Language Key:
{Mua}
~Tch~
@Hash’a’Glith@

(Camiel)
Twilight. The time the stars begin to make their appearance on the stage of the evening sky. When a faint glow of sunlight still peeks over the horizon before the light of day goes out until dawn. That’s my favorite time of day. It’s so peaceful. Perfect for meditation. Vasah knows that I was in dire need of some peace at the time. Things were pretty awkward between Keedra and I since I told him that he might not be my one true love. I don’t think he understood how hard it was for me to tell him that. I care about him very much, but my spirit guides insisted that I distance myself from him. They said there were some things I must learn before getting too deeply involved with someone.

As usual, Chatts was keeping watch perched in a tree above me as I meditated. I had managed to fine a secluded spot on the shore of Bedlama Lake, which is north of Bedlama City. Bedlama Lake is pretty huge, so it’s not likely for someone to come across my private spot. I had been using it since I began my duties as a SilverHawk. No one had come through that area before…until that one day.
 

(Sh’Ekrah)
A flash of light and a divine voice. Those were what have been haunting my dreams every night for the past few weeks. I had no idea what this meant and I was determined to find out. Some people would go to some shrink, but I didn't exactly believe in science solving their problems, especially the ones like mine. No, I was more into my faith for that kind of dilemma. Besides, I could use some time to myself and away from others, especially Cristol.

That woman...ever since the gala nearly three years ago, she's become obsessed with me. By the gods, it's not like I planted a seed in her or something! Chatterbox told me she's wanted me for a while, but I never believed him. Serves me right, I guess. Every chance she gets, she would directly hit on me. I've tried explaining to her I wasn't interested, but she obviously doesn't get the message. Today, I wanted to send her to the stars. That...witch had the nerve to disregard the gods as myths. Myths! I was enraged, especially when she described Thal'Rahi, the patron god of my species, as a mere fairy tale. If she wanted to misinterpret a night of pure lust for destined love (which, to this day, I am disgusted with myself for), that was fine by me, but no one insults my beliefs in my presence.

I finally reach where Bedlama Lake was fueled by Weeping Falls. There was a cave in the cliff that's hard to see. I go there when I need to meditate or just to be alone. As soon as I'm deep enough inside, I begin praying for a sign.

@Praise be to Thal'Rahi, Warrior of the Gods, Protector of my people, Guardian of the Spirit Realm. I pray to He of the Spiritual Warriors to give me guidance so that I may be able to interpret the messages of the Heavens I have received so many nights.@ I hoped somehow, someway, I would receive a sign--and ultimately an answer to my dreams.
 

(Camiel)
That evening I managed to relax, even though I was nowhere near knowing who my one true love was for sure. I didn’t even know who my third spirit guide was. Jamahda and Japahda had been keeping silent for the past few weeks. And then there were the dreams. Strange dreams where I see a stranger in the shadows who retreats whenever I come near. And lately I kept hearing a voice speaking a language I didn’t understand. I thought I was going crazy! Master Hajin had warned me that this would be the most difficult quest. He told me many had given up and regretted it greatly. Now, I’m not one to give up easily, but I was close to it! Part of me wanted it to be Keedra, but somehow I got the feeling it was someone else. After about an hour of meditation I was ready to head back to Hawk Haven. I got up and brushed the grass off my meditation garments.

“Ok, Chatts. I’m ready to head back. Chatts? Chatts, did you fall asleep again?”

“Huh? What? Oh, hi Cami. Wassup?”

“Chatts, you were asleep! How are you supposed to keep watch if you’re sleeping?”

“I’m sorry, Camiel. It’s just so quiet and peaceful here I couldn’t help myself.”

“Never mind that, little friend. Let’s head back to base.” As I turned back around to gather up my blanket I ran into something big. Turned out it was a person.

“Oh, excuse me! I wasn’t watching where I was going…Brigadier, sir.” I bowed respectfully, because he was of much higher rank than I and out of general respect.

“Oh, that’s all right Miss Camiel. I wasn’t watching where I was going either. Are you all right?”

