Luke: Jaxom
Leia: Lessa
Han: F’lar
Chewbacca: Mnementh (duh.)
Obi-Wan Kenobi: N’ton
Darth Vader: Fax
Uncle Owen: Lytol
C-3PO: Menolly (But she’s not a droid. She’s still human and all that.)
R2D2: Gold Beauty, Bronze Rocky, Bronze Diver, Bronze Poll, Brown Brownie, Brown Lazy Bones, Brown Mimic, Blue Uncle, Green Auntie One, and (finally) Green Auntie Two.
Lando Calrissian: F’nor (Weird. I like F’nor, but am not enamored with Lando. Eh, I’ll work it out.)
Jabba the Hutt: R’gul (Not really a fair assessment of R’gul, but I needed someone who kinda picked on poor F’lar. *snuggles F’lar plushie*)
Emperor Palpatine: Meron (I dunno, I just feel like I casted this part badly. I mean, I just get the feeling that Fax could kick Meron’s ass any day of the week. And maybe he can. And maybe that’s the point. Or maybe I’m reading way too much into this.)
Wedge Antilles: F’lessan (Yes, somehow, Lessa and F’lar have had a child when they haven’t even met yet. Hey, it’s as logical as Lessa and Jaxom being twins when she’s twenty years older than him.)
Biggs Darklighter: Sebell
Yoda: D’ram
Rieekan: Master Robinton
Grand Moff Tarken: Sifer (Sifer was icky, right? I forget….)
Greedo: S’lel (S’lel gets fried! Yes!)
Boba Fett: T’kul
Admiral Piett: Asgenar (I really like Piett^^ God knows why.)
General Veers: Banger
Dack: C’gan (they both have minor roles and die off early. Perfect match.)
Well, let’s get this over with.
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far, away...
The title suddenly appears in front of a vast sea of stars. It says “Dragon Wars,” as a fanfare plays. Slowly, a roll up crawls through the screen.
Dragon Wars
Episode IV
A New Hope
It is a period of civil war. Rebel spaceships and dragons, striking from a hidden base, have won their first victory against the Galactic Empire.
During the battle, Rebel spies managed to steal secret plans to the
Empire's ultimate weapon, the Red Star, an armored space station
with enough power to destroy an entire planet
Pursued by the Empire's sinister agents, Weyrwoman Lessa races home
aboard her starship, her dragon, Golden Ramoth, on board, custodian of the stolen plans that can save her
people and restore freedom to the galaxy...
The massive, yellow planet of Igen shifts into the foreground as the text slowly fades from sight (For reasons I cannot explain, Lytol is raising Jaxom in Igen. Don’t like it, tough.) A reasonably small Rebel ship is seen racing away and firing at its massive, approaching opponent, the huge Imperial Star Dragon. It looks like the Rebels are loosing. Badly.
Inside the Rebel craft, troops are rushing around the corridors, and a young, red-headed girl is seen moving anxiously around the halls, trailed by a full fair of ten fire-lizards. The Imperials find their mark and the ship rocks, slamming the girl into the wall. Grumbling, she peels herself off of it, and shoos away the nervous flitts. Another blast catches her attention, and she speaks to the nervous Queen on her shoulder.
MENOLLY
Did you hear that? They've shut down the main reactor. We'll
be destroyed for sure. This is madness!
She quickly doges to the side as more soldiers spill into the corridor. She does not notice that her Gold has detached herself from her shoulder and betweened somewhere else. She is busily chatting to her Bronze Rocky.
MENOLLY
We’re doomed!
Bronze Diver coos sympathetically, and she sighs, scratching his eye ridges.
MENOLLY
They’ll be no escape for the Weyrwoman this time.
A sudden grating noise occurs, and she shivers.
MENOLLY
What’s that?
Outside the space craft, we see the Imperial Star Dragon attach itself to the smaller craft, preparing to board it. Several clanking noises issue around the ship, and the troops fall into attack position, blasters raised nervously. Menolly’s fire lizards try and find the best place for her to hide herself, but aren’t doing a very good job of it. Suddenly, the shield doors open, and large band of Storm Troopers enter. Blaster fire ensues, and soon the whole corridor is ablaze with it. Several soldiers, mostly Rebels, are killed in the ensuing chaos. Menolly covers her head and makes a run for it as her flitts chatter agitatedly.
MENOLLY
I should have known better than to trust the logic of half-sized, stupid, worthless little-
She stops short when she realizes Beauty is missing, and begins a frantic search for her.
On the planet of Igen, we can see a young man, dark haired, light eyed, working on a moisture vaporator. His name is Jaxom, and his runt white dragon is Ruth. He’s wearing baggy white clothing in the hot, sun bleached dessert, and his small, white dragon is sunning himself nearby, wings spread so that the light silhouettes the veins. A sudden, bright point of light in the sky catches his attention, and he pauses from his work, blinking. Finally, he rushes over to his dragon, rummaging in the bags that are strapped to the petite, white neck. He grabs a small distance viewer and focuses it on the point. (You’re gonna ruin your eyes doing that.) He puts the viewer back in the pouch and quickly mounts the sleeping dragon. He tightens his flying straps, verbally spurring his partner awake.
JAXOM
Hurry up! Come on, what are you waiting for, Ruth? Let’s go!
Groggily, Ruth wakes up and rises from the dessert sands, flapping his wings in his Rider’s chosen direction.
Back in the space ship, the tall, black clad Lord Fax strides into the captured vessel, looking distastefully around him. His face is obscured by his oxygen mask (I guess F’lar really did a number on him….) and he flicks his black, flowing cape behind him as he walks. Several troops back away instinctively, and numerous Rebel soldiers break out into a panicked run.
In another part of the ship, nearby where Menolly is busily searching for Beauty, we see a white cloaked figure – definitely feminine – stroke the Golden flitt on her forearm, who is obviously Beauty. The woman, Weyrwoman Lessa of Benden and Ruatha, is whispering hurried instructions to the large bulk of her Queen dragon, Ramoth.
LESSA
Okay, Ramoth, tell her.
There is a rumble from the dragon as she obeys, transferring some message to the fire lizard, who is much like a smaller version of herself. Satisfied that the message has been successfully conveyed, she shoos the flitt from her arm, nervously tucking herself next to Ramoth.
Coming toward the hidden room and down the corridor is Menolly, still looking for Beauty. In the background the screams of doomed and dying rebel soldiers can be heard, making both Lessa and Menolly shiver.
MENOLLY
Beauty! Beauty, where are you?
Finally, Menolly catches sight of Beauty, who is rushing down the hall and toward the escape hatches.
MENOLLY
At last! Where have you been?
She begins to follow her fire lizard as she races down the corridor, trembling at the sound of Storm Troopers marching in their path.
MENOLLY
They're heading in this direction. What are we going to do?
We'll be sent to the mines of Crom or smashed into who knows
what! Wait a minute, where are you going?
Back in the main corridor, Lord Fax is standing among the twisted and broken bodies, interrogating a Rebel officer by dangling him by his neck. As he does so, an Imperial Officer rushes up to him.
IMPERIAL OFFICER
The Red Star plans are not in the main computer.
Fax slowly squeezes his victim’s neck, who begins to struggle a bit more, dangling from the ground.
FAX
Where are those transmissions you intercepted?
REBEL OFFICER
We intercepted no transmissions. Aaah....This is a
Weyr ship. We’re on a diplomatic mission.
FAX
If this is Weyr ship, then where is the Weyrwoman?
The Rebel officer keeps his jaws tightly shut, refusing to budge. In frustration, Fax snaps his neck, tossing the limp body to the side. He angrily wheels on his own men, barking orders.
FAX
Commander, tear this ship apart until you've found those plans
and bring me the Weyrwoman. I want her alive!
Obediently, Storm Troopers and officers scurry into sub-hallways. It isn’t long before they start looking in Lessa’s small alcove. Ramoth terrifies a few of the men into fleeing, and jealously protects her Rider, and Lessa clips a few more Storm Troopers. However, it is a doomed, if heroic, last stand, and they eventually have her cornered. They fire a blast and stun her, knocking her out. Then, of course, there’s the problem of actually getting to her, what with a forty foot odd mass of irate Golden dragon in the way……They finally manage to drag the Weyrwoman away from her hysterical dragon, and begin to prod her to make sure she isn’t hurt.
STORM TROOPER
She’ll be all right. Inform Lord Fax that we have a prisoner.
Back with Menolly and her fire lizards, Beauty has flown into one of the escape pods and settled in comfortably.
MENOLLY
Hey, you're not permitted in there. It's restricted. You'll get us into trouble!
She cheeps something, and Menolly indignantly responds:
MENOLLY
Don’t call me a mindless Harper, you overweight ball of scales! Now come out of there before someone sees you.
The Gold fire lizard peeps something else, and a few of the members of Menolly’s fair are beginning to follow her in there.
MENOLLY
Secret mission? What plans? What are you talking about? I'm
not getting in there!
The sound of Storm Troopers rushing down the hall way, however, makes her quickly change her mind, and she rushes into the escape hatch, followed by the rest of her fair.
MENOLLY
I'm going to regret this.
They detach from the ship, but not without the notice of the officers on board the Star Dragon.
OFFICER
There goes another one!
CAPTAIN
Hold your fire. It must have short circuited.
Inside the pod, Menolly is absolutely covered in terrified flitts. She gazes out the window to try and reassure herself.
MENOLLY
That's funny, the damage doesn't look as bad from out here.
Poll meeps something that sounds affirmative.
MENOLLY (to Beauty)
Are you sure this thing is safe?
Back on Igen we see Jaxom rushing by the streets of a small city, toward a small holding, a mere speck in the distance. He and Ruth nearly collide with an old woman, and she shakes an angry fist at him.
WOMAN
I've told you kids to slow down!
He ignores her, and Ruth slowly back wings into the holding’s yard, allowing Jaxom to get off. He bursts through the doors, yelling wildly. He begins tearing about the hold, before entering an office, looking for something, before finally noticing a young man – slightly older than himself – waiting with a smirk of good natured-ness behind the desk.
JAXOM
You’ll never believe what I- Sebell?
His surprise gives way to joyous emotion and they quickly and fondly embrace.
JAXOM
I didn’t know you were back! When did you get in?
SEBELL
Just now. I wanted to surprise you, hot shot. I thought you'd be
here...certainly didn't expect you to be out working.
He laughs and Jaxom claps him on the back.
JAXOM
The Harper Hall didn’t change you much. But you’re back so soon? What happened? Didn’t get your commission?
Sebell’s air of ultra cool seems a little phony, but Jaxom takes it warmly and happily.
SEBELL
Of course I did! Journeyman Harper Sebell, at your service! I just came to say goodbye to all of you simpletons stuck out here.
Jaxom laughs as his friend salutes, but then remembers what he came back to the hold for.
JAXOM
I almost forgot. There's a battle going on! Right here in our
system. Come and look!
SEBELL
Not again. Forget it!
Jaxom prods him outside anyway, despite Sebell’s groaning. The sudden sun forces him to shade his eyes, and the young DragonRider quickly hands him his distance viewer, pointing up at the bright spots of light up in the deep blue sky.
SEBELL
That's no battle, hot shot...they're just sitting there!
Probably a freighter-tanker refueling.
JAXOM
But there was a lot of firing going on earlier…..
Sebell chuckles and flips the distance viewer back to his friend, heading back inside. Jaxom awkwardly catches it, but only just.
JAXOM
Hey, easy with that!
SEBELL
Don’t worry about it, wherry hen! I keep telling you, the Rebellion is a long way from here. I
doubt if the Empire would even fight to keep this system. Believe me, Jaxom, this planet is a big hunk of nothing...
Jaxom reluctantly agrees, sadly following his best friend – aside from his dragon – inside. He looks up wistfully at the silver specs once more before sighing, defeated.
Back on board the rebel ship, a now fully awakened Weyrwoman is lead roughly down the corridors, cruelly pushed when she doesn’t keep pace with the swift Storm Troopers. They stop once they reach the still smoking hallway where Lord Fax is, and she sneers contemptuously at him.
LESSA
Lord Fax, I should have known. Only you could be so bold. The
Weyrs will not sit for this, when they hear you've attacked
a diplomatic-
FAX
Don't play games with me, Your Highness. You weren't on any
mercy mission this time. You passed directly through a restricted
system. Several transmissions were beamed to this ship by Rebel spies.
I want to know what happened to the plans they sent you.
LESSA
I don’t know what you’re talking about! I’m the Benden Weyrwoman on a diplomatic mission to Ruatha.
FAX
You are a part of the Rebel Alliance and a traitor! Take her away!
Lessa is once more forcefully shoved down the hall way, head held high. A commander falls into step with Lord Fax as he begins walking again.
COMMANDER
Holding her is dangerous. If word of this gets out, it
could generate sympathy for the Rebellion in the conclave.
FAX
I have traced the Rebel spies to her. Now she is my only link to find their secret base!
COMMANDER
She’ll die before she’ll tell you anything!
FAX
Leave that to me. Send a distress signal and inform the Weyrs that all on board were killed.
A young officer rushes up to the pair, saluting nervously.
OFFICER
Lord Fax, the battle station plans are not aboard
this ship! And no transmissions were made. An escape pod was
jettisoned during the fighting, but the deck officers believe it was just a malfunction.
FAX
She must have hidden the plans in the escape pod. Send a
detachment down to retrieve them. See to it personally, Commander.
There'll be no one to stop us this time.
He strikes an impressive pose, saying the last sentence to the screen, one fist raised ominously.
COMMANDER
Um…Sir? Who are you talking to?
Fax seems to remember where he is and breaks the dramatic pose.
FAX
Right, um…..line!
From off stage, Shadow13 shouts.
SHADOW13
See to it personally, Commander!
FAX
Right, right. See to it personally, Commander. There’ll be no one to stop us this time.
COMMMANDER
Yes, sir.
He dutifully exits.
Out in the wasteland deserts of Igen, we see Menolly’s crashed escape pod as she stumbled around in the sand outside of it, her fair flocking about nervously.
MENOLLY
How did I get into this mess? I really don't know how. We
seem to be made to suffer. It's our lot in life.
Brownie answers with a peeping sound.
MENOLLY
I've got to rest before I fall apart. My joints are almost
frozen.
Her fire lizards land on any unoccupied space on her as she sits on a craggy rock. Mimic rubs his head against her cheek comfortingly, and she sighs, petting his soft head.
Beauty takes off from Menolly’s shoulder, and the rest of the flitts hurriedly follow. Weakly standing, she begins to follow, confused.
MENOLLY
Where are you going?
Lazy Bones gives a reply
MENOLLY
But I don’t want to go that way! It's much too rocky. This way
is much easier.
Uncle gives a short sound.
MENOLLY
What makes you think there are settlements over there?
