a wing of black dragons being ridden by humans who just popped in of the blue! What could they do?" "Probably shoot us out of the sky!"

Chapter 22 Once the decision to accept their new relationship had been made consciously as well as subconsciously, the two couples returned to their normal joyous natures. Danny had started taking pictures of Katherine, trying to capture the essence of her pregnancy in a single stolen moment. It was during one of those moments when he caught her emerging from the lake and she tried to convince him not to take a picture that he admitted having seen a photograph of her nude once before. Katherine laughed and said she knew he had. She then explained how she and Katarina had gotten a bit drunk one night, taken the pictures of each other, and then decided it might be fun to “accidentally” slip one of the less revealing pictures of the other into the data file they gave to their husbands. Of course, at the time, no one ever expected they would all live together as a single family. "So tell me the truth, Danny. What did you think of the picture?” Katherine asked. Danny sort of stammered a little, blushed a lot, and then said, “I thought you the second most sexiest woman I've ever seen.” Realizing he had not offended her, he added, “I still think that, you know. I have, at least mentally, explored every inch of you when I was joined in the gestalt just as you have been with me that way. The amazing thing about all this is the complete lack of jealousy. I mean, I know that Spyder feels the same way about Katarina and she feels the same way about him. We all love each other." "That's true. I love Spyder. He is my true life-bond, but I also love both you and Katarina. I don't think there's a name for what we all feel for one another other than that simple fact.” At that moment, little Meredith started to kick inside Katherine and, as she laid her hand on her moving belly, she tried to mentally calm the baby with feelings of love and acceptance. Her face took on a peaceful and serene expression, and Danny had the perfect photograph. **** By mutual agreement, the four had continued the custom of watching the sun rise. In deference to Katherine's advancing pregnancy, they now watched it from the sturdy deck of their house. This viewpoint was actually superior to the clearing since the dwelling was situated in the right spot so the sun rise was across the lake. Korin and Lili also joined them for this daily ritual, forming a bond that transcended species. Once the sun had risen, Korin turned to the four humans and said, “I have an announcement to make. I will no longer be going to Paradise with the artisans. Not only is my limited help no longer needed by them, but Clan Father has directed me to start a new task. For this task, I'll need your help, Spyder." Spyder said, “Of course, I'll help you. What is this task we've been given?" Korin paused to draw out the suspense, but he couldn't hide his grin of pleasure any longer. “We are to go to the Chamber of the Ancients and study the machines." Spyder was excited by Korin's announcement. This was the one thing he had truly wanted to do ever since he had arrived. His brief exposures to the chamber had whetted his appetite for more. Now he finally had official permission. “What about the elders who are already working there? They didn't seem too receptive to us the last time."

"When Clan Father found out that their discovery of the solar tracking system was really yours, he went through the roof. He said some very unpleasant things to them and suggested they either work with you or find another path. He pointed out that you identified the purpose of the station in five minutes, while they had failed for five years.” Korin grinned. “He then directed me to take you there every day and work with you since I seem to have an interest in the machines." Korin turned to Katarina. “Clan Father also said you stood up for me and suggested that I work with the Ancient technology. I am in your debt, Clan sister." Katarina came around and hugged the big Ursar. “Korin, I'm so happy for you.” Korin wrapped his large arms around her slender form and gently squeezed, but not very hard. He knew the human females did not like what they called a “bear hug." Katherine, while equally as happy for both Korin and Spyder, did not try to hug either of them. She was feeling very ungainly this morning, and did not want to do anything that might jeopardize the delicate balance she was trying to maintain. In fact, once Spyder, Korin, and Danny left, she planned to go lay down and see if she could ease the strain in her lower back. No one had ever mentioned that part of being pregnant to her, nor had they said anything about her breasts hurting, either. She swore she'd grown two cup sizes in the last month alone. While the others could feel like this when they merged, she felt this way all the time and she was tired. It seemed like she had been pregnant and ungainly forever, even though it had only been in the last few weeks she had started to feel this way. Despite her conversation with Danny the previous morning, she did not feel sexy or desirable. Spyder hadn't lost any interest but she couldn't help but wonder how much of that was due to the melding of their four minds and the overlap with Katarina. Spyder, Danny and Korin had slipped away while she had been in her reverie. She heaved herself to her feet and slowly made her way back to her bed. Katarina rushed over and took her arm. “What's wrong?" "My back and legs are bothering me,” Katherine said. "Let me help you back to bed. How about a nice back rub?” Katarina guided the unresisting woman back to her bedroom and drew off the loose caftan she was wearing. Assisting her in lying back and onto her side, Katarina began rubbing the small of Katherine's back. Letting her barriers down, she linked with Katherine so she could feel exactly where the pain was. Using some lotion, she moved to Katherine's legs and worked the tight muscles in her calves and thighs, then up to her buttocks and lower back. As she worked the kinks out, she also picked up the issues that were running around in Katherine's mind. 'Katy, what is this nonsense? How can you doubt Spyder's desire for you? Don't forget, I can feel what he does as well as you can.' 'Oh, Kayta, I don't know what's wrong with me today. Danny was ... ‘ 'I know all about Danny. He was so happy with the picture he took, I'm surprised he went with Spyder and Korin. He really wanted to go to the darkroom and develop that shot of you. He thinks you are the perfect Madonna.'