“Uh, yes sir. I’m fine. It’s just I wasn’t expecting anyone else to be around here.”

“I hope I didn’t disturb you.”

“Oh no sir. We were just heading home. Right Chatts?”

“Yeah, that’s right. I need to get my beauty sleep. Ready Cami?”

“Uh huh. Let’s go.” I gathered up my things as Chatterbox landed on my shoulder. As soon as he was settled on my shoulder I teleported us back to Hawk Haven.
 

(Chatterbox)
We had teleported into Cami's quarters. A good idea considering the last time she wore that outfit, things were a bit...awkward. Then again, I didn't think it was that bad now considering her meditation garment was covered with a prayer robe Sapphire lent her. But, Cami had duty in a half hour, so it seemed the best. Meanwhile, I was in deep thought about the day's events.

{Chatts? Chatts, what are you thinking about?} Cami asked me.

{Huh? Oh, nothing.} I reply. {Just stuff.} I left it at that and started to fly out. Down the corridors, I ran into SandPhoenix. "Excuse me." I said, then I made a U-Turn and looked at his face. "Phoenix, what's up?"

"Cami back?" he asked.

"Si. We just got back." I kinda figured out what was up between the two of them. Needless to say, the final Spirit Quest wasn't making it any easier. "Look, Keedra, I know you're still upset, but you have to give it time."

"Why does she have to take these dumb quests for anyway?! I know we'd be better off without them!"

"Whoa! Hold on there, hermano . If it weren't for those 'dumb quests', Camiel would've never considered becoming a SilverHawk in the first place, which means the two of you would've never met."

"Maybe we were better off."

"You think this isn't hard on her, too? I told you to try and understand her beliefs, but did you listen? No! Gods know why no one listens to me."

"Because you're a troublemaker with cybernetic implants?"

"Watch it. Ay, Cariumba ! One doomed romance is enough without you bitching about Cami's beliefs. Some people get kinda offended when you dis their faith."

"Whatever, birdbrain." No offense to Camiel, but I'm glad she broke up with Keedra. One little change and he turns into a complete jerk. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, it wouldn't hurt for him to at least ask about the final quest. Nevermind; I knew for certain that he wasn't her true love, or he would've been more compassionate about her and her Spirit Quests. But maybe...what am I, nuts?! No way! Impossible! Then again...stranger things have happened. Eh, I'll look into that tomorrow.

Morning was on the rise in Limbo. The Artificial Sun was shining, the fully organic birds were singing and I was late for my duty shift on Bedlama (again).

"Ah, nononononononnono! I'm late,imlateimlateimlate!" I flew about as fast as possible. Why do these things happen to me!? I sneak into the base as usual. Why do I even bother? He's going to notice anyway; he always does. Huh? What in the world? The whole office was empty. I would've expected at least a little paperwork. Hmm, this is a first. Either he's running late or had an emergency. Or maybe someone decided to tamper with the clock. Humph...this isn't too bad. I then got an idea. When the boss is away, the bird will play. I placed myself in the big chair and did all sorts of imitations. I would've definitely gotten a serious lecture for goofing off, but nothing appears to be happening, so...why spoil a good thing?

I didn't notice him come in until I felt something grab my throat. When I looked up, there he was, looking a little bit irritated. "Uh... Buenos dias, sir!" I said. "Um...something up?"

@You could say that.@ he replied. Uh, oh. Ancient tongue. He's pissed about something. It had taken some convincing (some would call it pestering for some odd reason) but I had managed to learn the entire Hash'a'Glith tongue from him. It had taken a few months, but it was all worth it considering I can now understand what he's saying.

@Whatever it was,@ I replied in the same language. @It wasn't me.@ I was immediately released and pushed to the side.

@Oh, so you didn't recommend me as a host for this year's military ball?@ Oh, that...