Auntie One trumpets
MENOLLY
Don’t get technical with me!
Auntie Two wails for her to hurry up, and Beauty adds something in.
MENOLLY
What mission? What are you talking about? I’ve had just about enough of you!
Beauty adds a second, sad thought, and Menolly tries to remain stubborn.
MENOLLY
No more adventures! I’m not going that way.
Her fair continues to head in that same direction, however, and she begins to give chase as well, relenting.
As they walk, Menolly catches sight of a trader caravan in the distance, and begins to flag them down. She grabs Rocky and has him send a message: Hey! Help! Over here! The caravan starts heading that way.
Back at the hold with Jaxom and Sebell, Jaxom is relaying his own recent adventures to his friend over a draft of ale.
JAXOM
….So I told Ruth to go in low, and he just sort of swooped down right in front of the heard! They scampered back as if there were fire on their tails! As it was, Uncle Lytol was pretty upset. He grounded me for the rest of the month! You should have been there….It was fantastic…..
SEBELL
You ought to take it easy, Jaxom. You may be the best DragonRider this side of Rukbat, but your little White is dangerous! Keep it up, and one day you’ll be a dark spot on a canyon wall!
JAXOM
Look who's talking. Now that you've been around those giant
dragons you're beginning to sound like my uncle. You've gotten soft
in the Hall…
SEBELL
I’ve missed ya, kid.
JAXOM
Well, things haven’t been the same since you left. Everything is so….quiet.
Sebell takes a quick look around him and pulls Jaxom to the most secluded part of the room, whispering very softly.
SEBELL
Jaxom, I didn't come back just to say good-bye...I shouldn't
tell you this, but you're the only one I can trust...and if I don't
come back, I want somebody to know
Jaxom’s eyes grow very wide, and he looks confused.
JAXOM
What are you talking about?
SEBELL
I made some friends at the Hall… when our
frigate goes to one of the central systems, we're going to jump ship
and join the Alliance...
Jaxom is stunned speechless, which doesn’t last. In a moment, he is loudly protesting.
JAXOM
Join the Rebellion? Are you kidding? How!
Sebell angrily jerks Jaxom’s collar, bringing him back down to a whispering level.
SEBELL
Quiet down, will ya! You’ve got a mouth bigger than a dragon.
Jaxom whispers apologetically.
JAXOM
I'm sorry. I'm quiet. Listen how quiet I am. You
can barely hear me...
SEBELL
My friend has a friend in Benden who might help us make contact.
JAXOM
You’re crazy! You could wander around forever and never find them.
SEBELL
I know it's a long shot, but if I don't find them I'll do what
I can on my own...It's what we always talked about. Jaxom, I'm not
going to wait for the Empire to draft me into service. The Rebellion
is spreading and I want to be on the right side -- the side I believe
in.
JAXOM
And I’m stuck here…..
SEBELL
I thought you were going to the Harper Hall next term? You’ll get your chance to get off this rock.
JAXOM
Not likely! I had to cancel my application. There has been a lot
of unrest among the Felines since you left...they've even attacked
the outskirts of Igen Weyr.
SEBELL
Your uncle could hold off a whole pride of Felines with one blaster.
JAXOM
I know, but he’s got enough vaporators going to make the place pay off. He needs me for just one more season. I can’t leave him.
SEBELL
I feel for you, Jaxom, you're going to have to learn what seems
to be important or what really is important. What good is all your
uncle's work if it's taken over by the Empire?...You know they're
starting to nationalize commerce in the central systems...it won't be
long before your uncle is merely a tenant, slaving for the greater
glory of the Empire.
JAXOM
It couldn't happen here. You said it yourself. The Empire won't
bother with this rock.
SEBELL
Things always change.
JAXOM
I wish I was going. Are you going to be here long?
SEBELL
No, I’m leaving in the morning.
JAXOM
Then I guess I won’t see you….
SEBELL
Maybe someday….I’ll keep a lookout.
JAXOM
Well, I'll be at the Hall next season...after that who knows.
I won't be drafted into the Imperial Dragonfleet that's for sure...Take
care of yourself, you'll always be the best friend I've got.
A rumble from outside makes both men laugh.
JAXOM
Besides Ruth, anyway.
Smiling, Sebell gives Jaxom a strong handshake, before reluctantly letting go.
SEBELL
So long, Jaxom.
Sebell gets up from where they’ve been sitting, and walks out the hold doors. Jaxom watches him sadly, and when he’s sure that his friend is gone, goes back to Ruth for comfort. The White dragon nuzzles him, and Jaxom scratches his eye ridges, sighing both sadly and wistfully.
Back where Menolly crash landed, Imperial Storm Troopers have arrived, hunting around, looking for clues.
STORM TROOPER OFFICER
There was someone in the pod. The tracks go off in this direction.
A storm trooper points to small claw marks in the sand.
STORM TROOPER
Look, sir! Flitts!
Back at the trader caravan, we can see a rather irritated Menolly bouncing along inside the cart, shackled and chained to the post. Her fire lizards swoop mournfully about her head, sighing. As she begins to try and drift off to sleep, Diver alerts to the fact that the caravan is stopping. Surprised, she is unchained from the poll, though still shackled, and herded off the cart. They’ve stopped outside of the remote holding Jaxom shares with his uncle, Lytol. The older, stern man stops in front of Menolly, examining her carefully.
LYTOL
You, I supposed you were trained at the Harper Hall?
Menolly’s chain is given a viscous yank when she refuses to answer, and she reluctantly responds.
MENOLLY
Yes, sir, it’s what I do best.
Lytol motions for Jaxom to look at the other merchandise, as he shakes his head.
LYTOL
I have no need for a Harper.
MENOLLY
Of course you haven’t, sir. Not in an environment such as this. But I’m also skilled in-
LYTOL
What I need is someone who is willing to work my moisture vaporators.
MENOLLY
I’ve done that before!
Lytol does not pick up on the lie, and at this point, Menolly is desperate to be bought at a relatively safe holding, rather than the more raucous ones she knows await her if she doesn’t stay here.
LYTOL
And I suppose you can use your fire lizards to send messages?
She nods mutely, and Lytol waves Jaxom back, who smiles winningly at her.
LYTOL
Okay, we’ll take her. Jaxom, clean her up and settle her in before dinner.
Jaxom is quickly protesting
JAXOM
But I was going down to-
LYTOL
You can waste time with your friends when your chores are done.
Now come on, get to it!
Jaxom takes the proffered chain grudgingly, motioning for Menolly to follow him.
JAXOM
All right, come on.
Jaxom leads Menolly into a spare room, trying to find clothes for her, and looking for some meat for the creeling flitts in a small fridge unit in the room. He points her in the direction of the bathing room, and has everything assembled once she comes out, freshly changed, and patting down her wet hair, rubbing at the new collar around her neck.
MENOLLY
Thank Faranth! I was so stiff I could barely move.
Jaxom isn’t listening, and is sitting poutingly in a chair, scratching at Poll’s eye ridges.
JAXOM
It just isn't fair. Oh, Sebell is right. I'm never gonna get out
of here!
MENOLLY
Is there anything I might do?
JAXOM
Well, not unless you can alter time, speed up the harvest, or between me off this rock.
MENOLLY
I don't think so, sir. I'm only a Harper and not very
knowledgeable about such things. Not on this planet, anyways. As a
matter of fact, I'm not even sure which planet I'm on.
JAXOM
Well, if there’s a bright center to the universe, you’re on the planet it’s farthest from.
But despite himself, Jaxom is beginning to smile, which lightens Menolly’s mood as well.
MENOLLY
I see, sir.
JAXOM
Uh, you can call me Jaxom.
MENOLLY
I see, Sir Jaxom.
Now he can’t help but burst out laughing.
JAXOM
Just Jaxom.
Outside, the White dragon rumbles.
JAXOM
Ruth says “Hi,” too.
Menolly’s eyes go wide.
MENOLLY
You have a dragon? My name’s Menolly. That’s Beauty, Rocky, Diver, Poll, Brownie, Mimic, Lazy Bones, Uncle, Auntie One, and Auntie Two.
JAXOM
Hi! Yeah, it was an accident when Uncle Lytol took me to visit Benden Weyr once. Boy, was he ever furious!
MENOLLY
Furious? About what?
JAXOM
I don’t know! He never tells me anything! Maybe it’s because Ruth’s a runt and all that….
MENOLLY
A runt dragon?
JAXOM
Yeah, mutation. White, but the people I’ve talked to says he was supposed to be Blue.
MENOLLY
That’s amazing!
JAXOM
You’re not so ordinary yourself. I mean, ten fire lizards? A drudge with Harper Hall training? What on earth are you doing out here?
MENOLLY
Oh, that’s a long story. Sometimes I think it’s a miracle I’m still alive, what with the Rebellion and all.
Outside, Ruth bugles, and Jaxom nearly jumps out of his skin.
JAXOM
You know of the Rebellion against the Empire?
MENOLLY
That’s how we came to be in your service, if you take my meaning.
JAXOM
How many battles have you been in?
MENOLLY
Several, I think….There’s not much to tell, I’m afraid. I’m not much more than a WeyrSinger for the Weyrwoman, and don’t know too many stories about anything.
Suddenly, Beauty has become quite agitated at the mention of the Weyrwoman, and Menolly can’t calm her down.
JAXOM
Hold on, flitts like Ruth; I’ll see if he can help.
The dragon tries to calm the Gold down, but is only sent a small portion of an interesting message instead.
RUTH
That’s odd.
JAXOM
What’s odd, Ruth?
He sends him a short image of a beautiful woman and a massive Queen dragon, before relaying what the woman is saying.
RUTH
“Help me, BronzeRider N’ton. You’re my only hope!”
Jaxom is breathless, and Menolly is catching the same fragment of the message as well.
JAXOM
What’s this?
The fire lizard chirps innocently
MENOLLY
What is what?!? He asked you a question! What’s that?
The flitt gives a small little chirp of naivety, and Menolly translates.
MENOLLY
She says it’s nothing, Jaxom. Old message, pay it no mind. Only, I don’t remember ever having seen it before….
Jaxom sighs like a the love sick farm boy he is (*head smack*)
JAXOM
Who is she? She’s beautiful!
MENOLLY
I’m afraid I’m not quite sure. I think she was a passenger on our last voyage. A person of
some importance, sir -- I believe. Our captain was attached to-
JAXOM
Is there any more of this message?
He reaches out and tries to get Beauty to perch on his forearm, but she angrily flies away, hissing rudely. Jaxom draws his hand back reluctantly.
MENOLLY
Behave yourself, Beauty. You're going to get us in trouble.
It's all right, you can trust him. He's my new master.
The Gold chirps with a hint of an apology, but quickly relays a message.
MENOLLY
She says it’s a private message for my real master, BronzeRider N’ton. Quite frankly, sir, I don’t know what she’s talking about. The last person I did any real service for was BronzeRider F’lessan, but with what we’ve been through, this little Queen has become a little eccentric.
The fire lizard snaps back indignantly, obviously protesting that she is nothing of the sort, and Jaxom smiles a little.
JAXOM
BronzeRider N’ton? I wonder if she means old Naton……
MENOLLY
I beg your pardon, sir, but do you know what she's talking
about?
JAXOM
I don’t know any N’ton, but if he’s a DragonRider, it might be Naton. He’s got a Bronze……. I wonder who she is. It sounds like she's in trouble. I'd better
hear the whole thing.
He asks Ruth to encourage the flitt to relay the entire thing, but she stalwartly refuses. Menolly snorts as she says something, rolling her eyes, before telling Jaxom.
MENOLLY
She says that the collar you have on my neck is upsetting her no end. She suggests that if you remove the collar, she’ll be able to think more freely. Really, Beauty, that was pathetic!
JAXOM
Hm? Oh, yeah, well, I guess you're not going to run away on me
if I take this off! Okay.
He unlocks the collar and slides it off her neck. Menolly grins and rubs at her freed flesh appreciatively.
JAXOM
There you go.
However, despite further asking, Beauty absolutely refuses to say anything else. Angrily, Menolly demands that she does, and the Gold wilts slightly, but says nothing. Despite pleading from Menolly, Jaxom, and Ruth, she won’t say a word, and the battle of wills comes to an end when Jaxom hears his uncle calling him.
LYTOL
Jaxom? Jaxom! Come get the new slave’s dinner, and then come to dinner yourself!
JAXOM
Alright, I’ll be right there, Uncle Lytol!
Jaxom dashes out to grab Menolly’s plate, returning with it, before preparing to leave himself.
MENOLLY
I’m sorry, sir, she’s most stubborn about these things.
JAXOM
Well, see what you can do with her. I'll be right back
He leaves, and Menolly wheels angrily on the little Queen.
MENOLLY
Just you reconsider telling him that message!
The fire lizard cheeps a question.
MENOLLY
No, I don’t think he likes you at all!
She croons sadly, settling in a depressed manner on the head of a chair.
MENOLLY
At the moment, I don’t like you either.
Jaxom settles in to his spot at the small kitchen table with his uncle, quickly scooping tubers onto his plate.
JAXOM
You know, I think a few of those flitts that girl has are a little off the wall.
LYTOL
What makes you say that?
JAXOM
She just started going bonkers, and Menolly couldn’t calm her down. Ruth managed to get a coherent reading from her, and she gave him a piece of a message. She said it was for BronzeRider N’ton.
Lytol looks clearly alarmed, but Jaxom doesn’t pay any attention to it, since his uncle always looks odd when he even mentions dragons.
JAXOM
I thought she might have meant old Naton. Do you know what she’s talking about? Maybe he’s related to Naton.
Lytol sounds slightly angry, and very firm as he gives his next instructions, the tick in his cheek jumping.
LYTOL
That man is just a crazy, old DragonRider, and tomorrow I want you, Ruth, and the girl to try and get the Gold to forget that message entirely.
JAXOM
But what if this N’ton is really expecting a message? What if he comes looking?
LYTOL
He won't, I don't think he exists any more. He died about the
same time as your father.
JAXOM
He knew my father? (A.N.: No, he didn’t say that. Lots of people die at the same time without ever having known each other. One about every twelve seconds. But that’s off topic, so let’s continue.)
LYTOL
I told you to forget it. Your only concern is to get rid of that message. In the morning, I want that girl working on the condensers on the South Ridge.
Jaxom reluctantly drops the topic, picking at his food some before gaining the courage to continue.
JAXOM
Yes, sir. I think this new slave is going to work out fine.
In fact, I, uh, was also thinking about our agreement about my staying
on another season. And if this new girl does work out, I want to
transmit my application to the Harper Hall this year.
This totally takes Lytol by surprise, and he tries to get over his sudden shock.
LYTOL
You mean the next semester before the harvest?
JAXOM
Sure, there’s more than enough hands!