'The singer? Ewwww!' 'No, stupid, as in the mother figure. And, as strange as this may sound to you, both our men seem to find very pregnant women desirable. If you examine your memories of their feelings, you will know it's true.' Katherine started to cry softly, tears running down her cheeks. 'I'm such a fool.' "You're not a fool, Katy. It's just your hormones being out of whack. All pregnant women go through this, but the rest of them don't have your advantage. They can't read their husbands’ minds to know the truth.' 'Thank you, Katya.' 'Don't be silly. You know I love you, too. Now, you take a nap while I clean the kitchen.' **** Danny spent the morning taking photographs of the Chamber of the Ancients under the direction of Spyder. He took views of each station from every angle, including from above, thanks to a cooperative Korin who let Danny sit on his shoulders. Spyder made the elder Ursars stand out of the way of each picture so only the machines were visible. Using a macro lens, Danny took close-up, individual photos of every panel and display. Every shot was taken with both high speed color and infrared film using a separate camera. Danny had also used a digital camera but none of those pictures seemed to stay on the recording media. Danny was praying the images on the film would not be affected by any of the dampening fields operating in the chamber. He carefully secured the exposed rolls of film in a film-safe, the special container marketed to protect film from the effects of airport x-ray machines and other electromagnetic dangers. Korin escorted Spyder and Danny back to the surface and out of Clan Home. The two humans raced back to their house and Danny ran down into the darkroom. Danny loaded all the exposed film into the developing machines he had preset for the different kinds of film he had used. These machines took the place of the old hand-loaded developing cans Danny had used when he first started out in photography. Now, in total darkness, all he needed to do was feed the end of the film into the machine and it would slowly draw the entire roll into the mechanism, taking the film through each stage necessary for its proper processing. In about thirty minutes, the dried, processed film would be ejected out of the other end, along with a four-by-six inch print of each image. While that was working, he took down one of his old hand-load developing tanks and, again in total darkness, he loaded the roll of film he had taken at the lake. Using his years of experience, he custom developed the roll, pushing the times and the strength of the chemicals. When he had finished developing the film, he inserted a hose and started to flush the tank with pure water. As the film was being rinsed, he collected the processed prints and put them in a folder for Spyder. He took the negatives and placed them in special archival protectors and then filed them in his fireproof safe using a coding system of his own design. There was a corresponding code on the back of each print that he placed in the folder. Using the code number from any print, he could easily go to his files and pull the correct negative in order to reprint or enlarge a photograph. When he finished coding and

filing the negatives and prints, he took the folder upstairs and gave it to Spyder, along with a magnifying glass for any closer study. He told Spyder, “Mark any that you want enlarged to eight-byten or eleven-by-fourteen. If you need anything larger than that, we'll have to send it to Earth for it to be done." Leaving Spyder to his analysis of the photographs, Danny returned to the darkroom. He shut off the water and removed the film from the tank, dried it with a squeegee, then placed the strip against the light box. Similar to the one used by a doctor to view x-rays in a hospital, the box had a translucent panel behind which was mounted a light. By holding the strip of negatives against the lit background, he was able to look at the images on the film. He was searching for one particular image; the one he had taken of Katherine at the end of their time at the lake yesterday. He found it and isolated that portion of the negative. He took the negative and mounted it in his enlarger. He flipped on the enlarger's bulb and examined the image projected onto the easel below the lens. He carefully focused the image, concentrating on the iris of her eye. When that was sharp, he knew the rest of the image would be perfect. He stepped back to look at the image critically. It was, he felt, one of the best photographs he had ever taken. It was perfect. Not only did it capture her condition, made evident by her swollen breasts and the large stomach, it captured her emotions by the simple gesture of her hand resting protectively on her stomach and the serene expression on her face. Her long hair, tousled by the water and wind, draped artfully over her breasts, covering her nipples. Katherine's physical beauty had been made transcendent by her pregnancy. Danny felt sure he had captured the elusive glow attributed to expectant mothers in this one image. He carefully cropped the image showing a bare inch below her fingertips as they rested over her baby to an equal distance above her head. Since she had been sitting in three-quarter profile when the picture was taken, he included the graceful curves of her shoulder and neck. By setting the upper and lower limits and one edge, he let the cropping easel determine the opposing edge. The limited depth of field he had gotten by his choice of lens aperture had made the background a soft blur. He had preset the easel to permit the printing of an eleven-by-fourteen inch image. Turning off the enlarger lamp automatically caused the red “safe” light to come on. He opened the box of unexposed photographic paper and pulled out a previously cut test strip, which he then mounted in the easel diagonally across the area where the image would be projected. Once the test strip was in place, he verified the paper box was once again sealed before he triggered the timer on the enlarger. He had chosen a thirty second exposure for this test strip. The lamp came on in the enlarger and the image was projected downward onto the test strip. When the enlarger cut off at the end of the time allowed, he took the test strip and placed it in the pan filled with developer. He waited patiently for the image to appear. As it did, he studied it until he was sure it had reached its peak effectiveness, at which point, he pulled the strip out of the developer, immersing it immediately in the second tray which was filled with a stop bath. A few seconds later, he put it in the third pan of fixer. Then he switched on the normal room lights to examine the test print. Hmmm, not quite there. Perhaps another ten seconds exposure will do the trick. He repeated this entire process with another test strip after resetting the timer to forty seconds. When he reviewed the test strip, he was almost satisfied with the image. Another five seconds. This time, he loaded a full sheet of photographic paper in the easel and triggered the timer. At the end of the process,

he examined the resulting print with a deep sense of satisfaction. He then immersed the print into a rinse of clear water to remove the residual fixer, then placed it in a print drier. While the print was drying, he placed the negatives into the protective sleeves and filed them in the fire safe. He entered the code numbers for the negatives into the database, and made a note of the special code that designated the one particular image he had just printed so that when it was dry, he could pencil that code on the back of the photograph. When the timer on the drier chimed, he removed the print and brought it over to the table where he did all his mounting. He carefully selected the right matte boards to compliment the black and white image he had created, then carefully mounted the boards and photograph into the frame he had selected. He sat back and looked at the finished product of his labor. It was perfect. Satisfied, he finished cleaning up the darkroom and went back upstairs, carrying the framed photograph. "How's it going?” he asked Spyder, who was still sitting at the table studying the pictures of the Chamber of the Ancients. "Not bad. I've made some notes of things I want to check out tomorrow,” Spyder said. “What are you carrying?" "Probably the best picture I've ever taken,” Danny said. “What do you think?” he asked as he handed the picture to Spyder. Spyder looked at the photograph in silence for a few moments, stunned by the image. He tried to look at it dispassionately, objectively, but he couldn't. His love for Katherine overcame that ambition. "It's fantastic,” Spyder said. "What's fantastic?” asked Katarina as she walked into the room. Wordlessly, Spyder handed the photograph to Katarina. She, too, was overcome by the power of the image. “Oh, Danny, this is amazing. You've captured what can only be described as the essence of motherhood. It really speaks to the viewer.” She gave her husband a hug. “Katherine will love it. She had a pretty bad morning and this should really cheer her up." Spyder interjected, “Bad morning? What happened?" "It's a hormone thing, Spyder; it causes mood swings,” Katarina said. “I know, it's like every stereotypical joke but unfortunately, there is usually some small grain of truth to stereotypes that form the basis for their existence. Anyway, she should really cheer up when she sees this." **** Katherine woke from her nap and realized it would soon be time to start preparing dinner. When she walked in to the kitchen, she saw her husband and friends standing around with an expectant look on their faces. “What's going on?" When they made no reply, she tried to probe their minds but met the solid walls of their barriers. Odd. I wonder what they're up to? Turning to the counter, she saw it. Although she knew Danny had taken the picture, it was so powerful an image, that she had trouble accepting it was really her. It was obvious she

