16

Chapter 1

City in the Sky

1

Heaven’s Veil; it’s not just a phrase passing from mouth to mouth. And its name does it no justice either. Heaven’s Veil, also known as the City in the Sky, or Earth’s End, is perhaps the Hell of the galaxy. No, it’s the Hell of the universe and only the poor souls who live there think so.

Located on the outer regions of the Tarnax Galaxy, it’s one of the only planets left in that system that holds human life. Neighbored by the planet, Gal-Kilin, capital planet of the Tarnaxians, it is at a bit of a un-advantage having not as well advanced technology or equipment. It could be said that Heaven’s Veil is partly governed by the Tarnaxians and the simple truth would be that that is true; it has always been true. It has always been that way since the first human settlers landed on Heaven’s Veil in 2207 and for over three hundred years, it has been the same.

Corey Melton swung his legs over the edge of Doom’s Bridge and leaned back until he was lying down on the cold gray slab of stone that made up that part of the bridge. Was it really a bridge? No, he didn’t think so, but there was really no other name for it. Doom’s Bridge was built on Heaven’s Veil and nothing on that planet made any sense. So, it a sense it wasn’t really a bridge but merely slabs of stone constructed in the air to form a walkway across the abyss below.

Heaven’s Veil was, in Corey’s opinion, a world of the unknown where questions were never asked, nor ever answered if asked. Surprisingly, the name had a true meaning behind it. When the first human settlers arrived at Heaven’s Veil, the Tarnaxians immediately explained that the single city on the planet, Dal-Farsin, had been constructed thousands of years ago by a race no longer alive and that this species had wonders beyond anyone’s dreams. That’s why the city, which was entirely constructed of stone and located in the clouds of Heaven’s Veil, had no past to its name and had no way of answering anyone’s questions.

Dal-Farsin, the city in the sky, was always covered in clouds, which blocked the views of the earth below and the winds were strong and the air icy. This was year round but the inhabitants had grown used to all these little mishaps or flaws, if you will. To no mechanics understood by either species, Dal-Farsin floated in the clouds as if they were water and the twin suns at day and twin moons at night were much closer to the city then any other city known to man.

Some said monsters and demons roamed the land below Dal-Farsin, while others said there was no land beneath the city. Of course these were all rumors, changed over the years, but again, the simple truth was that no one knew what roamed below the city and frankly, no one rightly cared. Their lives were here, in the city, and not below its cloud walls. Nothing pierced those cloud borders but Tarnaxian merchant ships or other alien ships wishing to trade supplies. And the inhabitants of Heaven’s Veil liked it that way (or so they claimed) and didn’t wish to have it changed.

Doom’s Bridge was on the outskirts of the city and as usual, once his work was completed, Corey had nothing else to do or nowhere else to go. He was alone here, or at least he was in his own mind. With barely any friends and no family to care where he was, he felt better now, being alone, then he did when someone was around. His light blue-eyed stare was fixed on the darkening sky, on the twin moons rather, but his mind was elsewhere. Pulling his black leather coat closer around his body to keep the heat it, he brushed short dark brown hair from his face and closed his eyes. He was better off here in the lonely, icy air then he was at home or in the city. He felt better here, safer here, as if this was his home not the small warm room back home in his uncle’s house. Here he could be alive and completely free.

If only he could reach out and grasp those moons…those beautiful gray orbs of beauty. If only he could reach out and grasp the sky with his outstretched hand. If only he could fly out into that icy air…to be free of all restrains. But he could never leave—Heaven’s Veil was his home.

The thought of leaping over the rail-less edge of Doom’s Bridge had crossed his mind but merely for a couple seconds. The thought of seeing what lay beneath Dal-Farsin had fascinated him but he could never bring himself to commit suicide.

With light colored eyes closed, Corey slowly let his mind drift into a restless sleep of destruction and evil…

Corey was at home with his parents. They were all sitting down for a nice family dinner and young Corey, possibly eight at the time, was spooning mashed potatoes onto his plate. His parents’ voices filled his head but then were quickly ripped away as a deafening roar rippled throughout the city.

“God, it’s the asteroids again!” His father shouted, quickly bounding to his feet and moving around the table, taking his wife and son’s hands. “We need to get to the cellar before they start to come down harder.”

“There’s back?” Corey’s mother asked uncertainly as they started down the long hallway towards their cellar. The door was in plain view and Corey wasn’t worried; he knew they’d make it. “After all this time, the asteroids are back. I don’t understand. The Tarnaxians assured us that they’d take care of the problem. They promised us that they had taken care of it. They lied to us.”

“It appears that way, honey,” Corey’s father replied in a shaky voice. “It seems that they did lie to us. Don’t worry; I’m sure they’ll clear things up soon enough. This could all be just a misunderstanding between us. I’m sure they’ll send a representative to talk to us about it as soon as this is over.” Corey’s mother nodded with a nervous, forced smile crossing her face. Corey was happy to see that smile; it made him feel safer as they moved down the corridor.

The distant sound of an opening door reached his eyes. Creak! And then it was gone for a couple seconds before quickly being followed by BANG! That was the unmistakable sound of a door closing, even on his young ears.

Another roaring quickly built up in his ears, though this time it was much, much closer. This one seemed too close! In a blinding second of confusion and pain, an asteroid collided with the stone house and tore down the hallway and walls in front of the Melton family. The three of them were violently forced backwards and to the ground as rock, wood, and fiery fragments were thrown outward from the asteroid.