@Uhh, that was me.@ I confessed. @But anything else, I didn't do it!@

@Well, this is just great! For the next several months, I'm going to be stuck planning some irrelevant party and be surrounded by stuck-up officials for over ten hours during the night of the ball!@

@Let me guess. Parties aren't exactly your thing, are they?@ Party pooper. @Come on, sir, it'll be fun!@

@So would facing the Mob on Brim Star unarmed.@

@I see. You're upset 'cause you can't get out of it this time. Every year, you make some lame excuse to skip the ball. Three years ago, it was a sick call. Two years ago, your invitation got 'lost' and sent to Bluegrass (I noticed that; don't deny it) and last year, you tried to jump off the balcony, which is really drastic on your part.@

@I didn't jump; I tried to climb down the wall using the ivy when a certain cyberparrot distracted me and caused me to fall.@ Okay, maybe that's what exactly happened. @That was the most embarrassing moment of my life, next to that scandalous gala.@

@Cris has been bothering you again, hasn't she?@

@That obvious, huh? What is her problem? Doesn't she see that I'm completely uninterested in her?@

@Unfortunately, sir--with all due respect--you're a real eye catcher to most females. I mean, who wouldn't want a tall, dark, handsome soldier at their side?@

@Do me a favor, Chatterbox. The next time Cristol comes, aim that sonic disrupter of yours at my head and fire.@

@Uh, can't do that, sir. Sorry. But, I'll be happy to plan the entire military ball for you this year. Relax, I'm an expert at these things. All you'll have to do is arrange the security measures of the ball, and that doesn't take too long.@

@Oh, really?@

@ Si! Trust me, when I'm through, even you will love the ball this year.@

@Fine, fine. You can plan the ball this year.@ Hooray! @Anything to keep me out of most of it. Just...keep everything decent, okay?@

@ No problemo! You can count on me, sir!@

@That's what I'm afraid of.@

@Oh, ye of little faith.@
 

(Keedra)
I couldn't understand it. I had gone over it again and again in my mind, but I still couldn't understand it. Camiel and I were getting along beautifully. The chemistry between us was incredible! We hit it off when we first met. We never seemed to get tired of see each other or being together. So why all of a sudden did she want us to be apart? She told me her spirit guides told her she must do that. Well, I told Cami that I think it should be up to her to be with me or not, not her spirit guides. She got upset when I said that, but I'm known for saying exactly how I feel. I came to the conclusion that she had to be seeing someone else. Why else would she want to be away from me? I don't think she knew how much that hurt me when she said that. And she had to do it right before I planned on proposing. I'm so in love with her I don't know what to do.

During the separation, if we did cross paths, we never seemed to get past 'hello.' I missed being able to walk up to her to give her a hug and kiss. I missed relaxing on the couch watching holovids, the picnics, the love making. I miss just being with Camiel. Things had changed so much between us and I hated it.

"Hey, Phoenix!" I received a call on my COM. Turned out to be Chatterbox.

"What do you want, birdbrain?" I asked.

"Sorry to interrupt your brooding, but this is an emergency!"

"What is it? Are the Mob attacking? The MATI struck again?"

"No! I can't decide whether to use crystal straight from My'Ka or from one of the Mykari colonies to shape the wine glasses!" What the heck?! "I should use the stuff from the homeworld since it's pure, but the colonies sell it much cheaper. What's your opinion?"

"What...are you talking about?"

"I need to prepare some wine glasses for a big bash next May and I am at my wits end! I'd ask Sapphire, but she's on patrol and I don't want to disturb her."

"Another party, Chats? Didn't you learn your lesson from the time you turned Dolar's vault into a karaoke bar?"

"It was Gotbucks's idea, I swear! He said it would make a superb security system, especially against Molecu-Lar."

"Whatever."

"Anyways, it's no ordinary party. It's Bedlama's annual military ball, and guess who's hosting?"

"You? How very unfortunate."

"Hey! It's co-host actually. I kinda recommended the good Brigadier as the host and he placed me in charge of everything but security."

"You've got to be kidding."

"Nope. Relax, I'm an expert at these things. So, what's your opinion?"

"How about calling me for a real emergency?" I snapped as I shut off the COM. Stupid bird. Why they put up with him, I'll never know.
 