was nude, but nothing could be seen for the moralists to feign outrage over. In fact, the composition of the picture transcended mere flesh and achieved an almost spiritual response. "Oh ... my ... God.” Katherine picked it up carefully and looked at it again, her tears silently falling on the glass. “Danny, this is so beautiful." Danny walked over and slipped his arms around her and said quietly into her ear, “That's because you're beautiful and I love you. When you combine beauty with love, the image is always superb.” He kissed the side of her neck and then stepped away, taking the picture from her hands and moving over to the spot he had prepared for it. He carefully hung the image on the wall in the living room where it was ideally placed. The arrangement of the room and the other framed images all seemed to focus the eyes toward this one location. Perfect. **** Ebon briefed the Council on the results of his meeting with Clan Father. “As I suspected, the Ursars have some ideas about what to do in a first contact situation, but no real plans in place. The way they are spread out and their lack of interstellar communication means it will be pretty much in the hands of whatever scouting group comes across an intelligent species. Clan Father was eager to pass the responsibility for monitoring such worlds to us, and I have to agree with his reasoning. Our ability to change forms makes us much more suited for covert observation than a group of twenty foot Ursars." Laranja responded, “Katarina made an interesting observation as a result of our contact with the new Ursar Clan. We may have missed a few species in our explorations because of fear. She rightly pointed out that the sudden appearance of a group of Æthereal in the sky would raise an atavistic response in almost all creatures. In most cases, it would invoke a prey response and they would hide to avoid being eaten. We do, after all, look fairly fierce to just about everything out there." "I agree,” Forrest added. “And I am not sure what we can do to reduce the impact our physical appearance may cause." When none of the Council members could offer any suggestions, Forrest said, “I will discuss this with the other Greens and Oranges. Perhaps as a group and with the input of our human partners, we can offer some suggestions." With the Council's assent to his proposal, the meeting adjourned. Ebon sat with Forrest and Laranja after the rest had departed. "I know you, old friend,” Ebon said. “You already have an idea." Forrest smiled. “Not me. The idea actually came from Katarina and Danny. They wondered why we open our initial portals in the sky rather than at some secluded spot on the ground. They felt we could come in unobserved, run the sensor scans for electromagnetic signals, and do a—how did she put it?— mental sweep before we start flying around." Ebon frowned. “The humans are sure trying to change the way we do things." "Actually, I think they are right,” Laranja said. “We have always gone to a world in the sky because we are, by nature, flying creatures. It never occurred to us that we might appear as colossal predators to any species on the ground, since we have really only been looking for the Grays."

"Remember, Ebon, it was the humans who made us realize there were other intelligent species out there besides the Grays,” Forrest said. Ebon sighed. “You're right. As much as I hate to admit it, the humans have made us more complete in many ways.” Ebon looked up sharply at the two Æthereals. “I suppose you plan to test this new approach?" "The very next time we go out,” Forrest replied. “It will have to be soon. Katarina has asked for a leave of absence from the teams soon so she can stay with Katherine through the birth of the baby. Laranja will fly unpartnered once that happens." "Danny will still be with you?" "Probably not, based on the way that whole situation has developed. While I do not think he is planning on filming the birth—not that Katherine would let him—I do believe he will want to be there for moral support if nothing else,” Forrest said.

Chapter 23 The portal opened and a small team stepped through into the night. Forrest, Danny, Laranja, and Katarina slipped quietly out into the dark woods. Katarina dropped her mental barriers to get a “feel” for what might be nearby, but found little. Without words or mental speech, the group moved out of the trees and onto a hillside overlooking the valley. There was no need to activate the sensors; the spread of what looked like streetlights below was ample evidence of a technological society. The moving lights were obviously some form of conveyance, although they were too far away for even the team's telescopic vision enhancements to make out clearly. The most obvious conclusion was that this city below them did not match anything they had come to expect from the Grays. Activating the shorter ranged passive emission detectors in their helmets, Danny and Katarina began a preplanned survey of the radio frequencies commonly expected to be used, checking for various types of modulation. While they did not find anything on pulse or frequency modulation, they did find signals around the range of one megahertz in the spectrum. They carefully retuned one of their receivers to that frequency. What they heard might charitably be called music in their opinion, and reminded Danny of the atonal tunes he had heard while traveling in Japan. Forrest and Laranja had also planned their next task in such a situation. They moved under what limited ground cover was available and lay down, and began to explore their surroundings using their astral selves. Their now incorporeal consciousnesses were not limited to travel at speeds their physical bodies would need; they moved at the speed of thought and soon covered the distance to the city below. The beings they found were bipedal and relatively humanoid in appearance. They were not quite as tall as humans but seemed to share similar modesty taboos as they were all garbed in a variety of garments in a myriad of colors and patterns. This was indicative of a free society, rather than one highly regimented. Many of the buildings they passed in the center of the city appeared to be retail enterprises. Whenever they found two or more beings in what appeared to be conversation, they would stop and listen. The language the beings used was a combination of gestures, whistles, glottal stops, and clicks, reminiscent of the speech used by a few remote bush tribes on Earth. Clearly it would be very difficult to develop a communication process with these beings. Laranja and Forrest split up at this point, each moving in a different direction. While Forrest prowled around looking for any indication as to the society's level of security concerns, Laranja went back toward what had seemed to be a residential section. She drifted through the walls of the buildings, examining everything. The beings of this world seemed to be broken into smaller family units of two adults and a varying number of offspring. Since these offspring seemed to be in different stages of development, they were probably not the result of litters or multiple births but rather staggered single births, as was the case with most humans on Earth. In her exploration, Laranja did not encounter any newly born, so she could not determine whether the species was mammalian or not; the physical characteristics of the adults did not provide any obvious gender differentiators such as breasts. She did conclude from her observations that the beings were omnivores; she had observed them consuming a variety of things from plants to what appeared to be some form of animal protein. They also ingested a variety of fluids with their young drinking what looked suspiciously like milk, although its pale green color was unusual. Laranja returned to her human avatar and moved over to Katarina and Danny to wait for Forrest's