LYTOL
Harvest is when I need you the most. Only one more season. This
year we'll make enough on the harvest so I'll be able to hire some
more hands. And then you can go to the Hall next Turn.
Jaxom picks sadly at his food, not looking at his uncle.
LYTOL
You must understand I need you here, Jaxom.
JAXOM
But it’s a whole ‘nother Turn!
LYTOL
Look, it’s only one more season.
Sighing dejectedly, Jaxom stands up and pushes his chair in.
JAXOM
Yeah, that’s what you said last year when Sebell left.
LYTOL
Where are you going?
JAXOM
It looks like I'm going nowhere. I have to finish taking care of that new slave.
Jaxom walks out of the kitchen and watches Rukbat set with Ruth, leaning against his companion, sighing wistfully. He feels his fate being drawn elsewhere, but he doesn’t understand where quite yet.
He walks back into the house, and knocks on Menolly’s door to check on her. There’s no answer. He opens it carefully to find her curled up on her bed, her numerous fire lizards snuggled next to her. Jaxom smiles until he notices something; Beauty is no where to be seen. He opens the door fully and gently prods the girl awake, having Ruth awaken her flitts.
JAXOM
Hey, wake up.
MENOLLY
Hm? What is it?
JAXOM
Where’s your Gold?
MENOLLY
My what?
JAXOM
Your Queen! Where’d she run off to?
Menolly takes a second to wake up and fully digest the information before springing out of the bed, sending her fair into a tumult.
MENOLLY
You mean she’s not here? Where’d she go? Beauty, Beauty! Not again! This is the second time she’s wandered off, and it always leads to trouble!
JAXOM
You don’t actually think she’s gone far, do you?
MENOLLY
With that fire lizard? Who knows!
JAXOM
Oh, no!
They rush out of the house into the glowing moon and star light, Ruth winging above them. The three search frantically for a small, golden spec, Jaxom using his distance viewer, but see nothing.
JAXOM
She’s no where in sight! Blast it!
MENOLLY
Pardon me, sir, but can’t we go after her? We can just take your dragon, and-
JAXOM
It's too dangerous with all the Felines around. We'll have to
wait until morning.
Lytol calls from inside
LYTOL
Jaxom, I’m shutting the power down!
JAXOM
Okay, I’ll be right there! Boy, am I gonna get it. You know, that little flitt is going to cause me a lot of trouble!
MENOLLY
Oh, she excels at that.
They walk inside the house and the hours pass. As Rukbat begins to rise, we see Jaxom and Menolly sneak out of the hold and towards Ruth. They take to the skies just in time to miss Lytol’s searching for his nephew.
LYTOL
Jaxom? Jaxom! Jaxom? Where could he be loafing now!
We can see Jaxom and Menolly flying over head, all three looking keenly.
JAXOM
Do you see anything?
Menolly shakes her head.
JAXOM
Old Naton lives out this way, but I don’t see any sign of your Beauty.
MENOLLY
Jaxom, would it help if I told your uncle it was my fault?
Jaxom grins playfully, and begins to tease her slightly.
JAXOM
Oh, sure, he needs you. He’d probably only Runner whip you.
Menolly gulps and tightens her grip around his torso.
MENOLLY
Never mind.
RUTH
I see something!
JAXOM
Ruth sees something! Okay, pal, bring it down!
As the White dragon back wings and lands, we see a small Gold, curled up on a rock, exhausted. On top of a ledge, unnoticed by all, a pride of Felines moves in a hunting pattern. Menolly leaps off of the dragons neck, rushing to her Queen. She carefully cradles the fire lizard, humming.
MENOLLY
Poor little thing! She’s all worn out.
JAXOM
Good thing, too! Come on, we better head back, or it will be my hide!
The flitt tries to fly out of her owners grasp at the mention of going back, angrily chirping some message.
MENOLLY
Stop that, Beauty! Master Jaxom is our rightful over seer now. We’ll have no more of this BronzeRider N’ton gibberish!
JAXOM
Well, come on. It's getting late. I only hope we can get back
before Uncle Lytol really blows up.
All of Menolly’s fair suddenly becomes agitated, popping into between.
JAXOM
What’s wrong with them now?
MENOLLY
Oh my...sir, they say there are several creatures approaching
from the southeast.
Jaxom looks around wildly, but excitedly.
JAXOM
Felines! Or worse! Come on, let's have a look. Come on.
MENOLLY
Thank you, I’d rather not get eaten!
JAXOM
Aw, come on, those pelts are worth a lot of money. Stay here if you’re scared, me and Ruth are gonna go check it out.
She sighs and huddles on a rock, legs tucked up to her chest as Jaxom and Ruth hurry off.
Perched on a ledge, Jaxom looks through his distance viewer, and can vaguely make out a feline shape. Suddenly, the White dragon screams and lashes out at an attacking Feline with tail and claw. Another one lunges at Jaxom, and he dodges, drawing his own blaster. He pegs two, but another four are attacking him and his dragon. The situation looks dire when the trumpeting of a dragon can be heard echoing across the canyon. The Felines flee as a huge shadow comes over head, but Jaxom has been knocked out. Menolly is rushing in the direction Jaxom’s own cries come from, and ducks behind a rock, breathless, as a huge Bronze dragon lands next to Jaxom and his dragon. The figure, cloaked, with the hood up, examines the boy carefully, placing a hand on the unconscious head. Menolly, who is tightly clutching the rock she’s hiding behind, slips a little, and the figure looks up. He pulls down his hood to reveal an old man, who, after a moment, smiles. He beckons Menolly closer, his voice soothing and reassuring.
N’TON
Hello there! Come here my little friend. Don't be afraid.
Menolly glances nervously at the unconscious Jaxom, and N’ton follows her gaze.
N’TON
Oh, don’t worry. He’ll be alright!
As he says this, Jaxom wakes up, N’ton propping him up, gently cleaning the few wounds, which are relatively minor. Menolly rushes foreword nervously, but remains with Ruth, one hand on the white hide, saying nothing.
JAXOM
What happened?
N’TON
Rest easy, son, you've had a busy day. You're fortunate you're
still in one piece.
JAXOM
Naton? BronzeRider Naton? Boy, am I glad to see you!
N’TON
The Igen wastes are not to be traveled lightly. Tell me young
Jaxom, what brings you out this far?
JAXOM
Oh, Menolly’s fire lizard
The flitts have reappeared, and it is obvious that Beauty is the offending one, as the others won’t let her land on Menolly.
JAXOM
She claims to be searching for Menolly’s rightful master, but I’ve never heard of anything like that happening before. She’s looking for BronzeRider N’ton. Do you know what she’s talking about? Is he a relative of yours?
Startled, N’ton rises from his kneeling position, rubbing his chin and settling on a large rock.
N’TON
N’ton…..BronzeRider N’ton….Now there’s a name I’ve not heard in a long time….
JAXOM
I think my uncle knew him. He said he was dead.
N’TON
Oh, he’s not dead. Not yet.
JAXOM
You know him?
N’TON
Well of course, of course I know him. He's me! I haven't gone by
the name N’ton since oh, before you were born
JAXOM
Then Menolly really does belong to you.
N’TON
Don’t seem to remember ever owning a slave.
MENOLLY
I’m not a slave! The traders abducted me. So, I guess I am one now, but not always! I’m usually paid for my work.
JAXOM
In that case, we’ll have to talk to my uncle, and-
The yowling sound of more Felines draws all eyes to the cliff sides, and Jaxom gets all the way up, brushing the dust off of himself. He helps Menolly up onto the White dragon as N’ton mounts his Bronze.
N’TON
I think we better get indoors. The Felines are easily startled
but they will soon be back and in greater numbers.
Inside N’ton’s weyr, both dragons have settled comfortably, and Menolly is soundly sleeping on the bed. Jaxom and N’ton are talking, mostly about Jaxom’s father.
JAXOM
No, my father didn't fight in the wars. He was a navigator on a
spice freighter.
N’TON
That's what your uncle told you. He didn't hold with your
father's ideals. Thought he should have stayed here and not gotten
involved.
JAXOM
You fought in the wars, and against Thread?
N’TON
I was Fort’s Weyrleader when your father was Lord of the High Reaches (A.N.: Okay, so he wasn’t, but aside from Lytol, I thought N’ton was Jaxom’s best mentor figure. And Lytol wasn’t a DragonRider, so it had to be N’ton.)
JAXOM
I wish I’d known him….
N’TON
He was an excellent space pilot, and a cunning warrior (A.N.: Well, the last part was true anyway.) I understand you’ve become quite a good pilot yourself, as well as an excellent DragonRider. Which reminds me….
He rises from his spot and goes to an old chest, unlocking it and drawing out a scabbard and sword. Hesitantly, Jaxom takes it, slowly sliding the weapon out of the sheath.
N’TON
I have something here for you. Your father wanted you to have
this when you were old enough, but your uncle wouldn't allow it. He
feared you might follow old N’ton on some damned-fool idealistic
crusade like your father did.
JAXOM
What is it?
N’TON
Your father’s sword. An elegant weapon for a more civilized time. For over a thousand
generations the DragonRiders fought Thread and were the guardians of peace and justice
in the Old Republic. Before the dark times, before the Empire.
Jaxom isn’t paying too much attention to the flowery words, and is instead toying around with the weapon. (Anyone else think Jaxom shouldn’t have pointy objects?)
JAXOM
How did my father die?
N’TON
A young Lord named Fax, who I knew well, until he turned to evil, helped the Empire hunt down and murder any who opposed them. He betrayed your father.
Suddenly, Beauty begins to freak out again, fluttering in N’ton’s face. Ruth succeeds in calming her down, and N’ton scratches her eye ridges.
N’TON
Now, my little friend, let’s see who you’re from.
JAXOM
I saw part of the message she-
N’TON
I seem to have found it.
Ruth has extracted the full message from the Gold’s mind, and is transferring it to Lioth and to Jaxom, both Riders standing transfixed. The woman and Gold dragon are back again, and the woman looks not a little desperate.
LESSA
BronzeRider N’ton, years ago you served my father in the
Wars. Now he begs you to help him in his struggle against the Empire.
I regret that I am unable to present my father's request to you in
person, but my ship has fallen under attack and I'm afraid my mission
to bring you to Ruatha has failed. I have placed information vital
to the survival of the Rebellion into the memory of this Queen. My father will know how to retrieve it. You must see this fire lizard
safely delivered to him on Ruatha. This is our most desperate hour.
Help me, BronzeRider N’ton, you're my only hope.
N’ton looks at Jaxom long and hard, who is still wilted from the picture of Lessa. (*head smack*)
N’TON
You must perfect the ways of being a DragonRider if you’re to come with me to Ruatha.
Jaxom nearly jumps out of his skin before starting to laugh.
JAXOM
Ruatha? I’m not going to Ruatha! I’ve got to go home. It’s late, I’m in for it as it is.
N’TON
I need your help, Jaxom. She needs your help. I’m getting too old for this sort of thing.
JAXOM
I can't get involved! I've got work to do! It's not that I like
the Empire. I hate it! But there's nothing I can do about it right
now. It's such a long way from here.
N’TON
That’s your uncle talking.
JAXOM
Oh, shells, my uncle. How am I gonna explain this?
N’TON
Let me teach you about dragons, Jaxom.
JAXOM
I can help you go as far as the Weyr, and then you can find a ship, or whatever it is you’re looking for.
N’ton sighs sadly, and smiles grimly at Jaxom, and stands up.
N’TON
You must do what you feel is right, of course.
Back up in space, we see a shuttle going toward the looming battle station – the Red Star! We cut to the inside of a board room, where several Imperial officers are debating.
OFFICER ONE
Until this battle station is fully operational we are
vulnerable. The Rebel Alliance is too well equipped. They're more
dangerous than you realize.
OFFICER TWO
Dangerous to your Dragonfleet, Commander, not to this battle station.
OFFICER ONE
The Rebellion will continue to gain a support in the conclave as long as....
The officer is cut short as Lord Sifer and Lord Fax enter, Sifer taking his place at the head of the table. Fax looms menacingly a few feet behind him.
SIFER
The conclave will no longer be of any concern to us.
I've just received word that the Emperor has dissolved the council
permanently. The last remnants of the Old Republic have been swept
away.
OFFICER ONE
That’s impossible! How will the Emperor maintain control without the bureaucracy?
SIFER
The regional lords now have direct control over their Holds. Fear will keep the systems in line. Fear of this battle station.
OFFICER ONE
And what of the Rebellion? If the Rebels have obtained a
complete technical readout of this station, it is possible, however
unlikely, that they might find a weakness and exploit it.
FAX
The plans you are referring to will soon be back in our hands.
OFFICER TWO
Any attack made by the Rebels against this station would be a
useless gesture, no matter what technical data they've obtained. This
station is now the ultimate power in the universe. I suggest we use
it!
FAX
Don’t be too proud of this technological terror you’ve constructed. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant compared to dragons (A.N.: WTF? He hates dragons, why’s he promoting them? Is R’gul paying him?)
OFFICER TWO
Don't try to frighten us with your sorcerer's ways, Lord Fax.
Your sad devotion to that ancient order has not helped you conjure
up the stolen data tapes, or given you clairvoyance enough to find the
Rebel's hidden fort...
He stops as Fax whips out a dagger, a dragon on the hilt, pressing it to his throat.
FAX
I find your lack of faith disturbing.
Sifer looks on amused for a moment, but the terror in the officer’s eyes, as well as the others’, is clear.
SIFER
Enough of this! Fax, stop it!
Fax re-sheaths the dagger and steps back to his scary position.
FAX
As you wish.
SIFER
This bickering is pointless. Lord Fax will provide us with
the location of the Rebel fortress by the time this station is
operational. We will then crush the Rebellion with one swift stroke.
Back on Igen, we see two dragons, a Bronze and a White, land next to the smoldering ruins of a trader caravan. Bodies are strewn about, the remains of some still burning. Menolly slides off Ruth’s neck as the other two DragonRiders examine the wreckage, but keeps one hand on the dragon’s neck, feeling sick.
JAXOM
It looks like Felines did this, all right. Look, here are
Feline tracks. It's just...I never heard of them hitting
anything this big before. (A.N.: Or growing opposable thumbs and setting anything on fire….)
N’ton crouches in the sand briefly, examining the tracks.
N’TON
They didn't. But we are meant to think they did. These tracks are
side by side. Felines always hunt single file to hide there numbers.
JAXOM
These are the same traders that sold us Menolly.
N’TON
And these are blast points. Only Imperial troops are so precise.
Jaxom’s not a stupid boy, and is quickly putting two and two together.
JAXOM
If they traced Menolly here, they may have found out who they sold her to, and that would lead them back home!