(Chatterbox)
Well, that was rude. About an hour after my shift ended, I met up with Cami in the park. I figure now would be a good time to test my theory.

{Camiel, have you ever thought of becoming a chaplain?} I asked her. {I mean, you being a Holy Elder and everything, I think something like this would be good for you as a SilverHawk.}

{A chaplain?} she replied. {Me? I don't know, Chatts...}

{Look, quedra, you're going to be surrounded by many different species. At least look into the different kinds of faith. Besides, maybe some inspiration from a foreign belief will give you something for your last quest.}

{Well, I guess you're right...}

{Of course I'm right! I'm only crazy 'cause I exchanged my sanity for genius.} That made her laugh.

{Chatts, you are one silly bird. But I guess it's worth a shot.}

{I know just the place.} There was an ancient Hash'a'Glith temple just a few miles south of Bedlama City. I went there once for a small Solstice party being thrown for a bunch of orphans. It was really neat, though I never did get a chance to explore its basement, which I hear contains quite a dojo.
 

(Camiel)
I considered Chatterbox's idea. I thought it would be pretty interesting exploring other's beliefs. I knew of Vasah, and I knew of Christ from Papa Toussaint. I didn't know the slightest thing about the patron god of the Hash'a'Glith. I figured this would be a good time to learn.

Chatts and I took a hover tram to the temple. It was very large. It was so serene on the inside. The patterns on the walls resembled light dancing on the surface of the sea. It was beautiful. I literally felt myself relax. It was as if all the stress oozed out of my body. Everything was perfect...until I heard that voice again.

{Chatts, do you hear that?}

{Hear what?}

{That voice?}

{What voice? I don't hear anything? Cami are you ok?}

{I keep hearing this voice but I don't understand what it's saying. You know many more languages than I do. Maybe you can translate.} I repeated what I was hearing for Chatts as best as I could.

Before Chatts could even say a word, something fell on top of him. It turned out to be some sort of urn. The opening was very thin, so it only covered his head. Unfortunately, it wasn't coming off that easily.

"HELP!" he shouted. "I'm stuck! Get this thing off of me before I suffocate!"

"Hold on, Chatts!" I said as I tried to pull him out of that urn. Oh Vasah, that thing was in good. It wasn't too long before someone came to help. It seemed to be some sort of an altar boy who rushed down.

"A thousand apologies." he said as he helped try to pry the urn off Chatterbox. "I was carrying this when I tripped. I thought for sure it would shatter, but your friend saved it."

"You're welcome! Now GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!" Chatts shouted as we pulled. "Easy up there! I'd like to keep my head, if you please!"

"Quit complaining, Chatts! We're doing our best!" After much effort, we managed to pull the urn off Chatterbox. However, the force also sent him flying all along the corridor. Without hesitation, I rushed off after him.
 

(Chatterbox)
After seeing stars for a few seconds I saw Camiel above me.

{Chatts, are you ok?}

{Besides a major concussion, I'm fine.}

Camiel picked me up and set me in one of the seats in the sanctuary. I plopped down in the seat and Cami sat next to me.

{Ok, Cami, back to what we were talking about...} I quickly looked up above me to make sure no more urns were falling down on me. After I was sure everything was safe, Camiel repeated to me what she had heard.

However, it seems like the gods weren't going to let me help her with this one 'cause once again, something happened. We started hearing some noise, like pottery being smashed. Cami got startled by the noise and rushed off to see what was going on. I followed behind, of course. "Would it kill you to have some mortal intervention?!" I yelled to the ceiling. When we got to the origins of the noise, we found Glycerin and Mumbo Jumbo tearing up the main altar! Oh, boy. Cami looked like she was ready to fight.

{Not here.} I whispered. {They're doing enough damage as it is. We gotta lead them away from the altar.}

{But how?} Cami asked.

{Leave it to me.} I flew into the chamber and yelled out, "Hey, Bride of Frankenstein! Having trouble with your monster letting him defile a holy place and such?"