return. About ten minutes later, he joined them. At that point, they moved away from their vantage point and back into the cover of the trees, opened a portal back to Paradise, and returned. **** "So what we have here is an industrial society that does not appear to have any space capability,” Forrest said. Danny said, “I'm not sure we can make that assumption. Although we didn't see anything to support it, the same would be true if you dropped into any rural community on Earth. If you went through a town in Argentina or Somalia, would you think humans had space travel or atomic weapons? No, you wouldn't. Heck, that would be true if you visited most places in the highly industrialized nations of Earth, too." "Wouldn't the absence of any kind of radar emissions indicate it?” Laranja asked. "No. First of all, all we can scan for are the emissions we use; they may some other kind of technology that uses principles we're unaware of. Secondly, the same argument applies. We might have been in an area that's so rural, we were simply out of range of such emissions. And finally, they could be using something else entirely, like the Ursars who use teleportation devices left by the Ancients to travel among the worlds,” Danny said. "So what is the bottom line?” Ebon asked. "We need to study them, obviously. At some point, we will need to attempt a first contact,” Danny said. “Because of their humanoid appearance and size, I would recommend using a human first contact team, with one or more of them telepathically linked to an Æthereal in case of trouble." "That sounds reasonable,” Ebon said. “Opinions, Forrest, Laranja?" Forrest said, “I agree with Danny about the next steps but, since the observation of this species will take a long time and involve many locations around that world, I ask that Danny and Katarina be excluded from the teams assigned to the project." "What?” Danny asked. “Why can't we take part?" Laranja answered, “So you can be with Spyder and Katherine when the baby comes." Katarina laid her hand on Danny's arm to calm him as she said, “Thank you for that consideration. Yes, we would like to be there with them. In fact, may we start our leave of absence today?" "Yes, of course you can,” Forrest said. “Just keep in touch with us. We will want to know how things are going, too." "As long as you keep us posted on the progress with this new planet,” Danny said. **** "So that's the situation,” Danny said. “We're on leave from the Guardians until after Meredith decides to join us."

"That's wonderful news,” Katherine said. “I'll certainly feel more comfortable with all my family around me." Katarina smiled at her. “I knew you would and that's why I told Laranja what I intended to do." Danny turned to Spyder. “Any news on the chamber?" "No,” he answered glumly. “I sure can't find any way to connect to their crystal computers. In fact, I haven't found any way those computers connect to the devices they control!" "Some kind of wireless, then?” Danny asked. "If it is, I sure can't detect it,” Spyder said glumly. "Hey, they have transporters, right? Maybe they use subspace communications, too!” Danny said, then laughed. "Great! Where's Uhura when I need her?” Spyder laughed. **** After Spyder and Danny left for the chamber the next morning, Katherine and Katarina sat out on the back deck. "I want you to know how much I appreciate you taking this leave to be with me right now,” Katherine said. "Katy, don't be silly. Of course I'd stay here!” Katarina said. “With the way our minds join, I feel like this baby is as much mine as it is yours. You know, it's also made me dread my own pregnancy a little. I'm not sure I am ready to go through the sheer physical part." "Your own pregnancy? Are you?" "No, not yet, although it certainly isn't for lack of trying! Clan Mother said it might be a few cycles before anything happened." "Well, I'm sure it will happen for you, too. Imagine what it will be like when we have two babies around here!" "You know, that's something I hadn't thought about. What about my work with Laranja? Will I be able to continue when I have a baby to care for?" "Of course you will! Well, maybe not while you're actually pregnant, but you will afterwards. You can leave the baby with me. Are we not Clan now? We'll raise our children in common; your child, my child, will be our children. They'll have two mothers and two fathers and be surrounded by love.” Katherine hugged Katarina. **** Spyder was studying the Ancient station that seemed to show the local spatial environment when it began emitting a soft buzz and a red icon appeared on the screen. On impulse, he moved the cursor

over the red icon and pressed what seemed to function like the “enter” key on a computer keyboard. The screen divided, displaying a rolling text in the strange alphabet of the Ancients. "What's going on?” Danny asked. Korin moved over to see the screen as Spyder said, “It appears the system has detected something entering the star system. It's displaying a lot of information about it but I have no idea what it might be trying to tell me. If I did, it might give me a clue about the Ancient language." "What do we do?” Korin asked. “What if this,” he indicated the blinking red icon, “is hostile? Perhaps it's a Gray ship." Spyder thought for a moment. “I need to get in touch with Ebon or Negron.” He quickly made his way out of the chamber. Once he was outside the doors, he opened his barriers. 'Ebon? I need either you or Negron to come to Clan Home.' 'On my way. Meet me outside,' Ebon responded. By the time Spyder reached the doorway outside Clan Home, Ebon was already standing there. "What is the emergency?” Ebon asked. Spyder quickly explained about the Ancient device and what it seemed to be indicating. Ebon followed Spyder down into the chamber. "So this is the Chamber of the Ancients,” Ebon said after they entered. Spyder led him over to the station and explained their suppositions about the device. Ebon examined the display carefully, noting the relative positions of the icons representing the planets, sun, and the intruding object. “Okay, I think I have it now. I will use my astral projection to explore out that way and see what I find." Spyder said, “I don't think you can do that from within the chamber itself. I know I couldn't send my thoughts to you from inside." "Well, that is not unexpected.” Seeing Spyder's puzzled expression, Ebon said, “With the discovery of the field that protects those doors under the Council chamber on Earth, I am not surprised to find a similar field around this one." "So you believe they have found the entrance to the Chamber of the Ancients on Earth?” Spyder asked. "It is the only explanation which makes sense,” Ebon replied. “Well, get me back out of here and let me see what is heading this way through space." Once they were outside, Ebon said, “I am going to change into my normal shape to reduce my energy expenditure while I am sending my consciousness so far into space. Where would be a good place for me to rest my physical body while I do this?" Spyder said, “In the meadow by my house would probably be the best place. That way, Katherine and Katarina can watch over you."