Jaxom sprints across the sand to Ruth, quickly vaulting to his neck. Menolly stumbles back in surprise as Ruth begins to rise, and N’ton only barely stops her from falling. Helping her regain her balance, he calls out to Jaxom again.
N’TON
Wait, Jaxom, it’s too dangerous!
Too late. Ruth’s betweened back to the holding, leaving N’ton and Menolly to clean up the still burning wreckage.
Jaxom and his dragon emerge from between above their holding, which lies in ashes below them. Jaxom feels his heart catch in his throat, and orders the White dragon to land, while piteously crying out for his uncle.
JAXOM
Uncle Lytol! Uncle Lytol! Uncle Lytol?
He leaps off of Ruth’s neck, stumbling around the holding in an absolute daze. Finally, he finds the remains of his uncle’s burned and bloodied skeleton. Feeling sick and speechless, he stumbles back to his dragon, clutching at his wedge shaped head. Tears slide down his cheek and fear slowly gives way to hate and resolve. (I killed Lytol! *bursts into tears* How could I?)
Back on board the Red Star, Lessa’s cell is opened and Lord Fax enters, flanked by several Imperial Guards who clearly mean business.
FAX
And, now Your Highness, we will discuss the location of your
hidden Rebel base.
Back on Igen, where Jaxom left N’ton and Menolly, they are burying the bodies of the traders, and Menolly is singing a mournful song in minor chord. Jaxom lands, no longer looking shaken, but resolved. Slowly, N’ton makes his way over to the boy as he dismounts, before putting a hand on his shoulder. Jaxom does not look up, and seems severely shaken.
N’TON
There's nothing you could have done, Jaxom, had you been there.
You'd have been killed, too, and the girl would be in the hands of
the Empire.
Jaxom looks up, a mixture of hate and admiration in his eyes. He swallows and speaks his mind.
JAXOM
I want to come with you to Ruatha. There’s nothing here for me now. I want to learn the ways of the DragonRiders, and learn about my father.
We cut to the outskirts of Igen Hold – a cesspool of sin and debauchery – where N’ton and Jaxom had landed with Menolly.
N’TON
Igen Hold. You will never find a more wretched hive of
scum and villainy. We must be cautious. (A.N.: Harsh words from a DragonMan.)
Jaxom gulps nervously, and N’ton flashes him a smile. They enter the courtyard of the hold, where a loud, raucous gather is taking place. Most of the participants are drunk already, including several DragonRiders from Igen Weyr. As they are about to enter, however, they are stopped by Imperial Guards. They give Menolly a careful look. A bit too careful, and she glares balefully at them, while Jaxom clenches a fist defensively. N’ton shoots him a look of “play it cool!” and smiles amiably, if a bit stupidly at them.
IMPERIAL OFFICER
How long have you had this girl?
JAXOM
About three or four Turns.
N’TON
She’s up for sale, if you want her.
IMPERIAL OFFICER
Let me see your identification.
N’ton focuses on the guards, and gives his hand a little wave.
N’TON
You don't need to see his identification.
The Imperial Guard blinks stupidly, nodding dumbly.
IMPERIAL OFFICER
We don't need to see his identification.
N’TON
This isn’t the girl you’re looking for.
IMPERIAL OFFICER
This isn’t the girl we’re looking for.
N’TON
He can go about his business.
IMPERIAL OFFICER
You can go about your business.
N’TON
Move along.
IMPERIAL OFFICER
Move along, move along.
Jaxom and Menolly stare slack jawed at N’ton as they walk through the gate, Lioth and Ruth flying up to land on the Watch Heights. Menolly tries to repress a shudder, remembering the Storm Trooper’s stare.
MENOLLY
I can’t abide Storm Troopers. Lecherous creatures.
JAXOM
I can't understand how we got by those troopers. I
thought we were dead.
N’TON
Dragon powers can have a strong influence on the weak minded. You will find Ruth to be a powerful ally.
JAXOM
Are you sure we’re going to find a pilot here that will take us to Ruatha?
N’TON
Well, most of the best freighter pilots can be found here. Only
watch your step. This place can be a little rough.
JAXOM
I’m ready for anything.
Brownie has become distracted by other fire lizards, and Menolly has to tug at his tail to bring him back into focus.
MENOLLY
Come along, Brownie.
As the trio move along, N’ton becomes conscious of the massive Bronze dragon on the Heights, and begins to direct a conversation with it through Lioth. Jaxom and Menolly wander a few feet from where the BronzeRider is, getting a tanker of ale. However, some drunk ruffians are clearly looking for trouble, and give Jaxom a powerful shove, which forces him to step back.
RUFFIAN
My friend doesn’t like you.
JAXOM
I’m….sorry?
He shoots Menolly a worried glance, and she grimaces and shrugs.
JAXOM
Keep your eyes peeled for trouble, Ruth.
RUTH
I was already doing that, Mine.
RUFFIAN
I don’t like you either.
The ruffians companion shouts some gibberish at the now highly confused and nervous DragonRider.
RUFFIAN
Don't insult us. You just watch yourself. We're
wanted men. I have the death sentence in twelve Holds. (A.N.: Cause that’s information you really want to make public.)
JAXOM
I’ll be careful.
RUFFIAN
You’ll be dead!
The area has become eerily silent, and N’ton breaks contact with the other Bronze, scowling. He sidles up to Menolly, Jaxom, and their antagonizer, smiling affably.
N’TON
This little one isn't worth the effort. Come let me buy you
something...
The ruffian shoves N’ton out of the way, giving Jaxom a solid punch to the jaw, sending him sprawling. Lioth and Ruth have leapt from the Watch Heights, the former landing next to his Rider, sending other people running in terror, the later landing next to His. Jaxom’s dragon nuzzles him, and he stands up with Menolly’s help, rubbing at his jaw. The ruffians are paralyzed in fear, but N’ton remains extremely cool, drawing out his sword.
N’TON
I suggest you start running.
The trouble makers bolt, and N’ton turns back to his young apprentice, making sure he’s alright. Once Jaxom assures him of his health, he gives him a questioning look. N’ton nods his head in the direction of the other Bronze still on the Heights, who is eyeing them interestedly.
N’TON
That’s Mnementh. He’s the dragon of a BronzeRider who has a ship that might suit our needs.
The two follow N’ton to a man sitting secluded at a table in a corner, drink in hand.
F’LAR
F’lar, Rider of Bronze Mnementh, captain of the Millennium Dragon. The Bronze One here tells me you’re looking for passage to Ruatha.
N’TON
Yes, indeed. If it's a fast ship.
F’LAR
Fast ship? You’ve never heard of the Millennium Dragon?
N’TON
Should I have?
F’LAR
It's the ship that made the Crom run in less than twelve
parsecs!
Jaxom and Menolly glance at each other, both struck with the impression that this DragonRider’s a little full of himself.
F’LAR
I've outrun Imperial starships, not the local
bulk-cruisers, mind you. I'm talking about the big Southern ships
now. She's fast enough for you, old man. What's the cargo?
N’TON
Just passengers. Myself, the boy, the girl, two dragons. And no questions asked.
F’LAR
What is it? Some kinda local trouble?
N’TON
Let’s just say we’d like to avoid any Imperial entanglements.
F’LAR
Well, that's the trick, isn't it? And it's going to cost you
something extra. Ten thousand in advance.
At this, Jaxom has burst from his chair, and Menolly is busily tugging on his sleeve, trying to remind him to play it low key.
JAXOM
Ten thousand? We could almost buy our own ship for that!
F’LAR
But who’s gonna fly it kid, you?
JAXOM
You bet I could, I’m not such a bad pilot myself! We don’t have to sit here and listen-
N’ton yanks him back down, and relays through Lioth and Ruth for him to shut up.
N’TON
We haven't that much with us. But we could pay you two thousand
now, plus fifteen when we reach Ruatha.
F’LAR
Seventeen, huh?
The BronzeRider ponders this for a moment, a grin quickly spreading across his not unattractive face.
F’LAR
Okay, you guys got yourself a ship. We’ll leave as soon as you’re ready. Docking Bay Ninety Four.
N’TON
Ninety Four.
F’LAR
Looks like somebody's beginning to take an interest in your
handiwork.
The three turn around and gulp as they see Imperial Troops talking with the ruffians from before.
TROOPER
Alright, we’ll check it out.
N’ton, Jaxom, and Menolly give F’lar a quick nod before dashing from the table, going to make themselves look as inconspicuous as possible. The troopers pass by a bored looking F’lar, and move on. Mnementh lands in the bowl next to his table, and he gives the eye ridges a quick scratch.
F’LAR
Seventeen thousand! Those guys must really be desperate. This
could really save my neck. Get back to the ship and get her ready.
Mnementh takes off, and F’lar rises from his seat, but is stopped suddenly by S’lel, who is pressing a blaster into his chest. F’lar sits back down, nonchalantly and secretly putting a hand over his own weapon. S’lel sits down opposite, grinning like a mad man.
S’LEL
Going some where, F’lar?
Yes, S’lel. As a matter of fact, I was just going to see your
boss. Tell R’gul that I've got his money.
S’LEL
It's too late. You should have paid him when you had the
chance. R’gul's put a price on your head, so large that every bounty
hunter in the galaxy will be looking for you. I'm lucky I found you
first.
F’LAR
Yeah, but this time I have the money.
S’LEL
If you give it to me, I might forget I found you.
F’LAR
I don’t have it with me. Tell R’gul-
S’LEL
R’gul's through with you. He has no time for smugglers who
drop their shipments at the first sign of an Imperial cruiser.
F’lar snarls at the insult, but does nothing else.
F’LAR
Even I get boarded sometimes. Do you think I had a choice?
Silently, F’lar slips his blaster out of the holster.
S’LEL
You can tell that to R’gul. He may only kill your dragon. (A.N.: I have a hard time picturing R’gul doing that…..)
F’lar sits up, glaring.
F’LAR
Over my dead body.
S’LEL
That's the idea. I've been looking forward to killing you for
a long time.
F’LAR
Yes, I’ll bet you have.
S’lel raises the weapon, but F’lar draws his faster, firing. Stunned – not to mention dead – S’lel falls flat onto the table. All attention is briefly diverted as a dragon screams, and others begin keening. After a few seconds, all is back to usual. F’lar rises from the table, stretching, and tosses an aide a few marks.
F’LAR
Sorry about the mess. (A.N.: I wish I could be that offhanded about killing someone…..*sigh*)
Back on board the Red Star, Fax and Sifer are talking, mostly about Lessa’s refusal to talk.
FAX
Her resistance to the torture is considerable. It will be
some time before we can extract any information from her.
An Imperial officer enters, interrupting them.
IMPERIAL OFFICER
The final check-out is complete. All systems are operational. What course shall we set?
SIFER
Perhaps she would respond to an alternative form of persuasion.
FAX
What do you mean?
SIFER
I think it is time we demonstrate the full power of this
station. (to soldier) Set your course for Weyrwoman Lessa’s home planet
of Ruatha.
Back at Docking Bay 94, we see F’lar’s ship, the Millennium Dragon (a huge ship, with enough room to fit three Bronze dragons,) with R’gul, his Bronze, Hath, and a bunch of his thugs, mostly DragonRiders, congregated outside the hunk of junk.
R’GUL
Come on out, F’lar!
From directly behind them, F’lar walks coolly out, Mnementh strolling beside him.
F’LAR
I've been waiting for you, R’gul.
R’GUL
I expect you have.
F’LAR
I’m not the type to run.
R’GUL
(fatherly-smooth) F’lar, my boy, there are times when you
disappoint me...why haven't you paid me? And why did you have to fry
poor S’lel like that...after all we've been through together.
F’LAR
You sent S’lel to blast me!
R’GUL
(mock surprise) F’lar, why you're the best smuggler in the
business. You're too valuable to fry. He was only relaying my concern
at your delays. He wasn't going to blast you.
F’LAR
I think he thought he was. Next time you have something to say to me, don’t send one of those twerps. See me yourself.
R’GUL
F’lar, F’lar! If only you hadn't had to dump that shipment of
spice...you understand I just can't make an exception. Where would I
be if every pilot who smuggled for me dumped their shipment at the
first sign of an Imperial starship? It's not good business.
F’LAR
You know even I get boarded sometimes. R’gul, I had no choice, but now I’ve got a charter, and I can pay you back, plus a little extra. I just need some more time.
R’GUL
F’lar, my boy, I'm only
doing this because you're the best and I need you. So, for an extra,
say twenty percent I'll give you a little more time...but this is it.
If you disappoint me again, I'll put a price on your head so large you
won't be able to go near a civilized system for the rest of your short
life.
F’LAR
R’gul, I’ll pay you back because it’s my pleasure.
R’gul smirks, and a couple of his lackeys roll their eyes at F’lar’s obvious sucking up, but R’gul motions for them to leave, and they all march off.
A little while later, we see Jaxom, Ruth, N’ton, Lioth, and Menolly enter Docking Bay 94. However, Jaxom is clearly under-whellemed at the sight of the Millennium Dragon.
JAXOM
What a piece of junk!
F’LAR
She'll make point five beyond the speed of light. She may not
look like much, but she's got it where it counts, kid. I've added some
special modifications myself. Mnementh’s been specially trained to lift the entire ship, cargo and all safely into space and between.
Jaxom and Ruth glance at each other, clearing not sure they believe the pirate.
We’re a little rushed, so if you’ll hurry aboard, we’ll get out of here.
Just as they all begin to shuffle in, we see Imperial Storm Troopers rush onto the scene.
STORM TROOPERS
Stop that ship!
Startled, F’lar draws his blaster and begins firing, retreating into the ship and pushing buttons for the gangplank to close.
F’LAR
Mnementh, get us out of here!
He rushes to the cockpit, strapping in while the others follow suit. The ship lifts up and blasts its way out of Docking Bay 94, and up into the atmosphere of Igen. Mnementh bugles, alerting him to the fact they’re being followed by an Imperial Cruiser.
F’LAR
It looks like an Imperial cruiser. Our passengers must be hotter
than I thought. Try and hold them off. I’ll angle the deflector shield
while you make the calculations for the jump to between.
MNEMENTH
Got it, Mine.
F’LAR
Stay sharp, there are a few more coming in; they’re going to try and cut us off.
Jaxom interrupts his thought process rather snidely.
JAXOM
Why don’t you outrun them? I thought you said this thing was fast!
F’LAR
Watch your mouth, kid, or you're going to find yourself floating
home. We'll be safe enough once we make the jump to between.
Besides, I know a few maneuvers. We'll lose them!
The ship shudders as the Imperial starships fire at them, and Menolly clings to Jaxom’s arm.
F’LAR
Here's where the fun begins!
N’TON
How long before you can safely jump between with this ship?
F’LAR
It'll take a few moments to get the coordinates from the
navi-computer.