Corey started to cry as he got to his feet and clung to his mother’s leg. His parents slowly got to their feet, in dizziness and disbelief, with wounds covering them and disorientation feeling their minds. Corey’s mother fell to her knees and hugged her son close to her, muttering how thankful she was that he was still alive. His father hugged them as well with his own muttered thanks.

That’s when the heavy footfalls finally reached Corey’s ears over the still dying sizzling of the burning asteroid. More screams and roars could be heard outside as more asteroids fell on the small city but only the footfalls concerned Corey. They were heavy and slowing as they got nearer to the three of them.

Soon they were just a couple steps away and then they died as the person halted. Corey couldn’t see who it was nor did he care to see who it was. His mother still hugged him and he closed his eyes, waiting for this nightmare to be over. He hoped Dal-Farsin would still be there once the asteroids stopped falling. He hoped he would still be there once the asteroids stopped falling.

His father’s voice reached Corey’s ears, “What are you doing here?” It was curious and somehow unsure but Corey didn’t seem to notice at the time. A brief pause was followed by his father’s voice as the man continued, “Ah, it doesn’t matter. I’m just glad to see you. We were trying to get to the cellar but now that’s gone. We could really use your help. Would you mind bringing Corey and my wife somewhere safe?”

“No problem at all Mr. Melton,” the voice replied. Corey didn’t recognize it at the time, and still didn’t to this day, even in his dreams, and he still cursed himself for not recognizing it! If only he could have done something. Those words were the last he ever heard his father speak.

With his eyes still squeezed shut, the sound of the gun firing was only intensified in its full horror. Corey heard his father gasp in surprise and then the gasp was cut short as the deafening boom echoed in the destroyed hallway. Corey’s mother screamed in fear and Corey jumped from surprise. Opening his eyes, Corey saw his father fall to his back in front of him, with a bloody hole where his forehead should have been. His dark brown eyes stared at Corey with sorrow and shock. The man was dead before he even hit the ground.

As a quick click followed the thud of Corey’s father’s body landing, he squeezed his eyes shut once again, hoping that he would wake up and see that none of this was real. None of this could be happening. He knew none of it could be happening. It just wasn’t real!

A second report soon followed, burying a bullet in Corey’s mother’s head. She slowly slipped forward towards the floor as her soul left the room forever. The ricocheting sound had been so close to Corey’s left ear and it had been so loud in its explosion, probably the affect of a large weapon, that his eardrum immediately burst and began to bleed in a flood of shooting pains, the worst he had ever had. It felt as if his head was about to explode; it still shook and thudded from the sound of the bullet being fired. The sound had even drowned out the roaring of the asteroids outside.

Eight-year-old Corey Melton collapsed, in unbearable pain, next to his dead parents with an unseen murderer standing over him. He slipped into a painful sleep. But the only thing that went through his mind was, “Are the asteroids still falling? Will they fall forever? Will I ever wake up from this horrible dream?”

An all too familiar bellow reached Corey’s ears and he sat up from his dream with an outcry of panic and fear. Cold sweat covered his body and he was amazed that he hadn’t fallen over the bridge when he sat up. He had come close but he hadn’t given his body the luxury of a quick fall into nothingness.

A second bellow just like the first followed and then a third followed that one. Then there was another and another and then too many to count. Many were soft roars, probably many miles away but that sound still couldn’t be mistaken for anything else. It was a sound that haunted his every waking move as well as all his dreams. Corey had hoped they wouldn’t return but in the past couple months they had been coming down stronger then ever. Something had been happening in space and it had to be stopped.

The asteroids were back. Corey jumped to his feet and stepped back away from the edge of Doom’s Bridge. He watched the dark sky with wonder and fear. He hoped they wouldn’t last long. The twin moons were blocked from view as an asteroid fell across their plains and crashed into the far side of Dal-Farsin. Luckily, many of the giant space rocks, falling through the sky light burning rockets, fell past the city and plunged to the unknown below, disappearing once they pierced the clouds below the city. A couple fell into the city casting fires and rumbles everywhere but it was nothing new for Dal-Farsin.

The sound of an exploding bomb began to grow and Corey looked up in time to see a large burning asteroid rocket through the clouds overhead. It moved with such speed, that the clouds it passed through circled it like the eye of a storm before it began its descent into the land beneath Dal-Farsin. It was only about fifty yards from Corey when it passed the bridge and he was amazed at the strength hidden inside those space rocks.

Turning towards the city, Corey started at a slow jog but quickly quickened his pace as the last asteroids passed. It was over for now but that didn’t mean that the city was all right. He needed to see who was hit and what damage had been done. Like most people in Dal-Farsin, Corey Melton wasn’t new to these asteroid attacks.

Turning onto the main street of town, Corey ran into Thomas Cannon, one of his only friends on this sorry excuse for a planet. “Are you all right?” Thomas asked as they neared each other.

Corey nodded. “You?”

“Yeah, I’m all right,” Thomas replied, wiping long red hair from his face. He was covered with dirt and his clothes had been burned in a couple places. He must have noticed Corey’s worried looks. “Nay, don’t worry. I’m all right. My family’s fine too. I was just helping a couple people out.”

“Oh all right,” Corey replied. “Hey listen, do you know anything else about why the asteroids are still falling? Last I heard, the Tarnaxians were going to put an end to it. They’re the ones with the starships after all. We don’t have any technology like that. What can we do here on Heaven’s Veil?”

“Nothing at all my friend,” Thomas Cannon laughed, clapping his friend on the shoulder. “Nothing at all. But no, I haven’t heard anything new about it. I hope they put an end to it soon. If they keep falling like this, there isn’t going to be any life left on Heaven’s Veil. Dal-Farsin will be falling to the ground and we’ll be going with it. Hell, we might get to finally see what’s beneath us then, you know!”