"Very well. I have taken the location from your thoughts. I will be back soon." Ebon opened a portal to the meadow and, as soon as he was there, shifted to his natural form. He rested his body on the comfortable slope of the meadow, closed his eyes, and willed his consciousness out into the vast reaches of space. The speed of thought is not bound by the physical laws of the universe and he projected his mind to the approximate spot in space shown on the Ancient machine. What he found was not a Gray ship at all. Rather, it was a huge chunk of nickel-iron rock; probably a fragment of some interstellar collision between two asteroids. Seeing the massive piece of interstellar debris moving inexorably through space, Ebon somehow knew this was not by accident. He felt sure the Grays had decided to use this huge rock as they had an asteroid against Earth sixty-five millions years before. Ebon reached his mind out to the other council members. "I need your strength. I must open a massive portal to redirect this away from the worlds of the Ursars.' One by one, he felt the others join in rapport with him, adding their strengths to his own. Amazingly, it did not stop with just the Council, for Negron had brought in the power of a battle wing as well. With the strength of over a thousand Æthereal at his call, Ebon opened a portal in front of the tumbling mountain of rock, redirecting its path to one that would move it away from the planet and into the deep reaches of space. 'My thanks to you all,' he sent to those linked to his mind before he returned his consciousness to his physical body. When he opened his eyes, he found Katarina sitting in the grass a few yards from his face. Near her were Clan Father, Korin, Danny and Spyder. 'Greetings, Clan Father.' "Greetings to you, Guardian. Enjoy your nap?' Ebon snorted. 'I suppose it looked that way. The threat to your world has been eliminated.' 'What threat?' "Spyder found that one of the devices in the Chamber of the Ancients had detected an intrusion into the space around your world. He called me to investigate and I found an asteroid the size of a mountain on a collision course with this planet. I have sent it away from here.' Clan Father bowed so low, his head touched the grass. 'The Clans are in your debt, Great Guardian.' 'As the humans would say, nonsense. It was something I could do that you could not. We are all, however, in debt to Spyder, for without his interpretation of what he saw on the machine, the threat might have gone unrecognized and that would have been a disaster.' Spyder was embarrassed at the idea he was some kind of hero for just looking at a display but the others would hear none of his denials.

Chapter 24 Spyder, Katherine, Danny, and Katarina were just finishing dinner when Lili appeared at their door. “You must come quickly. Clan Father has sent for you." Spyder and Danny grabbed their weapon belts and headed out the door for Clan Home. As they ran along the path between the trees, they opened their minds to each other. 'What do you think is going on?' Danny asked. Trying to portray a sense of confidence he didn't feel, Spyder replied, 'I have no idea. Clan Father wouldn't send for us this late at night unless it was important.' Reaching Clan Home, they raced into the large communal area to find almost all of the adult Clan members present. Lying on the floor in the center was War Chief, badly injured, being tended by Clan Mother. "Good, you are here,” Clan Father said as they came into the room. “We need the help of the Æthereal. Things are going badly in our fight against the Grays on one of the out-system worlds." Spyder completely dropped his barriers around his mind and focused on Azure. 'Azure! Azure, this is Spyder.' "Spyder! What a surprise!' came the immediate response to his mental call. 'Are the shields ready for the Ursars?' 'We have completed most of them. We can have the rest finished tomorrow.' 'How many will be ready tomorrow afternoon?' 'All ten thousand' was the proud response. 'Excellent. Be ready to ship them out immediately. I have to go. Thanks!' "Clan Father, I've been informed we can deliver ten thousand shields to your forces tomorrow. Where would you like them?” Spyder asked. "So many! That is good news, my friend,” Clan Father said. “Have them brought to the clearing and I will have forces there to receive them." **** The next afternoon, Spyder found himself in the middle of the largest concentration of Ursars he had ever imagined. Over ten thousand warriors from many Clans had gathered in a huge circle, waiting. War chiefs and Clan fathers of the various Clans stood together, watching as the huge blue nimbus grew in the center of the clearing. First through the portal was Ebon, followed by Negron. Both were in human form, and Eric Johansson accompanied them. The trio made their way over to the assembled group of Clan leaders.

"Greetings, Great Guardians of Sol,” Clan Father said. "Greetings, Clan Leaders and War Chiefs of the Ursars,” Ebon said. “May I present Negron, Guardian of Paradise." War Chief, still recovering from his wounds, said, “We thank you for the shields. The Grays have begun a major offensive to wipe the Clans from one of our worlds. The toll has been high and every day, it gets worse. The shields you have made will make this a more equal battle." Negron said, “If you will permit us, we would like to do more. I can provide you with several fully equipped battle wings to assist you." "Your offer is both generous and welcome, Great Guardian,” Clan Father said. “How many warriors can you have for us?" Negron said, “I can have ten thousand Blacks and Browns, most partnered with human counterparts, all armed with the shields and cannons. All are experienced in combat against the Grays." War Chief smiled, baring his teeth in an almost feral expression of blood lust, and said, “With that much support and these shields, we shall wipe them from the world. We must plan our attack." Eric spoke, “We need some means of carrying out a reconnaissance of the Gray position. Where is this world?" There was a moment of stunned silence as everyone realized the Ursars had no way to direct the Æthereal to the embattled planet. While the Ursars were telepathic, they could not link across interstellar distances. Since they had traveled to the world through the use of the Ancient's transporter system, they had no knowledge of the physical location of the world in the galaxy. Spyder cleared his throat and said, “I have an idea." **** Spyder rushed back to his house and down to the armory Katarina had built. He withdrew his MP5 machine pistol and several extra clips of ammunition for both it and his standard 9mm pistol. He donned a supple flak jacket under his leathers and then picked up his helmet. Katherine came in behind him, “Why does it have to be you who does this foolish thing? Why can't one of the Æthereals go in human form?" He stopped and put his arms around her. “Because it's something I have to do myself. This is my Clan now and I want to do my part to protect it. Surely you can understand that?" Katherine said, “I may understand it, but I'm still afraid. What if something happens to you? What about the baby?" "Aw, Katy, nothing will happen to me,” Spyder said, holding her close. “And if by some remote chance something does, you'll have Danny and Katarina and little Meredith, too."

