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they thought it was the Scaleen traders tryin’ to escape. Doin’ the dirty on them, too. They could have been after those traitors,” Jessamine pointed out.
    “True. So that means, they either knew about us or thought they were firing upon the traders. And if they knew about us, how did they know? Why would they want to kill us? Let’s face it, we’re fairly harmless. No weapons, no intel—we’re flying blind here. I can’t see how they would think we’re a threat.” She tapped a finger against her lower lip and stared into the distance. “We were lucky to escape so easily.”
    “Yep, and sure were lucky to have such great pilots,” Jessamine added. She pounded poor Norman’s back with enthusiasm. “Like Norman here.”
    “Thank you.” Norman stepped out of her reach and clasped his hands together in humble supplication. His eyes glistened. “We had help though. The Darkon warriors engaged our attackers. They diverted most of their attention towards themselves.”
    Alana shoved her hands into the pockets of her flight suit and scowled. She rocked on the balls of her booted feet. “Yeah, I noticed and I’m not happy to think we may owe them something in return. So who were these new blokes, Norman ?”
    “It was an Elite battle cruiser.” Norman flapped his arms giving a good impression of an agitated stork about to take off. “They are the ruling military power of the universe. Their commander is the Supreme Ruler. Very nasty. I was very surprised they decided to ignore theDarkon cruiser and focus on our shuttles. I find it not acceptable they wanted to destroy the Scaleen traders. They are just that, traders and have no political significance. Most curious.”
    “I sure think I’d call it somethin’ other than curious,” muttered Jessamine.
    Alana shot her a look full of warning. “And these are the people who are at war with the Darkons?”
    “Everyone is at war with the Darkons,” the alien said. “Perhaps, I should clarify as there are still some races that remain inactive and wait to see who will emerge the victor.”
    “I thought you said the Elite Forces rule this universe?”
    He wagged a finger. “Yes, but the Darkons fight on. It is not wise to underestimate their warlords. They do not know the meaning of surrender. Once, many cycles past, the Darkons were the Guardians of the Seven Galaxies. They alone held the power of Darkos. Now, the Elite Forces are in control.”
    Alana pursed her lips in a soundless whistle, aware her friend was listening open mouthed in awe. “This war, how long has it been going on for?”
    “For twelve cycles the Darkons have been at war with the Relics, which I have converted to equal fifteen of your earth years. Ten cycles past, the Supreme Ruler usurped the Council and joined forces with the Relics. If the Darkon warriors can wrest control of the Darkos mines back from the Elite Forces, then who knows what will happen.” He spread his spindly hands wide.
    “Perfect, just perfect.” Jessamine shook her dark head.
    Alana grinned at her friend. “Cheer up, Jess. Didn’t you say this was better than your nine to five job?”
    “I had a momentary brain failure.”
    “So why are the Darkos mines important, Norman ?”
    “The energy spheres. The ultimate power of our worlds,” Norman said in a surprised I can’t believe you don’t know this tone. “Their moons are mined for the energy spheres without which there can be no long distance space travel. The voyagers and cruisers need the converted energy to traverse the wormholes. The Darkons still hold the secret of the conversion. A secret the Supreme Leader is keen to obtain.”
    “This is really interesting intel.” Alana drew a deep breath. “Because it means whoever controls space travel controls the universe.”
    Norman nodded.
    “I’m lost,” complained Jessamine.
    “I’ll explain later, Jess. Thanks Norman, you’ve certainly given me lots to think about. And, we’ll talk more about