“Yeah,” Corey agreed, shaking his head uncertainly, “but as interesting it would be, I don’t think I’m ready to fall with Dal-Farsin. I don’t think I’m ready to die because some damn alien race wants to ignore us. And they’re governing this world! It’s particular their world, so why aren’t they protecting it?” He studied his friend’s amused grin. “Are you ready to die for them?” Thomas shook his head. “I didn’t think so. Anyway, I think they should start doing something soon before…”

“Hey look,” Thomas said, turning Corey around and motioning towards two eight foot tall creatures heading their way. “Speak of the devil and he comes running.” He laughed and crossed his arms, staring the two creatures down with his dark blue eyes. The two Tarnaxians neared them slowly. They were tall creatures with brown, scaly skin, long necks, bright purple eyes, high scaled foreheads with little hair on their heads, and long arms ending in three fingered hands. Both with clad in long dark robes and seemed to be talking among themselves, completely ignoring the asteroids, the frantic humans running among them, or the burning city that surrounded them. It seemed as if their own affairs were the only ones in the world.

The Tarnaxian on the left made eye contact with them and seemed to study them for a moment. “What are you staring at human?” Its arrogant, better-then-you-and-I-know-it attitude was clear in it’s noble voice.

“Oh, I’m just staring at you,” Thomas replied calmly, “and I’m trying to figure out why you’re here. Apparently you came to see the show of our city getting destroyed.” His voice had risen and Corey wasn’t even aware of inching between Thomas and the two Tarnaxians.

“Don’t take that tone of voice with me human,” the Tarnaxian yelled back angrily, suddenly moving forward to tower over both Corey and Thomas with an extra two feet. “You have no right to talk to me that way human.”

“Did you enjoy your show Tarnaxian?” Thomas snapped back just as angrily, moving forward as well. Corey stopped him but only barely. “Was it good to see our city destroyed? Was it good to see us get burned and killed around you? Was if pleasurable for you to see us suffer? Why the hell don’t you do anything about it? Your representative is shit and doesn’t know what he’s doing!”

“Human, if I had my way,” the Tarnaxian started slowly but furiously after a short pause, “you’d be shipped off to Gal-Kilin in a heartbeat to work in the mines. No, better yet, you’d be working as a slave to work off you insults towards me. I’d say you’d see Heaven’s Veil again in about seven or eight years! So, don’t you ever speak to me that way again, do you understand me?” His purple eyes had grown wide in fury and he was breathing heavily to control his overwhelming anger. He shrank away and joined his friend, both of them now staring at Corey and Thomas.

“I understand you perfectly clear, Tarnaxian,” Thomas growled back just as furious. “But let me warn you that if you—or any of your people for that matter—are ever in my city when it’s being destroyed and you don’t help, then mark my words, I will send you to the bottom of it so you can see for yourself what’s down there!” He paused and added even more forcefully. “Do you understand me?”

A hiss escaped the Tarnaxian’s throat. “If I ever see you around again human, I will have you rightfully punished for your disrespect. We govern this world, not you! We are your superiors…you will respect us or you will pay the consequences. So now you mark my words well human!” With that, the two Tarnaxians stalked away towards the docks without a backwards glance.

“Bastards!” Thomas growled under his breath as he tried to calm himself down. “You know Corey, I think they want us all to die here. I think they want this entire world to get destroyed. Perhaps they want to see the humans dead so they have no one to deal with anymore. Perhaps the asteroids are their doing.”

“I doubt that Thomas,” Corey argued, starting up the main street in the way he had been going, “but it could be possible. Don’t rule anything out.” Corey paused and clapped his friend on the shoulder. “Calm down and get yourself a drink. Just cool down and wait for another day. You know another will come.”

Thomas nodded and started away from Corey. “You’re right. Well, I’m going to check to see how my family’s holding up with everything happening. Take care of yourself Corey. I’ll see you around later.”

“You take care of yourself too Thomas,” Corey called after his retreating friend. “And don’t do anything stupid.” Thomas smiled and nodded before disappearing around a nearby building.

2

Corey started down the main street again, buttoning up his coat against the icy wind and pulling the collar up around his neck. Fires burned around him and the remains of the asteroids still rolled down building and into the streets but people were beginning to clean them up. The easiest way to be rid of them was to toss them over the edge of the city and watch them pickup speed as they fell towards the planet’s surface. If anyone was down there, Corey felt sorry for him or her.

It didn’t seem that anyone needed help; besides, this shower had been lighter then the rest and nowhere near as deadly. Only a couple of rocks had fallen but none seemed to have caused too much damage. Corey knew where he was going and it was just around the next bend in the road.

Turning onto a side street, he was immediately engulfed by a current of wind that threatened to carry him away. Planting his boots on the stones and pushing forward with all his might let him start to move forward but only slowly. The problem with Dal-Farsin was that at its high altitude it had strong winds and heavy rains. If the winds and rains were strong and you were caught outside, your chances of being pushed over the city’s edge and falling towards the abyss below were quite strong. And there had been cases of it happening before so Corey didn’t ignore them as myths or fairy tales.

Looking up, Corey saw the brown sign, of The Ocean Fire tavern, swinging back and forth in the heavy wind. He approached the door of the small two-story building, grabbed the handle, and swung back with all his strength. The wind quieted a little and he stumbled into the dimly lit common room of the only good tavern in town.