She pushed back, grabbed his head with her hands, and stared into his face. “You had better come back to me!” She pulled his face down and kissed him fiercely. Spyder could taste her tears. "I will, honey. I will come back to you." **** As he stood in the Chamber of the Ancients trying to balance his own smaller shield, Spyder thought, Next time I have a bright idea, I need to remember to keep my big mouth shut. As he thought about what he had just volunteered to do, he had to admit to himself at least that he was scared. War Chief, carrying his own massive shield, stepped into the transporter and stood very still. There was a hum that began in a subsonic range and then built in pitch. A stream of golden light washed over the giant Ursar and he began to fade away. In moments, the transporter chamber was empty once more. "Remember, think only of the image War Chief gave you,” Korin said as he led Spyder into the transporter. “Think of nothing else but that image." Spyder looked at his friend and nodded. Holding his shield before him, he closed his eyes and built the image in his mind, then lowered his mental barriers completely. He felt the hum in his bones and then heard the audible portions in his ears. He could see the golden light through his closed eyelids, much like turning one's face into a bright light which still shone through closed eyes. There was a brief feeling of disorientation, like a sudden spin upsets the equilibrium, and then it stopped. He opened his eyes. "Spyder, welcome to my war.” War Chief grinned. “Come with me. We must hurry, for each moment we take costs the lives of Clan members." Spyder stepped out of the transporter and into a different Chamber of the Ancients. The scale of the devices was slightly different from those in the Chamber he had just left, and this one was arranged a bit differently. As he stepped forward, he realized the gravity was also different. It was less that he was used to, perhaps even slightly less than that of Earth or Paradise. The bulky shield was easier to maneuver as he followed War Chief into the tunnel beyond the chamber. They traveled down the tunnel to a smaller chamber. Once they were inside, War Chief pressed a button beside the doorway. The door closed and Spyder felt a sudden lurch as the room began to move. It's an elevator, you dolt! Seconds later, the door opened and Spyder followed War Chief into another long passageway, through another doorway, and into a natural tunnel. When he glanced behind, he realized the door they had just exited had vanished, completely camouflaged into the rock wall. They soon reached the exit to the tunnel and Spyder got his first glimpse of the new world he had reached. This planet, too, had a red sun. The sky was dominated by a nearby planet, banded in wide bands of swirling gas that reminded Spyder of the NASA photographs of Jupiter. War Chief led Spyder carefully down the mountainside of jagged rocks away from the entrance to the cave and around the side of the mountain. Before him stretched a great plain, reaching perhaps a thousand miles or more. Spyder activated the telescopic vision equipment built into his helmet's visor. What he saw sickened him. The Gray encampment covered a roughly circular area of perhaps two miles. The plain around it was

littered with the charred and bloody remains of thousands of Ursars, slaughtered as they attacked the Grays. He watched as yet another wave of Ursars sprang up from the trenches and charged the encampment. The Grays let them come to within half a mile and then opened fire with the beam and projectile weapons. Ursars struck by the projectiles managed to struggle forward for another few yards as more and more projectiles struck them, until they finally fell in boneless heaps on the ground. Those struck by the beam weapons began to scream in agony as wisps of smoke curled from their bodies. They soon dropped to the ground but the Grays continued to paint them with the beams until their flesh began to crisp. So brave and yet so futile. Tears streamed down Spyder's face as he watched the Ursars dying around him. This has to be stopped. Spyder opened his mind and broadcast a call to Ebon. 'Ebon, please hear me.' There was no answer. Spyder concentrated even harder, building an image of the commanding Black in his mind until he could almost visualize him standing there. Once again, he called. 'Ebon!' Very faintly, Spyder sensed he had made contact but it was so nebulous, that he was not sure. He closed his eyes and frantically poured his heart and soul into his call. 'Ebon!' 'You do not need to shout, Spyder. I am standing right here.' The mental response was accompanied by a very audible chuckle. Spyder spun around and found the Guardian of Earth standing directly behind him. 'The call was weak but sufficient. Now we all know where this world is.' Ebon gazed out at the battlefield while Eric recorded the battle using his video gear and sensor systems. The lens of the camera must have flashed the ruddy sunlight just right, because suddenly, a beam from one of the larger Gray weapons was fired at the mountainside. Eric threw himself to the ground behind War Chief as both War Chief and Spyder raised their shields to block the beam. Ebon was partially struck by the edge of the beam and was damaged. As he fell to the ground, he said, “Be right back,” and before the others could respond, his human form disappeared. Moments later, a small portal opened and a renewed Ebon stepped back through. “That was annoying." War Chief very carefully sighted his cannon on the smaller Gray positions wreaking so much havoc with his warriors and pressed the firing stud on the handle of his shield. A denser beam sprang out and smashed into the Grays, killing most of them instantly and causing their overloaded weapons to explode. War Chief turned his head to grin at the two humans and the Æthereal. “That was fun!" "I've seen enough,” Eric said, picking up his camera and dusting himself off. Ebon opened a portal and they stepped through, one at a time with Ebon last. **** "So that's the plan,” Eric said, stepping away from the whiteboard upon which he had diagrammed the proposed attack. "It is a good plan,” announced War Chief. “I have seen the effectiveness of the shields and cannons the Guardians of Sol have made for us. With ten thousand of us, we can easily form a wall of shields

around the entire Gray encampment and slowly move inward, crushing them from all sides while their weapons become relatively harmless. With the Guardians of Sol above them, their aerial craft will become useless, too." "Are you sure we have enough shields?” Spyder asked. "Spyder, each shield is six feet across. Ten thousand of them, side by side, will make a circle a little over eleven and a third miles around. As they move forward, the circle can collapse smaller by having an Ursar fall back to form a second or third shield wall and be a pool of replacements in case of casualties within the front line. By the time they reach the actual Grays themselves, there will be so many Ursars, the Gray weapons will be useless in close quarters and the Ursars can return to their more traditional combat, rending the little bastards with their claws and teeth,” Eric said. “It will be gory and probably very satisfying for the Ursars. As we say on Earth, payback is a bitch." "The key question in my mind is how we can get the assault forces there. It'll take weeks to move the Ursars through the transporters,” Spyder said. Ebon looked at War Chief. “That will be easy. Each Æthereal shall take an Ursar through their portal. The Ursar can sit on an Æthereal's back or even stand on one of our broad feet. We shall portal from a standing position rather than in the air, emerging out of sight of the Grays. When the Ursars are in position, they can give us a mental signal to commence our attack when they are ready to start theirs." War Chief nodded, and said, “I like this idea. Clan warriors will ride into battle as partners with the Guardians. This is good." **** As the sun rose the next morning, the battle wings arrived. Recognizing that ten thousand Ursars made a huge mob but the same amount of Æthereal would never fit in the clearing, War Chief had divided the warriors into dispersed groups of one hundred scattered in separate areas. Negron had likewise divided the battle wings into the same number of Æthereal. The first wave of Æthereal landed and the warriors stepped up to the massive dragons. Most climbed onto the large foot and held onto the massive leg but a few of the braver souls clambered up behind the seated human partners and sat astride their broad backs. Once the first group was loaded, portals were opened and the warriors were taken to a spot out of sight of the Gray encampment and unloaded. This process was repeated until finally, only the ten war chiefs themselves remained. Negron turned to War Chief and said, “It would be my honor for you to ride upon my back while these others ride the backs of my captains." Once the ten had climbed aboard, Eric pulled Spyder up behind him on Ebon's back and the assembled group sprang into the air. War Chief had not expected to actually fly on the back of the mighty dragon but found the experience quite exhilarating. He let out a loud bellow of joy as the valley of the Clan spread out below him and then vanished as they entered the portal. The peaceful valley of home had been replaced by the battlescarred plain and the massive host of warriors and Æthereal formed up below them. The Ursars roared their approval when they realized their leaders were actually flying on the backs of the great Guardians.