JAXOM
Are you kidding? At the rate they’re gaining-
F’LAR
Traveling through between isn't like dusting crops, boy!
Without precise calculations we could fly right through a star or
bounce too close to a supernova and that'd end your trip real quick,
wouldn't it?
A light on the dash board begins to flash as the ship is slowly blown to pieces, and Jaxom points at it.
JAXOM
What’s that flashing?
F’lar knocks his hand away and motions for them all to get out of the cockpit.
F’LAR
We're losing our deflector shield. Go strap yourself in, I'm
going to make the jump to between. Hit it, Mnementh!
With a roar, Mnementh takes them all between.
Back up in space, we see the Red Star slowly move toward the glowing, blue planet of Ruatha. Fax marches in with another officer, Lessa at the heel, glaring.
LESSA
Lord Sifer, I should have expected to find you holding
Fax’s leash. I recognized your foul stench when I was brought on
board.
SIFER
Charming to the last. You don’t know how hard I found it signing the order to terminate your life.
LESSA
I’m surprised you had the courage to do it yourself.
SIFER
Weyrwoman Lessa, before your execution I would like you to be my
guest at a ceremony that will make this battle station operational. No
star system will dare oppose the Emperor now.
LESSA
The more you tighten your grip, Sifer, the more holds will slip through your fingers.
SIFER
Not after we demonstrate the power of this station. In a way,
you have determined the choice of the planet that'll be destroyed
first. Since you are reluctant to provide us with the location of the
Rebel base, I have chosen to test this station's destructive power...
on your home planet of Ruatha.
LESSA
No! You can’t! Ruatha is peaceful, we have no weapons! You can’t possibly-
SIFER
You would prefer another target? A military target? Then name the hold!
As Lessa tries to look away, tears in her eyes, Sifer grabs her chin and forces her glaring face toward him once more.
SIFER
I grow tired of asking this. So it'll be the last time. Where
is the Rebel base?
Lessa takes a long glance at the glowing Ruatha, and gives in, her head dropping.
LESSA
Fort Hold. They’re on Fort……
SIFER
There. You see Lord Fax, she can be reasonable. (addressing
The other officer) Continue with the operation. You may fire when ready.
Lessa looks sharply up, breathless.
LESSA
What?
SIFER
You're far too trusting. Fort is too remote to make an
effective demonstration. But don't worry. We will deal with your Rebel
friends soon enough.
LESSA
No!
FAX
Commence demonstration.
The officer rushes to the controls, moving knobs and doohickeys until the beam of the Red Star is focused on Ruatha. In a flash, it is blown to pieces, and Lessa cries out, pained. (That’s right, I blew up Ruatha. I am evil.)
On board the Millennium Dragon, Jaxom is practicing with his father’s sword, but looks startled as Ruth, Lioth, and Mnementh start to bugle. N’ton has to sit down, and Jaxom puts the sword down, rushing over to his mentor.
JAXOM
Are you alright? What’s wrong?
N’TON
I felt a great disturbance through Lioth...as if millions of
voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear
something terrible has happened.
He smiles at Jaxom as he hovers over him worriedly.
N’TON
You’d better get on with your exercises.
Swaggering, F’lar enters the room, seemingly unaffected by his Bronze’s strange behavior.
F’LAR
Well, you can forget your troubles with those Imperial slugs. I
told you I'd outrun 'em.
He is ignored, his ego painfully injured.
F’LAR
Well, don’t everybody thank me at once…. Anyway, we should be at Ruatha about oh-two-hundred hours.
When he is still ignored, F’lar settles into a chair next to Menolly, who is engrossed in watching Jaxom’s sparring practice.
N’TON
Remember, a DragonRider can feel his dragon’s power flowing through him.
JAXOM
You mean Ruth controls my actions?
N’TON
Partially. But he also obeys your commands.
Jaxom, who has been deflecting shots off of a remote, is stung in the leg, falling over, causing F’lar to burst out laughing.
F’LAR
Ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.
JAXOM
You don’t believe that dragons have extra powers other than searing Thread and moving things between, do you, F’lar?
F’LAR
(A.N.: I’d expect this more from R’gul.) Kid, I've flown from one side of this galaxy to the other. I've
seen a lot of strange stuff, but I've never seen anything to make me
believe that Mnementh can alter people’s thoughts, or go between times. There’s no dragon power that controls my destiny.
N’ton rolls his eyes, and takes a helmet off of a hook.
F’LAR
It’s all just a bunch of tricks and nonsense.
N’TON
I suggest you try again, Jaxom.
He slides the helmet onto Jaxom’s head.
N’TON
This time, let go your conscious self and act on instinct.
JAXOM
(laughing) With the blast shield down, I can't even see. How am
I supposed to fight?
N’TON
Your eyes can deceive you, don’t trust them.
Jaxom reluctantly raises his weapon, deflecting shots, but he’s doing terribly.
N’TON
Stretch out with your feelings.
Jaxom focuses with Ruth, and begins to do very well, astounding F’lar, who’s jaw drops. Menolly begins clapping wildly.
N’TON
See, you can do it.
F’LAR
I call it luck!
N’TON
In my experience there’s no such thing as luck.
F’LAR
Look, going good against remotes is one thing. Going good against
the living? That's something else.
Jaxom takes off the helmet and is about to answer him angrily, but F’lar notices a small light flashing on the dashboard, and gets up.
F’LAR
Looks like we’re coming up on Ruatha.
JAXOM
You know, I did feel something. I could almost see the remote.
N’TON
That’s very good. You’ve taken your first step into a larger world.
Back in the board room on the Red Star, Sifer and Fax are talking when an officer bursts in.
SIFER
Yes?
IMPERIAL OFFICER
Our scout ships have reached Fort Hold. They found the
remains of a Rebel base, but they estimate that it has been deserted
for some time. They are now conducting an extensive search of the
nearby Weyr.
He bows out of the room, leaving Sifer utterly astounded.
SIFER
She lied! She lied to us!
FAX
I told you she would never consciously betray the Rebellion.
SIFER
Terminate her! Immediately!
We cut to the Millennium Dragon, where everyone is gathered in the cockpit as F’lar prepares to pull out of between.
F’LAR
Stand by, Mnementh, here we go. Cut in the sublight engines.
As they pull out of between, the ship is assaulted by small meteors, and it shivers as it is hit.
F’LAR
What the...? Aw, we've come out of hyperspace into a meteor
shower. Some kind of asteroid collision. It's not on any of the
charts.
JAXOM
What’s going on?
F’LAR
Our position is correct, except...no Ruatha!
JAXOM
What do you mean? Where is it?
F’LAR
That’s what I'm trying to tell you, kid. It ain't there. It's been
totally blown away.
JAXOM
What? How!
N’TON
Destroyed, by the Empire.
F’LAR
(Under his breath) You blame everything on the Empire.
N’TON
Hey, shut up! I’m the lovable mentor in this story!
SHADOW13
(From off stage) What did I tell you people about sticking to the script?
F’LAR
(Continuing) The entire Dragonfleet couldn't destroy the whole planet. It'd take
a thousand ships with more fire power than I've...
Mnementh bugles, distracting F’lar.
F’LAR
There’s another ship coming.
JAXOM
Maybe they know what happened!
A small, Imperial fighter zips past the Millennium Dragon, firing, before making a run for it.
F’LAR
It’s an Imperial Fighter.
JAXOM
It followed us!
N’TON
No. It's a short range fighter.
F’LAR
There aren’t any bases around here. Where did it come from?
JAXOM
It sure is leaving in a big hurry. If they identify us, we're in
big trouble.
F’LAR
Not if I can help it. Mnementh...jam its transmissions.
N’TON
It’d be as well to let it go, it’s too far out.
F’LAR
Not for long!
N’TON
A fighter that size couldn't get this deep into space on its own.
JAXOM
It must have gotten lost, been part of a convoy, or something.
F’LAR
Well, he ain't going to be around long enough to tell anyone
about us.
In the distance, the Red Star comes into focus.
JAXOM
Look at him, he’s headed for that small moon.
F’LAR
I think I can get him before he gets there...he's almost in
range.
N’ton leans foreword as the Red Star looms closer and closer.
N’TON
That’s no moon….It’s a space station….
F’LAR
It’s too big to be a space station!
JAXOM
I have a bad feeling about this….
F’LAR
Yeah, I think your right. Full reverse! Mnementh, lock in the
auxiliary power.
The ship begins to shudder, and continues to be pulled toward the Red Star.
JAXOM
Why are we still moving toward it?
F’LAR
We're caught in a tractor beam! It's pulling us in!
JAXOM
But there’s gotta be something you can do?
F’LAR
There's nothin' I can do about it, kid. I'm in full power. I'm
going to have to shut down. But they're not going to get me without a
fight!
N’ton puts his hand on F’lar’s shoulder, and he looks up briefly.
N’TON
You can’t win. But there are alternatives to fighting.
The Millennium Dragon begins to be pulled into a docking bay, and most of the dock is in pandemonium.
In the board room still are Sifer and Fax, and an officer bursts in, saluting, but out of breath.
SIFER
Yes?
OFFICER
We've captured a freighter entering the remains
of the Ruatha system. It's markings match those of a ship that
blasted its way out of Igen.
FAX
They must be trying to return the stolen plans to the princess.
She may yet be of some use to us. (A.N.: Oh, come on, only an idiot would try and do that!...Wait, no, you’re right…..)
Fax makes his way to the docking bay that houses the Millennium Dragon, and an officer comes down the ramp from the ship.
OFFICER
There's no one on board, sir. According to the
log, the crew abandoned ship right after takeoff. It must be a decoy,
sir. Several of the escape pods have been jettisoned.
FAX
Did you find a girl with fire lizards?
OFFICER
No sir. If she was on board, she must have been jettisoned, too.
FAX
Send a scanning crew on board. I want every part of this ship
checked.
OFFICER
Yes, sir.
FAX
I sense something…A presence I have not felt since….
He shakes his head, and turns, sweeping his cape behind him, stalking away.
OFFICER
Get me a scanning crew in here on the double. I want every
part of this ship checked!
In the now empty Millennium Dragon, we see a panel of flooring lift – it is where the dragon weyrs are, and as three dragon heads pop out, so do Menolly, Jaxom, N’ton, and F’lar, as well as Menolly’s fair.
JAXOM
Boy, it’s lucky you had the weyrs below deck!
F’LAR
I use them for smuggling. I never thought I'd be smuggling myself
in them. This is ridiculous. Even if I could take off, I'd never get
past the tractor beam.
N’TON
Leave that to me.
F’LAR
Damn fool! I knew you’d say that!
N’TON
Who’s the more foolish? The fool or the fool who follows him?
F’lar grumbles and shakes his head as Mnementh gives a little draconic laugh.
At the bottom of the gangplank, two Storm Troopers stand guard as the scanning crew approaches.
STORM TROOPER
The ship's all yours. If the scanners pick up anything,
report it immediately. All right, let's go.
TK421, why aren’t you at your post?
You know, between his roaring and your blasting everything in
sight, it's a wonder the whole station doesn't know we're here.
Bring them on! I prefer a straight fight to all this sneaking
around.
I’ve found the computer hard drive, sir!
Here’s the tractor beam that’s holding the ship here. The tractor beam is coupled to the main reactor in seven
locations. A power loss at one of the terminals will allow the ship to
leave.
I don’t think you boys can help. I must go alone.
Whatever you say. I've done more that I bargained for on this
trip already.
I want to go with you!
Be patient, Jaxom. Stay here and watch over the girl.
But she can-
She must be delivered safely or other Holds will suffer
the same fate as Ruatha. Your destiny lies along a different path
than mine. Ruth will be with you...always!
Boy, you said it, Mnementh. Where did you dig up that old fossil?
N’ton is a great man!
Yeah, great at getting us into trouble.
I didn’t hear you give any ideas!
Well, anything would be better than just hanging around waiting
for him to pick us up...
Who do you think-
What is it?
I'm afraid I'm not quite sure, Jaxom. She says "I found her",
and keeps repeating, "She's here."
Well, who? Who has she found?
Weyrwoman Lessa!
The Weyrwoman? She here?
Weyrwoman? What’s going on!
Level five. Detention block A A-twenty-three. I'm afraid
she's scheduled to be terminated.
Oh no! We’ve got to do something!
What are you talking about?
She’s the one in the message! We’ve got to help her!
Now, look, don’t go getting any funny ideas! The old man wants us to wait right here.
But he didn't know she was here. Look, will you just find a way
back into the detention block?
I’m not going anywhere.
They're going to execute her. Look, a few minutes ago you said
you didn't want to just wait here to be captured. Now all you want to
do is stay.
Marching into the detention hall is not what I had in mind!
But they’re gonna kill her.
Better her than me!
…She’s rich.
Rich?
Yes. Rich, powerful! Listen, if you were to rescue her, the
reward would be...
What?
Well more wealth that you can imagine.
I dunno, I can imagine quite a bit!
You’ll get it.
I better!
You will.
All right, kid, but you better be right about this!
All right.
So, what’s your plan?
Uh...Menolly, hand me those binders there will you?
Here, F’lar, you do it.
Don’t worry, Mnementh. I think I know what he has in mind.
Oh, yeah, like that really helps.
Master Jaxom, sir! Pardon me for asking...but, ah...what
should we do if we're discovered here?
Lock the door!
And hope they don’t have blasters.
That isn't very reassuring.
I can't see a thing in this helmet.
This is not going to work!
Why didn't you say so before?
I did say so before!
Where are you taking these dragons?
Ruth, shut up! Prisoner transfer from Block one-one-three-eight.
I wasn't notified. I'll have to clear it.
Look out, they’re loose!
They’re going to pull us apart!
Go get ‘em!
We've got to find out which cell this princess of yours is in.
Here it is...cell twenty-one-eight-seven. You go get her. I'll hold
them here.
Everything is under control. Situation normal.
What happened?
Uh...had a slight weapons malfunction. But, uh,
everything's perfectly all right now. We're fine. We're all fine here,
now, thank you….. How are you?
We’re sending a squad up.
Ah…Negative, negative! We have a reactor leak here now, give us some time to lock it down, large leak. Very dangerous.
Who is this? What’s your operating number?
Boring conversation anyway. (yelling down the hall) Jaxom! We're
going to have company!
(finally) Aren't you a little short to be a storm trooper?
What? Oh...the uniform. I'm WhiteRider Jaxom. I'm here to rescue
you.
You’re who?
I’m here to rescue you. I got your message, I’m here with BronzeRider N’ton.
BronzeRider N’ton? Where is he!
Come on!
He’s here.
BronzeRider N’ton? What makes you think so?
A gut instinct. The last time I felt it was in the presence of my old mentor.
Surely he must be dead by now.
Do not under estimate the power of a DragonMan.