With only a couple lights dimly lighting the small common room, it had a friendly atmosphere and a home-like quality that seemed to appeal well to Corey. Perhaps the fact that his parents were dead and his home was with his uncle had something to do with it. Square and round tables were scattered about the place with chairs surrounding them, and opposite the door at the back of the tavern was a stairwell that climbed to the second floor, which was railed and looked almost like the first floor. Against the right wall was the bar with the shelves of ale and alcohol behind it with stools lining the brown counter.

The wind slammed the door closed behind him and he started forward on shaky legs. “Hey, how you doing kid? Are you all right?” The bartender, who Corey had known almost all his life asked, leaning against the counter and wiping it off. Only a couple people sat around the tables of the tavern, either drinking or gambling or both.

“I’m doing just fine Russell,” Corey replied, unbuttoning his coat and stopping at the counter. “I wasn’t near any of the asteroids.” He paused and sighed heavily. “You know, I wish you wouldn’t call me kid. I’m twenty-two years ago.”

“Yeah, well I’m fifty-three so to me you’re still a kid,” Russell Talon answered, laughing. With short completely white hair, a hard face, and dark brown eyes, the man looked his age but anyone could see the knowledge hidden behind those dark eyes. “So what’ll it be kid?”

“Ah, just a mug of ale Russell,” Corey said, sighing. “I don’t really feel like anything else. I just need to think and rest. I’m tired of these damn asteroids falling. And you know the Tarnaxians aren’t going to do anything about it. They don’t care as long as they’re safe on Gal-Kilin and whatever other planets they’re on.”

“That talk won’t do you any good Corey,” Russell Talon said, pouring the mug of ale and passing it to Corey, who was taking out his money. Russell waved it away. “No, this one’s on me kid.” Corey nodded his thanks and picked up the mug. “That talk will only get you in trouble Corey, even if it is the truth. The Tarnaxians don’t appreciate talk about them, especially insults behind their backs. And look at the facts kid. They can do almost whatever they want to do. This is a world in their system, a world that they govern over, and we’re just here for show I guess. We have no high-tech starships for space travel but they do and they have much better technology then we will ever have.”

“I guess you’re right Russell,” Corey said, starting away from the counter and towards a table against the left wall. “But I don’t think it’s right that they sit around and watch us get killed by these asteroid showers that fall on us constantly. After all, I thought they were going to do something about it.”

Russell smiled and nodded. “They might still Corey. They might still.”

Corey fell into a seat facing the door and listened to the wind outside. As he slowly sipped his ale, with eyes fixed on the floor and deep in thought, he listened as the heavy rain began to fall onto the roof. Thunder rolled in the sky and the wind picked up. It would be a pain trying to get home in that weather but it wasn’t anything that he hadn’t done before.

Halfway through his ale, with the wind and rain heavier then ever, the door of the tavern swung open and two men walked in. Briefly looking around, their eyes fell on Corey and he knew that his life was about to change forever. He knew this even before the shorter man, a man still well over six feet, started his way.

3

“You are clear to land Wolf-Runner,” dock command replied. “And welcome to Heaven’s Veil.” The communicator cut off and the dock commander’s voice was gone. It was good to know that they were welcomed here, even if everything else went completely wrong.

The Wolf-Runner was a long heavily armored ship with four wings, branching off it at the middle to form anX. Each wing was tipped with a small plasma cannon and behind the wings were the four heavy engines, capable of bringing the ship into hyperspace with the help of the ship’s hyperspace module. The hull was constructed of strong metal and black and gray. The symbol on the ship’s side, adjacent its name, was a red wolf running with jaws wide and howling. The cockpit was located at the front of the ship and was glass on front and top for maximum view. On its underbelly was a rotating plasma cannon capable for fast action attacks.

“Soeren, I didn’t expect them to be so welcoming,” Otarra hissed suspiciously, eyeing the man with questioning eyes. “I don’t like it. I don’t think they really want us here. We should leave.”

Soeren laughed and spun in his chair to look at his friend. “We’re not turning around Otarra. We’re not leaving until I speak with my old friend and possibly get some answers from this place.” He paused and spun back in his chair until he was looking out over the clouds below. The ship was slowly descending through the clouds towards the docks of Heaven’s Veil below.

Captain Soeren Argo ran a hand through his short, spiked, graying black hair and then rubbed his unshaved face in frustration. He had never been to Heaven’s Veil but he had heard stories from his old friend, who he was actually here to see. His hard dark blue eyes studied the slowly dissipating clouds below them.

“Captain, we’re getting closer to the docks,” Otarra stated in his rough hissing voice. “Do you want me to start the landing procedure?”

Captain Argo shook his head. “No. I want you with me Otarra. Lt. Owens, I want you to land the ship while Otarra and I get ready to go out and start on our way. The sooner we find him, the sooner we can be back and be gone.”

“All right captain, I’m on it,” Lt. Skylar Owens replied, moving to the COM and taking control of the ship. Brushing long black wavy hair from her face, she took her seat and took control of the ship. Her dark brown eyes fixed on the sky outside as they neared the docks. “I’m taking her down captain. It might be a bit bumpy but I’ll have her down without a scratch.”

“All right Skylar,” Captain Argo answered, standing up,” you’re in charge of the ship while we’re gone. Take good care of her.” Both Soeren and Otarra started towards the door at the back of the bridge with heavy footfalls.

“How long will you guys be gone?” Skylar asked, briefly turning to see them. The three of them were the only ones that made up the crew of the Wolf-Runner. “We’re hitting a storm and I don’t think it’ll be all too smooth going down. It might be a pain getting her back up smoothly too. The sooner we can leave, the better captain.”