Once they landed, War Chief slid down Negron's flank and then walked around to face the towering Black. “That was a great honor for me, Great Guardian of Paradise. I give you my thanks." "The only thanks I require is for us to join you in exterminating the Grays,” Negron replied. “Let us meet again after the battle to celebrate our victory." **** The gas giant reflected back a soft glow that illuminated the night, much like the full moon on Earth. There was enough light to see their way across the plain. Each Ursar had covered his shield to prevent the slightest reflection from giving them away as they formed the ring to surround the Gray encampment. They had made not a sound as they slowly eased into their positions, an amazing feat considering the average Ursar weighed close to a ton. Spyder wondered for about the fortieth time why he had decided to come with the Ursars and knew the answer was simple. He felt his place was with his Clan. As if reading his thoughts, War Chief reached out a massive paw and patted Spyder's head. Spyder crawled the rest of the way up to his designated position next to War Chief. He positioned his shield next to War Chief's and lay on his back, staring up into the night sky at the unfamiliar stars. His thoughts were of Katherine and their as-yet unborn baby. He knew that, if the worst should happen, they would be taken care of by Danny and Katarina but he really wanted to be there when the baby was born, took its first steps, said its first words. He wasn't really afraid of the battle itself. He was only worried about whether he would embarrass the Clan. As the sky began to lighten, the Ursars stood and formed the wall of shields after first removing the black fabric covering them. The shield wall easily encircled the encampment and, as the first rays of the sun struck the mirror-bright shields, they shone like a ring of fire around the Grays. The Gray sentries opened fire with their beam weapons and the shields absorbed the energy that splashed upon them. After several minutes of continuous fire, the Ursars responded. With a level of coordination only achievable through tight mental communication, they all pressed their firing studs and their concentrated fire lashed back at the Grays. The Grays did not have any form of shield against their own beams and the blasts were even more effective than the Guardians had hoped. As their weapons overloaded and exploded, the Gray sentries began to burst into flames. Before the Grays could take any further offensive action, the Ursars let out a mighty roar and took one step forward, with every fifth Ursar standing still. The lines shifted slightly to fill the gaps and the encircling shield wall grew smaller and closer to the encampment. The Grays responded with projectile weapons and explosive shells. The drills from the Gray rail guns shattered harmlessly off the polished shields and the rattle of the shrapnel from the explosive shells sounded like hail on a tin roof. Occasionally, one of the shells would pass above the shield wall and explode behind the Ursars. Whenever a warrior was forced to fall out due to an injury, one from the second line would step forward to fill the gap. The Grays resumed firing the beam weapons, now using the much larger ones but the shield wall held, capturing the immense energies effortlessly. They also continued to fire the projectile and explosive weapons but the Ursars had already moved forward once more, freeing more warriors who joined the others of the second rank to form a second shield wall protecting the back of the lines. With another roar, they closed the gap yet another step, using the newly freed shields to serve as a roof over the

double line of Ursars. The Grays responded by launching their light attack ships into the air. At the sight of the ships lifting off the ground, Spyder sent a thought to Ebon. 'Now!' The sky was suddenly filled with waves of flaming Æthereal, their human partners firing their MP5 machine pistols at the small Gray figures below. The larger beam weapons shifted fire to the large dragons. Protected by their shields, the Æthereal pressed their attack against the attack ships, ignoring the weapons fire from the ground. That was when it happened. One of the Gray weapons concentrated its fire on a large unpartnered Brown who was attacking one of the scout ships, raking the beam along its side and then striking the Brown in the head. The Brown fell from the sky, crashing into the plain just outside the circle of Ursars. Spyder screamed in his mind. 'Ebon! Negron! Warn your battle wings. Your heads are not protected by the shields!' The Æthereal changed their tactics back to the old tried-and-true method of random portals to jump in and out of battle, while others opened portals around the scout ships, sending them crashing into the mountains miles away in the blink of an eye. The aerial battle continued more evenly as the Grays seemed to recognize the weakness they could exploit and began to concentrate their beams on the heads of the Æthereal. Before the last of the scout ships had finally been destroyed, the Æthereal had lost many of the battle wing. As the aerial battle waged on, the Ursars closed the distance, reaching the edge of the encampment. Those Ursars behind the shield wall dropped their shields and extended their razor sharp battle claws. The shield bearers would step around the Grays and let those warriors behind them savage the small beings. The immense strength and the anger of the Ursars meant they usually slashed through a hapless Gray with a single swing of their arms. Some stabbed into the middle of the Grays’ bodies and then spread their arms, tearing their opponents into two halves. Splattered with gore, they roared and moved forward to kill even more. Spyder, splattered with blood from both Grays and Ursars, had his MP5 sling-mounted and fired short bursts at the crews working the larger beam weapons. A rail gun drill bounced off his face shield, and deflected off the edge of War Chief's shield. He suddenly found himself flying through the air as an explosive shell detonated at his feet. His titanium-impregnated leathers protected him for the most part, but the sudden pain in his feet told him they had overlooked the boots. When he hit the ground, he also realized both of his legs had been broken. The pain was intense and he began to lose consciousness. As his vision narrowed, he saw a Gray standing over him aiming a rail gun at his head. The Gray fired and the drill whined off the helmet in a ricochet. The Gray reached down and tore the helmet off Spyder's head. It pressed the muzzle of the rail gun against Spyder's head and said 'Die, human!' At that precise moment, the Gray was thrown aside as a mountain of enraged Ursar hit him from the side, slashing and ripping with his steel-tipped battle claws. As Spyder's head tipped to one side, his last sight before blacking out was the Gray's arm, still clutching the rail gun, lying beside his head, twitching. With a final convulsive twitch, the rail gun fired and the high velocity drill struck Spyder just above his left eye, punching a tiny hole in his skull, transiting his brain, and then exiting through a slightly larger hole behind his left ear.