The DragonRiders are all but extinct. You are all that’s left of their supporters, my friend. (A.N.: Which doesn’t even make sense…..)
Yes?
Lord Sifer, we have an emergency alert in
detention block A A-twenty-three.
The Weyrwoman! Put all sections on alert!
BronzeRider N’ton is here. Lioth is with him.
If you're right, he must not be allowed to escape.
Escape is not his plan. I must face him….alone!
Can’t go that way.
It looks like you’ve cut off our only escape route!
(sarcastically) Maybe you'd like it back in your cell, Your
Highness.
Menolly! Menolly!
Yes?
We've been cut off! Are there any other ways out of the cell
bay?...What was that? I didn't copy!
I said, all systems have been alerted to your presence, Jaxom.
The main entrance seems to be the only way in or out; all other
information on your level is restricted.
Open up in there!
Oh, no…..
There isn’t any other way out!
I can’t hold them off forever! Now what?
This is some rescue. When you came in here, didn't you have a
plan for getting out?
He’s the brains, sweetheart!
Well, I didn’t-
What the hell are you doing?
Somebody has to save our skins. Into the garbage chute, wise
guy.
Get in there you big oaf! I don't care what you smell! Get
in there and don't worry about it.
Wonderful girl! Either I'm going to kill her or I'm beginning to
like her. Get in there!
(sarcastically) Oh! The garbage chute was a really wonderful
idea. What an incredible smell you've discovered! Let's get out of
here! Get away from there...
No! Wait!
Will you forget it? I already tried it. It's magnetically
sealed!
Put that thing away, you’re gonna get us all killed!
Absolutely, Your Worship. Look, I had everything under control
until you led us down here. You know, it's not going to take them long
to figure out what happened to us.
Well it could be worse.
Yeah, we could be dead.
It’s worse.
There’s something alive in here….
It’s your imagination.
Something just moves past my leg! Look! Did you see that?
What?
Jaxom! Jaxom! Jaxom!
Jaxom!
Jaxom, grab hold!
Blast it, will you! My gun’s jammed!
Where?
Anywhere! Just shoot!
Jaxom! Jaxom!
Grab him!
What happened?
I don't know, it just let go of me and disappeared...
I have a very bad feeling about this….
The walls are closing in!
Don't just stand there. Try to brace it with something.
Wait a minute!
Menolly. Menolly! Menolly. Where could she be?
They're madmen! They're heading for the prison level. If you
hurry, you might catch them.
Got it. You all follow me. You, stand guard.
Um, my fair are hungry. We’re just going to head to the kitchen, if that’s alright.
Menolly! Menolly. Come in, Menolly!
Get on top.
I can’t!
Where could she be? Menolly! Menolly, will you come in?
MENOLLY
They aren't here! Something must have happened to them. See if you can find out
if they've been captured, Mimic.
Hurry!
One thing's for sure. We're all going to be a lot thinner!
Use the com link? Oh, my! I forgot I turned it off.
Are you there, sir?
Menolly?
We’ve had some problems-
(over comlink) Will you shut up and listen to me? Shut down all
garbage mashers on the detention level, will you? Do you copy?
Shut down all the garbage mashers on the detention level!
Listen to them, Uncle! They’re dying, and it’s all my fault.
Menolly! We’re alright.
Wh-what?
We’re alright! You did great. Hey...hey, open the pressure maintenance hatch on unit number...
where are we? 3263827!
If we can just avoid any more female advice, we ought to be able
to get out of here.
No, wait! They’ll hear that.
Listen. I don't know who you are, or where you came from, but
from now on, you do as I tell you. Okay?
Look, Your Worshipfulness, let’s get one thing straight! I only take orders from one person. Me!
It’s a miracle you’re still alive, then.
Will someone get this walking Bronze behemoth out of my way?
No reward is worth this!
There she is.
Menolly, do you copy?
For the moment. Uh, we're in the main hangar across
from the ship.
We’re right above you. Stand by.
You came in that thing? You're braver that I thought.
Nice! Come on.
It’s them! Blast ‘em.
Get back to the ship!
Where are you going? Come back!
He certainly has courage.
What good will it do us if he gets himself killed? Come on!
I think we took a wrong turn.
Quick, we've got to get across. Find the control that extends
the bridge.
Oh, I think I just blasted it…..
They’re coming through!
For luck.
Mine, Pern to Mine. Come in, Mine.
Oh, shut up!
I've been waiting for you, BronzeRider. We meet again, at last. The
circle is now complete. When I left you, I was but the learner; now I am the master.
Only a master of evil, Fax. Oh, come on, what sort of line is that?
Why did I agree to do this?
Your powers are weak, old man.
You can't win, Fax. If you strike me down, I shall become more
powerful than you can possibly imagine.
How?
I….don’t….really know…
Script! Script! Have you people never heard of a script? Stick to it!
What kept you?
We ran into some old friends.
Is the ship okay?
Seems okay, if we can get to it. Just hope the old man got the
tractor beam out of commission.
After a moment’s pause, they rush foreword. However, Jaxom is distracted when he hears sabers clashing, and turns to see N’ton and Fax duking it out.
N’ton?
No!
Come on, Jaxom, it’s too late!
Blast the door, kid!
N’ton and Lioth would not want you to die for their sake! Run, Jaxom, run!
I hope the old man got that tractor beam out if commission, or
this is going to be a real short trip. Okay, hit it!
We're coming up on the sentry ships. Hold 'em off!
Angle the deflector shields while I charge up the main guns!
I can’t believe he’s gone….
There wasn’t anything you could have done.
Come on, buddy, we're not out of this yet!
You in, kid? Okay, stay sharp!
Here they come!
They're coming in too fast!
We’ve lost lateral controls.
Don’t worry, she’ll hold together!
You hear me, baby? Hold together!
Got him. I got him!
Great kid! Don't get cocky.
There are still two more of them out there!
We did it!
Are they away?
They have just made the jump into between.
You're sure the homing beacon is secure aboard their ship? I'm
taking an awful risk, Fax. This had better work.
Not a bad bit of rescuing, huh? You know, sometimes I even amaze myself.
Oh brother….. That doesn't sound too hard. Besides, they let us go. It's the
only explanation for the ease of our escape.
Easy! You call that easy?
They’re tracking us!
Not this ship, sister.
At least the information in the Queen Fire lizard is still intact.
What’s so important? What’s she carrying?
The technical readouts for that battle station! I only hope that when they analyze the data a weakness can be found. It’s not over yet!
It is for me, sister! Look, I ain't in this for your revolution,
and I'm not in it for you, Weyrwoman. I expect to be well paid. I'm in
it for the money!
You needn't worry about your reward. If money is all that you
love, then that's what you'll receive!
Your friend is quite a mercenary. I wonder if he really cares about anything! Or anybody.
Well I care!
So, F’lar, what do you think of her?
I’m trying not to, kid.
Good…..
Still, she's got a lot of spirit. I don't know, what do you
think? Do you think a Weyrwoman and a guy like me...
No!
You're safe! We had feared the worst
When we heard about Ruatha, we were afraid that you were….lost, along with Ramoth and your father.
We don't have time for our sorrows, Master Harper. The battle
station has surely tracked us here (looking pointedly to F’lar). It's
the only explanation for the ease of our escape. You must use the
information in Gold flitt to plan the attack. It is our only hope.
Yes.
We have reached the planet of Southern Boll. The Rebel base is there, and we are preparing to orbit the planet.
The battle station is heavily shielded and carries a
firepower greater than half the star fleet. It's defenses are designed
around a direct large-scale assault. A small one-man fighter should be
able to penetrate the outer defense.
Pardon me for asking, sir, but what good are snub fighters going to be against that?
Well, the Empire doesn't consider a small one-man fighter to
be any threat, or they'd have a tighter defense. An analysis of the
plans provided by Weyrwoman Lessa has demonstrated a weakness in the
battle station. The approach will not be easy. You are required to maneuver
straight down this trench and skim the surface to this point. The
target area is only two meters wide. It's a small thermal exhaust
port, right below the main port. The shaft leads directly to the
reactor system. A precise hit will start a chain reaction which should
destroy the station.
Only a precise hit will set off a chain reaction. The port is ray-shielded, so you’ll have to use proton torpedoes.
That’s impossible, even for a computer!
It's not impossible. I used to bull's-eye Tunnel Snakes with Ruth back home. They're not much bigger than two meters.
Man your ships! And may your dragons be with you! Well, you know, for those of you that have dragons…..
This will be a day long remembered. It has seen the end of
BronzeRider N’ton and it will soon see the end of the Rebellion.
You seriously creep me out. Take two large steps that way.
You underestimate the power of-
We get it, we get it! Dragons and all that.
Did you people not read the script? Did you not see the movie?
What’s a movie?
All flight troopers, man your stations.
All flight troops, man your stations.
So, you got your reward, and now you’re just leaving then?
That's right, yeah! I got some old debts I've got to pay off with
this stuff. Even if I didn't, you don't think I'd be fool enough to
stick around here, do you? Why don't you come with us? You're pretty
good in a fight. I could use you.
Why don’t you take a look around you? You know what’s about to happen, what we’re up against! We could use a good pilot like you, you’re turning your back on us.
What good's a reward if you ain't around to use it? Besides,
attacking that battle station ain't my idea of courage. It's more like
suicide.
Alright. Well, take care of yourself, F’lar. I guess it’s what you’re best at, isn’t it?
Hey, Jaxom!....Good luck up there. Ruth can do it.
What're you lookin' at? I know what I'm doing.
What’s wrong?
Oh, it's F’lar! I don't know, I really thought he'd change his
mind.
He’s got to follow his own path. No one can choose it for him.
I only wish….N’ton were here.
Jaxom! I don’t believe it. How’d you get here? Are you going up with us!
Sebell! Of course, I'll be up there with you! Listen, have I got
some stories to tell...
Are you WhiteRider Jaxom? Have you ever flown one of these types of planes before?
Sir, Jaxom is the best pilot in the outer Hold territories.
I met your father once when I was just a boy, he was a
great pilot. You'll do all right. If you've got half of your father's
skill, you'll do better than all right.
Thank you, sir. I’ll try.
I've got to get aboard. Listen, you'll tell me your stories
when we come back. All right?
I told you I’d make it some day, Sebell.
(going off) You did, all right. It's going to be like old
times, Jaxom. We're a couple of shooting stars that'll never be
stopped!
This dragon seems a little small. Do you want me to hook you up with a double-fighter and a BronzeRider?
Not on your life! That little White and I have been through a lot together. You okay, Ruth?
Hang on tight, Jaxom, you’ve got to come back!
Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.
You wouldn’t want my life to get boring, would you?
Jaxom, I’ll be with you.
All wings report in.
Brown 10 standing by.
Brown 7 standing by.
Brown 3 standing by.
Brown 6 standing by
Brown 9 standing by
Brown 2 standing by
Brown 11 standing by
Brown 5 standing by.
Hold tight! Switch your deflectors on. Double front!
Look at the size of that thing!
Cut the chatter, Brown Two. Accelerate to attack speed. This is it, boys!
Brown Leader, this is Bronze Leader.
I copy, Bronze Leader
We’re starting for the target shaft now.
We're in position. I'm going to cut across the axis and
try and draw their fire.
Heavy fire, boss. Twenty degrees.
I see it. Stay low.
This is Brown 5, I’m going in!
Jaxom, pull out.
You okay?
I’m a little cooked, but I’m alright.
We count thirty Rebel ships, Lord Fax. But they're so
small they're evading our turbo-lasers!
We’ll have to destroy them ship to ship. Get the crews to their fighters.
Jaxom, tell me when you’re going back in.
I’m on my way in now!
Watch yourself! There's a lot of fire coming from the
right side of that deflection tower.
I’m on it.
Squad leaders, we've picked up a new group of
signals. Enemy fighters coming your way.
My scope's negative. I don't see anything.
Keep up your visual scanning. With all this jamming,
they'll be on top of you before your scope can pick them up.
Sebell, watch yourself, you’ve got one on your tail.
I can’t see it! Where?
He's on me tight, I can't shake him...I can't shake him.
Hang on, Sebell, I’m coming.
Got him!
Several fighters have broken off from the main group. Come with
me!
Pull in. Jaxom, pull in!
Watch your back, Jaxom. Watch your back! Fighters above you, coming in.
I'm hit, but not bad.
Can you see Brown Five?
There’s heavy fire on this side. Brown Five, where are you?
I can’t shake him!
Blast it! F’lessan, where are you?
Thanks, F’lessan.
Good shooting, F’lessan!
I copy, Bronze Leader. Move into position.
Stay in attack formation!
The exhaust post is marked and locked in!
Switch power to front deflector screens. How many guns do you think, Gold Five?
I’d say twenty guns. Some on the surface, some on the towers.
Red Star will be in range in five minutes.
Switching to targeting computer
Computer's locked. Getting a signal.
The guns! They’ve stopped!
Stabilize your read deflectors. Watch for enemy fighters.
They’re coming in! Three marks at two ten!
I'll take them myself! Cover me!
Yes, sir!
I can’t maneuver!
Stay on target.
We’re too close!
Stay on target.
Loosen up!
Bronze Five to Brown Leader. Lost T’ree, lost Dutch.
I copy, Bronze Five.
They came from behind.
We've analyzed their attack, sir, and there is a danger.
Should I have your ship standing by?
Evacuate? In out moment of triumph? I think you overestimate
their chances!
Rebel base, three minutes and closing.
Brown Wing, this is Brown Leader. Rendezvous at mark six point one.
This is Brown Three, flying toward you.
Brown Two, standing by.
Half of the wing stay out of range for the next run. Jaxom, take Red Two
and Three. Hold up here and wait for my signal...to start your run.
I copy, Brown Leader.
This is it!
We should be able to see it by now….
Keep your eyes open for those fighters!
There’s too much interference! Brown Five, can you see them from where you are?
No sign of any – wait!
Coming in point three five.
I see them.
I’m in range! Target’s coming up. Just hold them off a few seconds!
Close up formation.
You’d better let her loose!
Almost there.
I can’t hold them!
It’s away.
It’s a hit!
Negative. Negative, it just impacted on the surface….
Brown Leader, we’re right above you. Pull up to point…of-five, we’ll cover for you.
Stay there, I just lost my starboard engine.
Get ready to make your attack run.
Rebel base, one minute and closing.
Sebell, F’lessan, let’s close it up. We’re going in. We’re going in full throttle.
Right with you, boss!
Jaxom, at that speed, will you be able to pull out in time?
It’ll be just like Beggar’s Canyon back home!
We’ll stay back far enough to cover you.
My scope shows the tower, but I can't see the
exhaust port! Are you sure the computer can hit it?
Watch yourself! Increase speed full throttle!
What about the tower?
You worry about those fighters! I'll worry about the tower!