“Agreed,” Soeren said. “But we shouldn’t be gone too long Skylar. I hope to be back in the air by midnight. That gives us a couple of hours and that’s more then we need.” Skylar nodded as the two of them moved through the door and down the corridor.

Once down in the supply deck of the ship, with the doors waiting to be opened, Captain Argo buttoned up his high-necked dark brown leather coat and pulled his sunglasses over his eyes. A heavy pistol was at his side and another smaller one was holstered, hidden inside his coat.

Otarra regarded him with his black eyes and a wrinkled forehead. “Expecting trouble my friend?” His long black hair did a poor job of covering the two small horns on his head. Unlike the other two members of the crew, Otarra wasn’t human.

“I hope not but it never hurts to be prepared,” Soeren answered, smiling and crossing his arms over his chest. “I’ve never been here but I know Heaven’s Veil is governed by the Tarnaxians and you know that we’re not on good terms with their people.” Otarra grunted his laughter, completely agreeing. “So, let’s not hope for trouble and let’s not go looking for trouble.”

“That’s more of a warning for you captain, not me,” Otarra said, sheathing the black handled claymore on his back and pulling the long black trenchcoat over it. “I’m always prepared for such situations. But I don’t go looking for trouble willingly.” He holstered the pistol at his side and crossed his well-muscled arms. He stood at least eight feet tall, having two feet on the captain.

The intercom switched on and Skylar’s voice could soon be heard. “Hang on you two. This storm is stronger then we thought. We’ll be landing in a minute or two.” The intercom switched off and both Otarra and Soeren grabbed the wall as the ship began to rock violently back and forth. It soon settled and the engines cut off.

The sound of the heavy rain drumming at the hull soon subsided and then quieted. They were inside the docks and out of the storm’s way. The small door opened and the two men walked down the hallway and into the docks. The entire building was constructed of stone and no other ships were visible except Tarnaxian ships. It appeared that these humans had no starships of their own. It was hard to imagine that they had never been in space on their own ships before.

“Ah, let me be the first to welcome you to Heaven’s Veil,” a short man said, spreading his arms wide, as he approached them. “As you can see, we are very glad to have you here. It’s not often that we see other humans this far out, especially not in Tarnaxian space. We only see Tarnaxian ships and other merchant ships willing to trade. So, are you interested in any of our supplies here?”

Captain Argo shook his head. “No, we’re not exactly a merchant vessel. We didn’t come here to trade.” The short man recoiled slightly and frowned in disappointment. “I am Captain Soeren Argo of the Wolf-Runner and this is Otarra. I’m here to see an old friend of mine.”

“Oh, I see,” the short man said, allowing his frown to be replaced by a smile once again. “Well, we’re still glad to have you here. This way.” He motioned towards the direction he had come and turned. He started forward and they followed. “I’ll show you the way out.” He paused and glanced out a nearby window at the storm raging outside. They were moving down a wide corridor with other humans and taller Tarnaxians giving them sidelong glances of curiousness. “I’m sorry to say that you arrived at a bad time.”

“Really?” Captain Argo asked. “How so?”

“This storm is strong enough but about ten minutes ago the asteroids fell again,” the short man stated. He sighed and rubbed his head. “The Tarnaxians promised us that they’d take care of it but so far they’ve done nothing. So our lives are on the line every time the asteroids fall.”

Otarra started to open his mouth to ask about the asteroids but Soeren shook his head and frowned. Otarra fell silent and continued following the short man. Soeren would explain later but he didn’t want his friend saying anything at the moment.

“Ah, I see,” Soeren said, as they turned onto another wide corridor that ended with a large glass door that slid open to the heavily falling rains outside. “I’m sorry for your problem but I’m sure the Tarnaxians will take care of it.” The short man grunted but didn’t stop.

“This is where I send you on your way,” the short man said as they neared the sliding glass door. “I hope you enjoy your stay here in Dal-Farsin. I just need to know when you plan on leaving the docks.”

“As soon as possible,” Captain Argo replied, moving forward so the door would open. “We hope to be gone by midnight but possibly earlier.” The short man nodded, turned, and started away from them.

Captain Argo started out the door into the pouring rain but Otarra caught his arm with a heavy grunt. “Soeren, I would like to know something before we continue.” Soeren stopped, turned to face his friend, and nodded. “What’s going on here with these falling asteroids they’re talking about?”

“My friend has reported to me many times over the years,” Captain Argo started, “and he told me about these frequent asteroid showers. It appears that asteroids fall onto this world at times, when I don’t really know for sure, but these showers have caused much damage. And from what he said, one of these showers just fell on this world. It could mean that some damage has been done.”

“Thank you my friend,” Otarra said, stepping towards the door with Soeren following. “Let’s get out of this place once and for all.” Captain Argo nodded and the two of them started out the door into the heavily falling rain beyond.

The docks were located on the outer edge of the city so the ships would have enough room to dock. It was the largest building in Dal-Farsin and as soon as they left the docks they saw the city not too far off. Tarnaxian ships moved overhead, either docking or leaving.

Captain Argo pulled his coat closer around him as they started to jog up the rail-less road towards the city. It was a long way down, he could see as much, and he didn’t feel like seeing what was below. How the city floated in the air was a mystery to Soeren but he figured that as long as it stayed that way while he was there, he didn’t care. As long as it was stable, he wasn’t going to question it.

When the two men reached the main street of the city, Otarra asked, “Captain, where are we going?” He pulled his own coat closer around him, hiding the claymore from view even more but that didn’t matter. Captain Argo didn’t think anyone would attack Otarra once they saw his black eyes and muscled body.