At the sight of Spyder's still form, Negron sent a mental call to Astra. She and three other Whites portaled to the battlefield even as the fight waged on around them. Astra concentrated her attention on the critical head wound, sealing the ruptured blood vessels and whisking away the contaminating flecks of bone from the entry of the drill through the skull. There was nothing she could do for the brain cells destroyed by the drill; she was thankful the intense heat of its high velocity passage had actually cauterized the wound. For now, he had been stabilized. Only time would tell whether the damage done would create any impairment of Spyder's functions. The other Whites had repaired the bones in his shattered legs and pelvis, along with the accompanying deep tissue damage and ruptured blood vessels, resulting from the explosion practically under his feet. Astra reached out with her mind. 'Spyder, can you hear me?' 'Yes' came the weak reply. Fighting back her emotions, Astra said, 'You have been badly injured. I have done all I can, but I do not know whether it is enough.' 'Understand,' Spyder replied. 'Take me to chamber. Medical bed.' 'Are you sure?' 'Yes. Sure.' **** The close quarters’ combat lasted for almost six hours. In the end, the Grays were annihilated. Few of the corpses were intact, other than those that had burned in the initial blasts of the return fire. The rest had been shredded, diced, sliced, and filleted. While it had been immensely satisfying to the Ursars at the time, cleaning up afterwards would be a gruesome task. Negron suggested a simpler solution. When it became time to depart, the battle wing would burn the entire battlefield clean. Over time, nature would cover the scars of war. The Gray weapons platforms had been either moved back to Paradise for analysis, or melted to slag by the Æthereal. The Ursar dead had been returned to their various home worlds for their Clan rituals of honor. The injured had also been transferred back for the care of the Clean Healers. The toll on the Guardian forces had been heavy. Prior to the morning's attack, the Ursars had lost almost sixteen thousand warriors in futile assaults on the encampment. Another two thousand, twenty percent of the morning's assault force, had been killed or injured cleansing the planet of the Grays. Over one hundred of the Æthereal had been killed by direct head strikes by the Gray beam weapons, and another two hundred were injured by strikes on their claws, which also had not been protected by the shield. The human partners of the dead Æthereal had likewise perished, crushed beneath their dead partners upon impact with the ground. As near as anyone could count from the various body parts scattered about, they had destroyed over twenty thousand Grays, along with ten transports and fifty scout assault crafts. War Chief had himself been injured; a rail gun drill had passed through one shoulder while another had torn a furrow down his back when he had raced across the field to save Spyder. He also had several new burns from close calls with the beams splashing over the edge of his shield. Negron came over to

him. "Well met, War Chief. Thank you for trying to save Spyder." "I had no choice. Had I had not, it would have been better to have died rather than face Lili's wrath,” War Chief said with a slight grin on his tired face. He looked about at the grim scene as smoke from the burned and melted spaceships drifted over the mounds of body parts. He could remember when this plain held sweeping fields of grain and herds of herbivores had placidly grazed there. Once nature reasserts its dominion, perhaps it would return to that idyllic state once more. "The last of your warriors have departed through the portals, except for those who have chosen to remain behind as a watch force. What supplies they need have been brought through and what Gray devices we wanted have been salvaged and taken away. My wing stands ready to burn the area." War Chief nodded his head, and said, “Our gratitude to you all for this act as well. It would have been ... distasteful to have cleaned it up by hand." Negron shifted back to his magnificent Black form and offered a foreleg to assist the wounded War Chief aboard his back. Once War Chief was settled, Negron sprang into the air and notified the wing to commence its task. The roar of the flames followed them into the portal and home.

Epilogue Ebon and Negron stood at the field staring upward at the Cenotaph. Too many names had been added to the obsidian obelisk. "There will be more the next time, you know,” Ebon said. “The Grays now know we have a shield against their beam weapons and they are also aware of the weakness at our heads and feet." "Yes, I remember. What one knows, they all know,” Negron said. “Who knows what they will spring on us next?" "Did you hear that Spyder is still alive?” Ebon asked. “He is in a coma in one of the Ancients’ medical bays." Negron shook his head. “What could it hurt? Astra admits there is nothing more she can do, and she suspects his coma is irreversible. Poor Katherine." "She rarely leaves his side, nor does the small cub named Lili. They take turns talking to him,” Ebon said, sadly. “At least Katherine has Katarina's and Danny's support. That has become a very unusual relationship." To change the subject, Negron said, “I wonder what we will find when we finally penetrate those doors under the Council chamber." "What we will find there does not concern me as much as the question as to who it is meant for, my old friend. If it is indeed a Chamber of the Ancients, it may mean that we are not the true Guardians of Ætheria after all. Perhaps the true Guardians are the humans themselves."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR As a small boy, the first novels I ever recall reading were the many works by Edgar Rice Burroughs, especially his series set on Mars, Venus and Pellucidar. As I grew older, I remained a voracious reader of just about every genre but I always retained a special affinity for stories about dragons. Whether the dragon was an evil ravening beast like Smaug or those wonderful partners on Pern, I found dragons were most often portrayed as more driven by nature than by their minds. Æthereal was born from the premise “What if the dragons were smarter than we were. How would our two species interact?" After spending 24 years traveling the world for the Air Force, I retired to South Carolina and presently work as an IS Regional Infrastructure Support Manager for a Fortune 500 company covering from Florida to New Jersey, plus Wisconsin and Minnesota. I have six children, thirteen grandchildren and step-grandchildren, three dogs, and a library of over 1,500 books of almost every genre. For your reading pleasure, we invite you to visit our web bookstore ****

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