I’m hit, I can’t stay with you.
Get clear, F’lessan, you can’t do any more good back there!
Sorry.
Let him go! Stay on the leader.
Hurry, Jaxom, they're coming in much faster this time. I can't
hold them!
Rebel base, thirty seconds and counting.
I’m on the leader!
Use my help, Jaxom.
Let go, Jaxom, let go!
This one has a powerful dragon….
He’s switched off his targeting computer. Jaxom, you’ve switched off your targeting computer, what’s wrong?
Nothing, I’m alright.
You may fire when ready.
I have you now!
What?
Yahoo!
Look out!
You’re all clear, kid. Now, let’s blow this thing so we can go home!
Great shot, kid. That was one in a million!
Remember, I will be with you….always.
Yeah, Ruth, I remember.
Jaxom! Jaxom! Jaxom!
Hey, hey!
I knew you’d come back, I just knew it!
Well, I wasn't gonna let you get all the credit and take all the
reward.
Hey, I knew there was more to you than money!
The scanning crew go up the ramp, and a loud crashing sound is heard. Someone calls:
Hey down there! Can you gives us a hand with this?
The Storm Troopers glance at each other and walk up, followed by more crashing noises.
OFFICER
Through the window, we see a Storm Trooper come down the gangplank, and knock on his helmet, as if to say “Problem.” The officer nods, and motions for him to come to the office. As the officer opens the slider door, his is knocked over by Mnementh’s massive tail, and F’lar quickly stuffs him in a closet, blasting in the air to make sure no one else is in the office. They are quickly followed in by Menolly, N’ton, Lioth, Ruth and Jaxom, the later of whom shuts the door and locks it.
JAXOM
F’LAR
Menolly quickly interrupts the argument, sliding into the chair at the computer desk.
MENOLLY
She begins typing, and a map of the station pops up.
MENOLLY
N’ton studies the map for a moment, and nods, before turning with Lioth to the door.
N’TON
F’LAR
JAXOM
N’TON
JAXOM
N’TON
Jaxom looks at him, begging, for a moment, but a sweet, yet stern look from N’ton makes him sigh, dropping his head, defeated. He watches his mentor leave the office with his dragon, and closes the door behind him. Mnementh rumbles something, and F’lar nods.
F’LAR
Jaxom wheels, snarling.
JAXOM
F’LAR
JAXOM
F’LAR
JAXOM
Beauty has begun to freak out and neither Menolly nor Ruth can quiet her.
JAXOM
MENOLLY
JAXOM
Menolly closes her eyes for a moment, concentrating, before opening them, startled.
MENOLLY
Jaxom looks ecstatic, but F’lar looks less than thrilled.
JAXOM
F’LAR
MENOLLY
JAXOM
F’LAR
JAXOM
F’LAR
JAXOM
F’LAR
JAXOM
F’LAR
JAXOM
F’LAR
When pleading fails, Jaxom appeals to F’lar’s baser instincts.
JAXOM
F’lar perks up, intrigued, and Mnementh growls.
F’LAR
JAXOM
F’LAR
JAXOM
F’LAR
JAXOM
F’LAR
JAXOM
F’LAR
JAXOM
F’LAR
Plan? Whoa, there, that’s too high up for Jaxom’s thinking. So, he looks around, and sees a massive metal collar on a desk.
JAXOM
He moves toward Mnementh with the massive collar, and Mnementh growls menacingly, and Jaxom retreats back to Ruth. He hands the collar to the Bronze’s Rider.
JAXOM
F’lar clips the collar on the Bronze.
F’LAR
MNEMENTH
MENOLLY
JAXOM
F’LAR
MENOLLY
The pair of DragonRiders exit, leaving a very worried Menolly.
The pair of DragonRiders, dressed as Storm Troopers, try and blend in, but that’s pretty hard when they have two dragons, a Bronze and a White, in chains, and are only just able to squeeze them into the elevator up to the detention block. Once the doors safely close and they start going up, Jaxom takes the helmet off to clean the eyes before putting it back on.
JAXOM
F’LAR
JAXOM
F’LAR
The elevator doors open, and the quad step out, only to meet some officers around a desk in the detention block. The head officer stands up, looking over them warily. Finally, he asks:
OFFICER
Ruth begins to growl
JAXOM
OFFICER
As he moves back toward the desk, the dragons break their collars off, and begin slashing wildly at the officers and Jaxom and F’lar fire, trying to seem like they’re really stupid, but trying to help. They fire at the cameras on the walls, and then the officers.
F’LAR
JAXOM
F’LAR
Once they’ve cleared everything out of the way, F’lar races over to the buzzing communications link.
F’LAR
As Jaxom rushes down the hall, F’lar begins talking into the com link
F’LAR
INTERCOM OFFICER
F’LAR
INTERCOM OFFICER
F’LAR
INTERCOM OFFICER
Nervously, F’lar blasts the communications link, which is now smoking.
F’LAR
Down the hall, Jaxom opens a cell door, and sees Weyrwoman Lessa and Golden Ramoth, who are sitting rather sulkily. Lessa looks up as he enters, and Jaxom gapes (*head smack*)
LESSA
Jaxom stares at her, confused for a second, and then Ruth clues him in and he takes off his helmet.
JAXOM
LESSA
JAXOM
LESSA
JAXOM
Back in the board room (What the hell is with the board room? Stupid cheap funding, not enough money for better sets…..) Sifer watches Fax pace the room, who has just admitted he believes BronzeRider N’ton is in the Red Star. (Hey, we all know Fax is screwy.)
FAX
SIFER
FAX
SIFER
FAX
SIFER
The communications link buzzes, and Sifer answers it.
SIFER
OFFICER
SIFER
FAX
SIFER
FAX
Back in the detention block, F’lar and Mnementh are standing guard, when the elevator begins to buzz, signaling that it’s about to open. A brief amount of firing ensues before F’lar and Mnementh are forced back, meeting up with Jaxom and Lessa.
F’LAR
LESSA
F’LAR
Ignoring them, Jaxom digs out a small com link to Menolly.
JAXOM
MENOLLY (over link)
JAXOM
In the control room, we see Menolly furiously typing at the computer and talking to Jaxom through the communications link.
MENOLLY
Someone begins banging on the door.
STORM TROOPERS
MENOLLY
Back in the cell block, Jaxom has pushed Lessa behind him, and he and F’lar are exchanging fire with the Troopers.
JAXOM
F’LAR
LESSA
F’LAR
Jaxom grins sheepishly at her, and she rolls her eyes.
JAXOM
He stops as she snatches the blaster from his hands and fires a huge, dragon sized hole into the garbage pit door, nearly hitting F’lar.
F’LAR
LESSA
She jumps in, followed by Ramoth, but F’lar is having a hard time convincing his Bronze to go in the garbage chute.
F’LAR
He gives Mnementh a kick, and Ruth follows him in. F’lar and Jaxom continue exchanging fire for a few moments.
F’LAR
Jaxom jumps in, followed by F’lar.
F’lar lands in a pile of grotty looking trash, and immediately grimaces. He hefts his blaster, and prepares to fire at the door.
F’LAR
JAXOM
Too late. F’lar fires and the laser bullet goes flying wildly around the garbage pit. Jaxom and Lessa duck for cover until it stops, and Jaxom resurfaces, screaming at the DragonRider.
JAXOM
LESSA
F’LAR
LESSA
RAMOTH
Naturally, a terrible moan begins, and Mnementh lets out a frightened groan. Jaxom and F’lar redraw their blasters and look warily around the mid-calf deep water, Jaxom looking extremely agitated.
F’LAR
JAXOM
F’LAR
JAXOM
F’LAR
Suddenly, Jaxom is dragged underwater, and the other two DragonRiders start screaming, while the White begins thrashing around the water looking for His.
F’LAR
For a moment, Jaxom resurfaces, a tentacle wrapped around his throat. He is quickly pulled under again.
LESSA
Lessa grabs wildly for his hand, but his wet fingers keep slipping.
LESSA
JAXOM
F’LAR
JAXOM
F’lar draws his gun and fires, but the tentacle does not let go of the writhing DragonRider. Instead, it drags him back under. Suddenly, the garbage pit walls shudder, and begin to slowly move in. Jaxom resurfaces, coughing like mad, his dragon crooning anxiously.
F’LAR
LESSA
F’lar grabs hold of his arm, steadying the shivering, sputtering Jaxom.
LESSA
JAXOM
F’LAR
With a creak, the walls begin to move in on the Rebels.
JAXOM
LESSA
They try and arrange polls and things to stop the moving walls, and the dragons lean their weight in, but it only barely slows the walls.
JAXOM
He yanks out the com link, shouting furiously into it.
JAXOM
Menolly has shut off the link, hiding in a closet with her fair. Storm Troopers burst into the office, and after a minute or so, open the closet to reveal Menolly. They stare at each other stupidly for a moment before the Harper is able to act.
MENOLLY
STORM TROOPER
The selected Trooper goes to the entrance, and Menolly hesitantly follows.
MENOLLY
The guard nods, and Menolly hurries on her way.
In the garbage pit, things are looking grim as the room gets smaller and smaller. F’lar is trying to help Lessa onto the top of the garbage pile, and Jaxom is still trying to speak through the communications link.
JAXOM
F’LAR
LESSA
JAXOM
Menolly is waiting nervously in hiding by the Millennium Dragon, and is stroking Mimic’s head.
Mimic blinks into between, chattering, and a few others follow suit.
MENOLLY
In the garbage pit, the dragons are pressed against each other, and Lessa and F’lar are smashed next to each other, F’lar resolutely holding her hand to keep her from slipping.
F’LAR
Menolly’s fire lizards have come back to her, and she despairs when they’re none the wiser. Lazy Bones cheeps something, and Menolly blinks.
MENOLLY
Menolly turns it on, only to be assaulted by the sound of the walls and garbage groaning as they’re smashed together.
MENOLLY
Jaxom gasps as the link begins to buzz, and he lifts it up again.
JAXOM
MENOLLY
JAXOM
Menolly begins flipping switches wildly, terrified.
In the garbage masher, as all fate seems the most dark, the walls stop. Surprised, they are silent at first, but then dragons and Riders start roaring, whooping, and cheering their lungs out.
Menolly, however, is biting back tears.
MENOLLY
JAXOM
Astounded, Menolly blinks at the communications link.
MENOLLY
JAXOM
Outside, in the hall way, we see the six trying to clean up a little. Jaxom and F’lar have changed out of the Storm Trooper costumes, and despite the somewhat tender moment between them, Lessa and F’lar are shooting barbs at each other.
F’LAR
Jaxom rolls his eyes, smiling, and studiously works at drying his hair. Mnementh starts trumpeting as the same tentacle reaches through their escape hatch, trying to find it’s victims. F’lar draws his blaster, but Lessa is quickly protesting.
LESSA
Too late, as F’lar fires at it, causing it to retreat. However, the sound echoes in the hall way, and Lessa and Jaxom groan.
LESSA
F’lar is stunned by the command of the eighteen year old, since he’s twelve years older. However, he’s quick to react as well.
F’LAR
LESSA
As she tries to lead them down the hall, she and Ramoth are accidentally blocked off by Mnementh.
LESSA
Mnementh nervously side steps, allowing the Weyrwoman and Queen to pass, and Jaxom is secretly grinning. F’lar glares at the young DragonRider, whose smile drops.
F’LAR
After a while, they manage to get to the level above the docking bay, where the Millennium Dragon lies in wait, surrounded by Storm Troopers.
F’LAR
JAXOM
MENOLLY
JAXOM
Lessa takes one look at the ship and suppresses laughter.
LESSA
F’LAR
They round a corner, only to run straight into twenty Storm Troopers.
STORM TROOPER
F’LAR
JAXOM
Too late, he’s fired on the Troopers, and they’re following him down a different hallway, leaving Jaxom and Lessa to find their way back.
LESSA
JAXOM
F’lar is now chasing down most of the Storm Troopers, who are retreating down the hallway. Of course, once he rounds the corner, there are about fifty more waiting for him. He pauses for a moment, and then turns around and runs straight back.
Jaxom and Lessa are having their own problems as they rush down a hallway, chased by several Storm Troopers. They turn, and nearly fall off an extendable bridge, but Jaxom only just regains his balance. As the Storm Troopers advance, he turns and fires at the door controls, causing the door to slam shut. Ramoth and Ruth are hovering in the big gap that supposed to be crossed by punching in the code for the extendable bridge.
JAXOM
LESSA
JAXOM
The door begins to lift a little.
LESSA
From above them, on another part of a bridge, Storm Troopers begin firing, and Jaxom fires back. He glances at how far his dragon is, and suddenly grabs Lessa around the waste. Surprised, she begins the get the idea of what he has in mind, and gives him a quick kiss, which only fuddles his brain more.
LESSA
RUTH
JAXOM
The White maneuvers as close as he can, and Jaxom jumps, his feet coming down on Ruth’s outstretched leg. With his free hand, he wildly grabs for a neck ridge, and swings them both on board his dragon’s neck. The Queen and White wing down the hallway toward where the ship is docked.
Back by the Millennium Dragon, N’ton suddenly appears, having succeeded in turning off the Tractor Beam. However, Lord Fax comes striding down the hall in the opposite direction, his hands on the hilt of his sword. N’ton does not try and bolt, but walks a few paces to meet his adversary.
FAX
N’TON
Shadow13 begins to bash her head against the set wall, and her assistant directors look at her funny.
SHADOW13
They both go back to their battle poses, and draw their weapons. Elegantly, they begin fighting.
FAX
N’TON
FAX
N’TON
SHADOW13
In the other hallway next to the docking bay, F’lar and Mnementh are waiting as Jaxom and Lessa rush down the hall.
F’LAR
LESSA
JAXOM
F’LAR
JAXOM
Menolly has rushed foreword and joined the other two DragonRiders, who are making their way onto the ship. However, they note that Jaxom isn’t with them, and pause. He is petrified, and Ruth desperately tries to nudge him toward the Millennium Dragon. N’ton sees his young protégé, and looks back up at Fax. Sighing, he lifts his sword to his face, and waits. In one swift swipe, Fax has driven his blade through N’ton heart. Lioth starts keening wildly, bursting into between, and Ramoth, Mnementh, and Ruth have begun the death keen too.
JAXOM
Fax begins to advance on the three, and Lessa has rushed back to the WhiteRider, tugging on his arm.
LESSA
F’LAR
The young DragonRider has the presence of mind to fire at the door locks, which slams the door down before Fax or the troops can reach them.
RUTH
Jaxom has begun to cry as he is prodded on board, and F’lar has revved the engine.
F’LAR
Mnementh rumbles as they zip out of the docking bay, waiting for instructions on where to go to between.