“My friend said he would meet us in a tavern called The Ocean Fire,” Soeren replied, moving up the street quickly. “He said it was off the main street so here we are but I’m not seeing it.” Wiping rain from his face, Captain Argo spun trying to catch sight of the tavern. “Do you see it anywhere Otarra?”

“Not yet captain,” Otarra answered, moving away from the captain. “But I think we should head up the street a bit we might be able to…wait. Sir, I found it.” Captain Argo turned to follow his friend’s gaze. A narrow side street gave view of the sign bearing the name but it was only barely visible through the thickening rain.

“Ha, very good Otarra. We head that way.”

They ran up the street and soon Captain Argo felt the door handle in his grasp. He pushed the door open and stepped inside with Otarra following. The dimly lit common room of the tavern was small with tables and chairs scattered throughout the entire place. A stairwell was opposite the door and a bar was against the right wall. As soon as the door slammed closed behind them, Captain Argo’s eyes fell on the man behind the bar and he smiled.

Removing his sunglasses and slipping them into a coat pocket, Soeren said, “Russell, it’s good to see you again.” He ran a hand through his soaked hair and shook out his coat. He took a step towards the bar and shook Russell’s hand. “Damn good to see you again old friend. You remember Otarra, don’t you?”

Russell Talon held his hand out towards the black-eyed creature and smiled. “Of course. How could I forget Otarra? How you doing?” The tall creature nodded slightly and took Russell’s offered hand. “It’s good to see you again as well Otarra.” He turned back to Soeren and sighed. “So, are you here for what I think you’re here for?”

Captain Soeren Argo nodded. “Yeah, I’m here to see him.” He motioned towards the man sitting alone against the left wall. “Is that him?”

“Yes, that’s him,” Russell replied, looking over at the man. “I’ll get everyone out of here captain. Just give me a second, all right?” Captain Argo nodded.

Soeren started forward and Otarra followed. “No, you stay here. I don’t want to scare the kid and no offense, but I’m thinking that you might just do the trick.” Otarra nodded understandingly and moved over to the bar, taking a seat in the stool. But he kept a watchful eye on the captain and the young man.

Captain Argo approached the young man sitting at the table alone with his mug of ale. Stopping at the table and looking down at the young man with calm eyes he asked, “Mr. Melton?” The young man looked up at him curiously. “Ah, so you are Corey Melton. Good.”

“Yes, I’m Corey Melton,” the young man started, continually sipping his ale. “Why? Who are you? And what do you want with me?” The man leaned back in his seat and glanced up at Otarra and Russell suspiciously.

“Oh, don’t be alarmed Corey,” Soeren told him, turning briefly to see that both Otarra and Russell were still at the bar, both watching them. “My friend and I mean you no harm. We are not here to hurt you but we are here to offer you something. I am Soeren Argo, captain of the Wolf-Runner. And I’m here to make you an offer.”

“An offer?” Corey laughed, finishing off his ale and pushing the mug aside. “You know, it’s been a couple years since we last saw a human trader in these parts. Not many people make it to Heaven’s Veil and those who do never stay. It’s not exactly the best vacation spot. But I’m not interested in any supplies or products you might have for trade.”

“All right,” Russell yelled, clapping his hands together and starting around the corner of the bar, “everyone out. I’m closing early for the day. Everyone out, now!” With a couple protests from the people in the common room, Russell finally got them moving and then finally pushed out into the storm outside. After the last person had left, Russell Talon locked the tavern door and turned back to face Corey and Soeren. It was only the four of them now in the entire building.

Corey nodded and started to get up but Soeren caught his arm and gently pushed him back down in his seat. “No, you’re not going anywhere Corey.” Corey glanced up at Russell for help, for answers possibly, but Mr. Talon merely shrugged and crossed his arms. “Don’t look at him Corey, he can’t help you. Now you’re not going anywhere, understand?” Corey locked eyes with the captain and nodded forcefully. “Good. Now let me tell you something. I am not the captain of a merchant ship so I have no supplies for you and you will get nothing from me. I am the captain of a warship.”

Otarra and Russell moved to the table and stood over them, with arms crossed. As soon as they were there, Corey got his first sight of Otarra and recoiled in visible fear. “Russell what’s going on here? What does he want from me?”

“Nothing at all kid,” Russell reassured him, smiling weakly. “They just want to talk to you. Just hear them out and everything will be all right.”

Captain Argo laughed and said, “Don’t worry Corey. This is Otarra, a very good friend of mine.” The tall creature held out a hand to Corey, who took it and shook it. “Otarra is part of my crew. He is a Fallen from the planet Kalsan. There is no need to worry about him. He is a great warrior and wise man; he’ll protect you if need be.” He paused and regarded Corey seriously. “My ship is indeed a warship and we’re in a bit of a hurry. Russell’s an old friend of mine and he told me about Dal-Farsin and he told me about you. Like I said earlier, I’m here to offer you a job or an opportunity if you will.”

“I don’t understand…” Corey started uncertainly.

“…But you will soon enough,” Captain Argo finished for him. “Have you ever heard of the planet Maelstrom?” Corey shook his head with a questioning glance. “Maelstrom is a planet in the outer limits of the Storm of Winds galaxy, a name given to the galaxy by the human settlers on Maelstrom. It’s only a couple days journey from here…through hyperspace of course. But what if I told you that if you go here, you could stop the asteroid storms forever. What would you say to that?”

Corey was silent for a moment. He didn’t know what to say. “Um, I don’t really know. How is it possible? How can it be done?” He laughed nervously and shook his head. “You must be mistaken. I can’t stop the asteroid showers, no one can. Hell, I can’t stop them if I’m that far away.”