Jaxom is sitting at a table, sniffling and wiping away a few tears. Lessa drapes a blanket across his shoulders and sits down next to him, trying to comfort him.
In the cockpit, F’lar is having troubles of his own.
F’LAR
Ruth has settled next to Ramoth in her weyr, the weyr that used to belong to Lioth, and Jaxom knows it, and it only succeeds in depressing him more.
JAXOM
LESSA
F’lar bursts into the room, looking around wildly. His eyes light up when he spots Jaxom, and grabs his arm, yanking him off the bench and toward the guns.
F’LAR
The two head to the gunport while Lessa goes to the cockpit. The other two strap in, F’lar with practiced ease, Jaxom with nervous excitement. They talk to each other through headsets that they’ve strapped on, and Mnementh and Ruth bugle, as though facing off against Thread.
F’LAR
As enemy fighters scream overhead and into focus, Lessa speaks through the communication links.
LESSA
F’lar and Jaxom begin firing at the fighters, but both keep missing.
JAXOM
Menolly is cowering in the cockpit with the Weyrwoman, and whimpers slightly as the ship takes a hit. Lessa scowls, and has Menolly scan the computer for the damages.
LESSA
F’LAR
A panel next to him erupts into sparks, and he winces slightly.
F’LAR
After several moments of shoot and miss, F’lar hits one, and Mnementh trumpets. Jaxom soon follows suit, with Ruth shuffling his wings and roaring.
JAXOM
F’LAR
LESSA
A few minutes later, and the remaining two fighters are gone, leaving the ship in a state of glee.
(laughing) That's it! We did it!
LESSA
However, the victory, we soon discover, is short lived. Naturally, back in THE BOARD ROOM OF DOOM (What? Just plain old “board room,” was getting annoying……) Fax and Sifer are talking……
SIFER
FAX
SIFER
F’lar moves into the cockpit, where only Lessa remains, going over the computer to check for any serious damage.
F’LAR
LESSA
F’LAR
LESSA
F’LAR
Lessa rolls her eyes, and angrily shakes her head.
LESSA
F’LAR
LESSA
F’LAR
Lessa slams her palm down onto the dashboard, and angrily gets up.
LESSA
Tearing up, she bursts out of the room, going to her weyr, brushing past Jaxom in the hall. Confused by her tears, he stops her.
LESSA
She hurries off to Ramoth, and Jaxom stands there befuddled for a moment.
JAXOM
Jaxom enters the cockpit, only to find a brooding BronzeRider. He grimaces, and slides into the copilot seat.
JAXOM
F’LAR
JAXOM
F’lar can’t help but smirk at him, and give his chain a little yank.
F’LAR
JAXOM
He flushes, and F’lar only barely stops himself from grinning.
We now see the somewhat battered Millennium Dragon land on the planet/Hold of Southern Boll, receiving clearance for landing. We cut to the inside of the Rebel base, where Master Harper Robinton is pouring over documents. Lessa enters, tailed by Ramoth, Jaxom, Ruth, F’lar, Mnementh, and a very nervous Menolly. Looking up, his happy surprise at seeing her soon turns into ecstatic joy, and he rushes over to her, enfolding her in a hug
ROBINTON
He pulls back, coughs, and bows, regaining his composure.
ROBINTON
LESSA
We see the massive Red Star wheel surprisingly quickly toward Southern Boll, and Sifer and Fax are still in the board room. (Man, I’m going to be glad when that board room’s smashed into tiny pieces!) The com link buzzes, and Sifer answers it.
SIFER
OFFICER
Master Robinton is addressing a large assembly of Rebel pilots, which Jaxom is suited up to be, and will be flying as. F’lar and Mnementh are standing in the back.
ROBINTON
BRONZE WING LEADER (A.N.: Not necessarily for if you have a Bronze dragon, or any dragon at all. It’s just the name of the fighting wing.)
ROBINTON
There is a murmur of disbelief in the crowd.
ROBINTON
Jaxom is sitting next to the hot shot sixteen year old DragonRider and pilot, F’lessan, Rider of Bronze Golanth. The two have hit it off wonderfully, each equally excited about the upcoming attack, but at the news of what they have to use as weapons, F’lessan grows skeptical.
F’LESSAN
JAXOM
ROBINTON
In the Red Star, Fax and Sifer are anxiously watching a computer screen, monitoring how long before they can blast Southern Boll safely: Thirty minutes.
FAX
He strikes another one of his dramatic poses, and Sifer looks at him funny.
SIFER
FAX
SIFER
SHADOW13
FAX
Shadow13 begins to cry.
At the dock on the Rebel base, F’lar is packing up boxes with Mnementh’s help, and Jaxom passes him with Ruth. An intercom goes off, and Jaxom watches F’lar carefully as he purposefully ignores it.
INTERCOM
JAXOM
F’LAR
Jaxom is pleased at the compliment, but bristles at the selfishness of if.
JAXOM
F’LAR
JAXOM
Hurt, he turns to go, but F’lar calls out to him.
F’LAR
Jaxom smiles, and nods, waving a short goodbye, before heading to his fighter, just big enough to fit a dragon in. Mnementh croons sadly to F’lar, and he snaps at him.
F’LAR
As Jaxom gets ready to get Ruth into his section of the plane, Lessa finds him, Robinton tagging with her, as well as Ramoth. Worried, she notices his spirits are still down.
LESSA
JAXOM
LESSA
JAXOM
Smiling sadly, Lessa gives Jaxom a quick kiss, while all other pilots’ around jaws drop, and secretly add Jaxom to their list of people to get bloody revenge on. Robinton leads Lessa away, if only to keep the pilots from getting more distracted than they already are. Suddenly, another pilot grabs the astounded Jaxom’s arm and swings him around. Jaxom is breathless when he finds Sebell!
SEBELL
JAXOM
As he and Sebell are about to reminisce, their wing leader, Brown Leader, interrupts, smiling amiably.
BROWN LEADER
SEBELL
Brown Leader grins and pats Jaxom on the back.
BROWN LEADER
JAXOM
Brown Leader rushes off to his own ship, and Sebell punches Jaxom’s shoulder playfully.
SEBELL
JAXOM
SEBELL
Jaxom nods, grinning, and watches as some techies help hoist Ruth into his section of the plane.
TECHIE
JAXOM
Ruth trumpets, flapping his wings slightly, and Jaxom grins, hoping into the cockpit. He doesn’t close the hatch, though, as Menolly has come to say a rather tear filled goodbye.
MENOLLY
JAXOM
MENOLLY
He laughs and waves her off, shutting the cockpit hatch.
RUTH
He instinctively nods, and gives a little sigh, thinking of N’ton.
The fighters take off, and leave the Southern Boll atmosphere, approaching the Red Star, which is now only fifteen minutes from being able to blast its target.
BROWN LEADER
BROWN TEN
BROWN SEVEN
SEBELL
BROWN SIX
BROWN NINE
F’LESSAN
BROWN ELEVEN
JAXOM
BROWN LEADER
The lock into attack mode as they pierce the Red Star’s magnetic field.
F’LESSAN
BROWN LEADER
BRONZE LEADER
BROWN LEADER
BRONZE LEADER
BROWN LEADER
The Rebels dive down toward the Red Star surface, and Lessa and Menolly listen to the radio transmissions nervously from Southern Boll.
F’LESSAN
BROWN LEADER
JAXOM
Luke does an elegant nose dive, but towers in the trenches of the Red Star begin firing on him. Slightly terrified, he realizes that if he stays, he’s dead for sure.
SEBELL
He does so, allowing his friend to breath slightly easier.
SEBELL
JAXOM
On board the Red Star, all is chaos. Amidst the confusion, however, Fax is a vision of calm, and an officer rushes up to him.
OFFICER
FAX
Outside, Jaxom is getting ready to make another go at it.
BROWN LEADER
JAXOM
BROWN LEADER
JAXOM
In Southern Boll, Robinton has an arm around the shoulder of the absolutely terrified Lessa, who is trembling very slightly.
OFFICER
JAXOM
BROWN LEADER
Imperial fighters scream into view, and one marks Sebell out as a target.
BROWN LEADER
SEBELL
Sebell does a few maneuvers, but Jaxom pulls out to help him.
SEBELL
JAXOM
Jaxom runs the fighter down, firing.
JAXOM
On board the Red Star, Fax has hailed down two pilots.
FAX
Lessa leaves Robinton and snuggles next to Ramoth as everyone listens to the transmission. Things only get worse when Jaxom seems to be the focus of worry.
SEBELL
F’LESSAN
An Imperial clips Jaxom’s wing, but he’s still doing fine.
JAXOM
BROWN LEADER
BROWN TEN
Jaxom’s picked up an Imperial, and is doing wild moves in an effort to get him off his tail.
JAXOM
I’m on him, Jaxom! Hold on.
JAXOM
F’lessan dives in, and fires on the Imperial ship, and Jaxom breaths a sigh of relief.
JAXOM
SEBELL
Brown Leader, this is Bronze Leader. We’re starting our attack run.
BROWN LEADER
Suddenly, there is more heavy firing as Fax and his two pilots dive down on the unsuspecting Rebels.
FAX
BRONZE LEADER
Bronze Leader and two of his wing men pull in close to the surface and start to go into the trenches, looking for their target. The ships rock as they are hit with debris and laser fire from the enemy.
BRONZE LEADER
GOLD FIVE
In the conference room at the Rebel base, Lessa is nervously clenching and unclenching her fists as a voice over the intercom comes in.
INTERCOM
The three members of Bronze Wing are maneuvering carefully and activating targeting computers. However, the ships are under constant and heavy fire.
BRONZE LEADER
BRONZE TWO
However, all of a sudden, all of the firing ceases.
BRONZE TWO
BRONZE FIVE
BRONZE LEADER
Fax and his two wing pilots dive in very calmly toward the Red Star surface, and the Rebels begin to sweat.
FAX
WINGMAN 1
He very calmly pulls the trigger, and Bronze Two explodes. Bronze Leader is in a panic, and Bronze Five is trying to calm him.
BRONZE LEADER
BRONZE FIVE
BRONZE LEADER
BRONZE FIVE
BRONZE LEADER
Too late. With another blast, Fax has wiped out Bronze Leader, but Bronze Five keeps moving toward the target.
BRONZE FIVE
BROWN LEADER
BRONZE FIVE
As he says this, Fax swoops in and fires on his tail. He goes into a spin, and slams against the wall, to his death. Jaxom gasps, and gulps quickly, trying not to listen to Ruth’s keening.
On board the Red Star, an officer has rushed up to Sifer, nervously.
OFFICER
SIFER
Over an intercom.
INTERCOM
Out in space, Brown Leader is wearily trying to formulate an attack.
BROWN LEADER
F’LESSAN
SEBELL
BROWN LEADER
JAXOM
Brown Leader takes two other pilots and starts his attack run.
BROWN LEADER
After several tense moments of dodging fire, they near the exhaust port.
BROWN TEN
BROWN LEADER
BROWN TEN
JAXOM
JAXOM
BROWN TEN
BROWN LEADER
FAX
Brown Ten is maneuvering wildly in order to avoid Fax’s fire.
BROWN TEN
BROWN LEADER
Brown Ten is in a panic.
BROWN TEN
As Fax coolly fires on Brown Ten, he bursts into flames. Nervously, Brown Leader gulps, and fires.
BROWN LEADER
Inside, the Red Star shakes, and Lessa is holding her breath for a tense moment.
BROWN NINE
BROWN LEADER
As Brown Leader pulls up, Fax begins to try and follow.
JAXOM
BROWN LEADER
Jaxom watches nervously as Brown Leader fights to stay in control of his ship.
BROWN LEADER
Fax fires, and Brown Leader’s ship explodes. Jaxom bites down on his lower lip, and begins to feel the hopelessness of their situation.
On the Red Star, Sifer is clenching the edge of a desk, staring excitedly at the computer screen.
INTERCOM:
Jaxom looks determined and takes a large sigh.
JAXOM
F’LESSAN
SEBELL
JAXOM
SEBELL
F’LESSAN
JAXOM
F’LESSAN
JAXOM
Fax and his wing men swoop in, and begin to fire. They manage to score against F’lessan, and he swears.
F’LESSAN
JAXOM
F’LESSAN
F’lessan peels off, and one of the Imperial ships is about to follow him.
FAX
SEBELL
Before Jaxom can reply, Fax fires on him, and the ship bursts into flames. Jaxom is stunned speechless for a moment, unable to breath. He closes his eyes, before opening them again, concentrating on his target, anger boiling inside of him.
Sifer is pacing nervously around the room, and Fax closes in on Jaxom.
INTERCOM VOICE:
FAX
Jaxom switches on his targeting computer, but Ruth is quickly protesting.
RUTH
Jaxom hesitates for a minute, thinking of the things N’ton taught him.
RUTH
Jaxom nods confidently, and pushes his targeting computer away.
FAX
However, back on base, control has realized his computer is off.
OFFICER
JAXOM
The Red Star has come in range, and Sifer is dictating excited orders to officers.
SIFER
FAX
His hand clenches on the trigger, but hesitates for some reason. Shaking his head, he is about to fire when someone suddenly hits one of his wingmen.
FAX
The Millennium Dragon swoops in, with F’lar grinning from ear to ear.
F’LAR
WINGMAN 2
Fax’s remaining wingman begins trying to pull up, smacking into his commander’s ship, which sends him spinning off into space in crazy circles. On base, Lessa is absolutely paralyzed, her jaw hanging limp as she listens.
F’LAR
Nervously grinning, Jaxom fires, and only breaths when he realizes that his shot has gone in. He wildly pulls up, smiling wildly as he flies back to Southern Boll with F’lar. The Red Star explodes into millions of tiny pieces, and along with it, the board room (YES!)
F’LAR
RUTH
Jaxom smiles, and sighs, thinking of his dragon and his mentor.
JAXOM
Jaxom and F’lar land in the base, and Lessa has come tearing out of the control room to him.
LESSA
He jumps out of his cockpit, scooping the Weyrwoman into a hug. F’lar quickly joins them, and Lessa, laughing, has thrown her arms around his neck.
F’LAR
JAXOM
F’LAR
LESSA
Arms around each other’s shoulders, they begin striding down the hall way, laughing their heads off, and Menolly quickly joins them.
The next day, an assembly has gathered, and F’lar and Jaxom, decked out in their finest, stride down a carpeted walk, their dragons walking behind. They reach the top of a set of stairs, where Lessa and Robinton wait, both dressed to the nines. Menolly is grinning excitedly in the crowd as Lessa puts a gold medallion around each neck. Jaxom smiles at her and F’lar winks. They turn back to face the crowd, which erupts into cheers, making their smiles grow even wider. Several dragons begin trumpeting, as well as Ramoth, Mnementh, and Ruth.
Continue on to Part IV.5