“But you can Corey,” Captain Argo insisted. “It can be done and I’ll tell you how.” He pulled a picture from his pocket and passed it to Corey. It was a picture of a large circular object orbiting a dark blue and purplish planet. “That structure, that vessel, is called the Storm of Winds. It’s not just the name of the galaxy but it is also the first time portal ever constructed. It is currently in orbit around Maelstrom and is owned and operated by the human settlers there. I have friends that operate it and I can travel through time. Anyone can travel through time at the wishes of the operators.”

“What does that mean?” Corey asked uncertainly with a sidelong glance, passing the picture back to Captain Argo. “I don’t know what any of this means. And I don’t know how that thing, that Storm of Winds is going to help me.”

“I’ll tell you what it means kid,” Captain Argo started again just as seriously. “I can’t stress it enough that I can take the Storm of Winds back into time. If you come with us, I can bring you back as far as you need to go. If you do this, you can put an end to the asteroid showers in the past. If you change the past, the present will be changed as well. You know this as well as I do and you can change it. You can be a hero among the people here on Heaven’s Veil. They will worship you like a God. Wouldn’t you want that Corey?”

The young man thought for a moment and then shook his head. “I don’t believe you. I don’t believe any of this. Time travel is impossible and everyone knows it.” He got up and started for the door.

Otarra caught the man’s arm. “Corey, you don’t know what you’re doing. You’re making a mistake. You’re making a big mistake. I know you want to help these people. I know you want to help your home planet. So don’t make a rash decision!”

“You don’t know what I want,” Corey snapped back angrily, ripping Otarra’s grip from his arm. “I don’t believe any of this! You have no right to say what I want and what I don’t want! I don’t want to talk with any of you about this anymore!”

“Just think about it kid,” Russell urged, meeting Corey’s gaze.

“I don’t need to,” Corey quickly answered, moving to the door and unlocking it. “I made up my mind already. The answer’s no and you all know it! Thank you very much for your offer, captain.” He inclined his head and then nodded towards the Fallen. “Otarra.” He opened the door and stalked out into the pouring rain furiously.

“Damn it!” Soeren yelled, slamming his fist down on the table and standing up. “Damn that man and his beliefs. He’s a foolish child! He doesn’t know what he’s doing; he doesn’t know what he’s passing up! Someone needs to pound it into his head.” He rubbed his forehead and sighed. “All right. We might be here a little longer then expected.”

“No problem there captain,” Otarra stated. “It might be dangerous to lift off in this storm anyway. I don’t think Skylar wants to navigate in this kind of weather. If we do, we might be putting all our lives in danger.”

Captain Argo nodded. “You’re right Otarra, like always. All right. Russell, are you packed and ready to leave?”

His old friend nodded, never breaking his study of the two other men in the common room of the tavern. “Yeah, I’m ready to go Soeren. But I sure am going to miss this place. It’s been my home for so long; it’s been my job for so long that I don’t know what to do. To tell you the truth Soeren, I don’t know if I’m ready to be back on a warship.” He shrugged and smiled.

Captain Argo laughed and clapped his friend on the shoulder. “Don’t tell me that now old friend. I hope you’re ready to go because I need you on my crew. And don’t tell me you’re not ready to be back in my crew Russell. You were the best assassin I had during the Tor-Daldrin War. I need you back in my crew Russell.”

“And I’m ready to be back Soeren,” Mr. Talon replied. “And I’m ready to leave this placed behind. Heaven’s Veil might be a living hell but it was my home and it’s a bit harder to leave. But Corey better be willing to save this world or we’ll just find someone else.”

“We can’t find anyone else Russell and of all people you know that,” Soeren said, slowly walking to the door. “All right. Russell, get your things and follow Otarra back to the ship. I’ll go after Corey and get him to change his mind. Enough words will make him see things our way. Besides, I’m a soldier. I have ways of making people change their minds.” He smiled and opened the door.

“No Soeren, wait!” Russell called, moving towards his old friend. “I don’t want you going after him Soeren.” The captain gave him a troubled, questioning glance without having to open his mouth. Captain Argo stopped with the tavern door propped open, allowing the sounds of the storm to leak in. “I’ll go after the kid.” He stepped forward and lowered his voice. “I don’t want you hurting him. Listen, my things are upstairs; I don’t have much. Why don’t you and Otarra grab them and get back to the ship. Get her ready. I’ll get the kid and meet you there. All right?”

Soeren sighed and glanced uncertainly at Otarra. “Very well. But don’t be too long. We need to get back into the air as soon as possible.” Russell nodded and headed through the open doorway out into the raging storm. Captain Argo started towards the stairs with Otarra following him.

As Russell Talon walked out onto the main street of Dal-Farsin, with the rain pounding down on him, he opened his long black coat and un-holstered the plasma pistol swinging in the holster over his shoulder.

Cocking the pistol, with a little click from the weapon, Russell whispered sadly, “Kid, you’re more trouble then I thought. If you won’t make the decision, then I’ll make it for you!” Letting the pistol fall to his side, Russell turned in the direction of Corey’s uncle’s house. He turned in the direction that he knew Corey would be heading.

Corey skid to a stop once he turned the corner that brought him a good view of his uncle’s house, a place that he had called his home for almost his entire life. It was a place that, although he didn’t feel exactly at home, he did feel peaceful and save there. And now all that comfort and security was gone. It was all hidden beneath the rumble of his uncle’s home.

Corey rubbed rain from his face and ran his hand through his hair. With wide eyes, blinking unbelievingly at the destruction of his uncle’s home, Corey lifted his head upward and screamed into the sky. He slowly started forward on quivering legs, threatening to give way at any moment, and directed his movement towards the burning remains of the once stone building.

The asteroid had broken up upon contact with the structure and now lay in many pieces around the house, burning away at the remains of stone and wood that surrounded it. A sizzling and crackling reached his ears as he neared the house and stepped into the threshold or rather the remains of the threshold.

It didn’t take him long to find the two charred bodies resting beneath the asteroid. Tears welled up in his eyes at the sight of his aunt and uncle’s dead bodies. To believe that his world was falling apart around him, again, was enough to kill him inside. When his parents died, he fell into darkness that he never thought he’d be able to recover from and over the years, his recovery had been slow but steady. And now, still not fully recovered, Corey Melton fell into a deeply darkness that the didn’t even know existed inside him. To know that his only remaining family was dead, murdered by these damned asteroid showers, was as if he had died as well.

Corey didn’t need to see anymore. With tears slowly rolling down his cheeks, he turned and headed back out of the threshold and onto the small stairwell that led into the destroyed house. The heavily falling rain, which had soaked him to the bone, was slowly battling the burning asteroid but it looked as if more then a heavy rain would be needed to conquer that demon flame.

The young man fell to a sitting position on the top stair and let his head hang in the pouring rain. The wind picked up again and ruffled his coat, so he pulled it closer around him and sighed heavily, wiping tears and rain from his face. It was no good. More tears quickly took the others placed and he gave up at wiping at his eyes. His world had just crashed down around him and he didn’t know what to do anymore.

The wind died and then quickly picked up again, bringing a sudden gust that seemed to pass right through him. It entered his left ear and as soon as the unbearable pain struck his brain, a pain that he had first felt fourteen years ago, he lifted his head and screamed in agonizing pain. His ear began to itch as a small trickle of blood started to leak out of it. He wiped it away and held his head painfully.

“Corey.”

The young man bounded to his feet and started away from the ruined house in confusion. With one eye half closed in pain and his head throbbing, Corey didn’t know what to do or what to believe. He re-leashed his throbbing head and suddenly saw the man standing in the pouring rain and recognized him immediately.

“What are you doing here?”

Russell Talon stopped about ten feet away from Corey and hid his hands behind his back, as if he was standing in a royal ballroom, not a street in the pouring rain. “I’m here to talk to you Corey. You stormed out of the tavern in a hurry and I wasn’t really able to talk to you. You didn’t really give anyone any time to talk to you. So here I am.”

“There’s nothing to talk about,” Corey said forcefully. “I told you all that I’m not interested in it! Why can’t you take no for an answer?” He paused and tilted his head questioningly. “Why are you on their side Russell? What do they want from me?”

“Corey, they want someone to save this world and you were the choice. I was protecting you all these years and now it’s your time to protect this world. We couldn’t find anyone else.”

Mr. Melton gave Russell a questioning glance through the rain. “Russell, why are you helping them? You’re helping them try to talk me into going. Russell, this isn’t who you are. Don’t do this.” His gaze locked with the tavern owner’s and they merely stared at each other in silence for a couple minutes.

Russell sighed and laughed. “This isn’t who I am?” He mocked angrily. “Let me tell you something kid. I’m not supposed to be here; I’m not who you think I am. I’m not just the locate tavern owner Corey! You have to realize that!”

“Then who are you…really?”

Russell laughed and brought the heavy gun out from behind his back and aimed it at Corey. “I’m not who you think I am kid. I’m one of Captain Argo’s crewmembers and the Wolf-Runner is my true home. I’m an assassin in Soeren’s crew. And I’m only on Heaven’s Veil to protect you and see that nothing happens to you Corey. And that’s exactly why I’m once again joined Soeren’s crew. And guess what, you’re coming with me. I’m here to bring you to the ship Corey. You’re going with us whether you like it or not. You’re the only person who can save this world.”

“You just don’t take no for an answer, do you?”

“Kid this isn’t wise. I have a weapon and I’m very skilled at it. I don’t want to hurt you but I’ll do whatever it takes to get you on that ship. Now let’s go!”

“Don’t worry Russell,” Corey reassured the man, turning to look at the burning remains of the house for the final time. He turned back to face Russell, sighed, and repeated, “Don’t worry Russell. I’m going with you no matter what. My life is over here Russell. Everyone I ever cared for is dead; all my family is dead! I have no reason to stay. So, fine, let’s get going. I don’t want to keep Captain Argo waiting longer then he has too. I understand that we need to get into the air as soon as possible. I know that this storm will be a pain to advance in.”

“Good,” Russell answered, smiling. He lowered the gun and holstered it once again in the holster swinging from his shoulder. “I knew you’d finally see the importance of this Corey. And don’t worry kid. Captain Argo will explain more, much more, once we get into space and into hyperspace. Don’t worry, there’ll be nothing to it kid.” He turned and started down the street. “Come one kid, follow me. Hurry!”

Corey nodded and jogged after the former tavern owner with sadness weighing down his eyes and a painful throbbing echoing in his head. His left ear was still bleeding, slowly now, but it was still bleeding and the pain was not subsiding quickly.

Corey and Russell turned onto the main street and started a quickened jog, side by side, down the street towards the docks. The older man’s once gentle face seemed to be suddenly carved of stone and Corey’s face was full and pain and confusion, perhaps even worry. The fires from the recent asteroid shower still burned fully, despite the pouring rain as if they were fires from the depths of Hell.