That certainly got their attention. "Ugh. It's that annoying parrot." Glycerin sneered. "Mumbo! Put that altar down and help me vith this flying annoyance." Mumbo tossed the altar into a wall and started charging me. In a sense of luck, the altar made a hole into the wall leading to the temple courtyard. I flew right towards the hole in hopes of leading those Mobsters to where they can't do too much damage. Well, Mumbo followed me like the rats did that Pied Piper fellow. Glycerin and Cami weren't too far behind and Cami made a light shield in the hole that was created so they couldn't get back in. Oh, damn. Those two sure did some nasty work, I tell you.
 

(Sh’Ekrah)
I arrived at the temple a bit earlier than usual. I needed some peace while I searched for my sign. The service wasn't for a few hours, so I had some time. I make my way to one of the prayer chambers. It wasn't as elaborate as the main altar, but here, I could be alone. The walls were decorated with ancient weapons and in the center of the room, a simple shrine to Thal'Rahi. I began praying when I heard the door open. It was the High Priest of the temple.

@Greetings, Ka'Quari (holy master).@ I say, bowing in respect.

@Greetings, Sh'Ekrah.@ he replies. @I hope I am not disturbing you.@

@Not at all.@

@You're here early. Is everything all right?@

@Why do you say that?@

@Sh'Ekrah, I've known you since you were a cadet in training. You don't come to temple early unless you were seeking Thal'Rahi's guidance and that means something's up.@

@You know me too well, then.@

@What troubles you, Fearless Rebel?@

@Many nights, I have these strange dreams which involve a flash of light and a voice. I try to figure out what these signs mean, but I have no clue. I figured direct contact with the gods would give me some answer.@

@I see. How long have you had these dreams?@

@They started about ten years ago. They went on for a few weeks, then stopped. Five years later, they start up again, then stop after three years. Three more years have passed before the dreams start up once again.@

@Recurring dreams in random time periods? Have you tried waiting them out like usual?@

@Yes, but I have a feeling these dreams aren't going to disappear on their own like usual. As each night passes, they become more intense and it's driving me nuts. I have a feeling the gods are trying to tell me something, but I don't know what.@

@The gods work in strange ways. Perhaps if you...@

@Ka'Quari!@ One of the altar keepers rushed in, looking very distressed.

@What is it?@ Ka'Quari asked.

@A thousand pardons, Your Holiness.@ the keeper replied. @But we have defilers in the temple. They have destroyed the main altar chamber and are in the courtyard.@

@Defilers?! How many are there?@

@Two. A strange bull and an odd-looking human.@ A bull...Mumbo Jumbo!

@We have to stop them.@ I informed Ka'Quari. @If it's who I think it is, then we really have trouble.@

@There's a hole in the wall of the chamber leading to the courtyard, but there's some kind of force blocking it.@ the keeper explained.

@Alert the other keepers.@ Ka'Quari instructed. As the altar keeper left, Ka'Quari and I rushed to the courtyard. Mon*Star has got a lot of nerve to send his goons to defile the holy temple of Thal'Rahi, and I intend to make sure Mumbo and whoever's accompanying him pay dearly for this!
 

(Camiel)
Mumbo Jumbo was going berserk trying to get Chatterbox. He was swatting at him trying to knock him out of the air. Huge holes were left in the ground where the robot bull slammed his fists. Glycerin tried to take me out with her laser pistol. That was a mistake on her part because I have the ability to control light, which includes lasers. She ended up dodging her own shot. I wasn't in the mood for games so restrained her in an energy orb and left her hovering in mid air. I then expanded it to encompass Mumbo Jumbo and transported both of them to the metaphysical. That ought to keep them occupied for a while.
 

(Chatterbox)
By that time some others had made it out of the temple. It was the alter keeper, the High Priest, and the Brigadier.

"Chatterbox, where are the ones who defiled the temple?"

"Cami and I took care of 'em, boss!" I said as I proudly puffed out my chest feathers. Camiel then called to all of us and told everyone to stand back. She then brought the two Mobsters back from the metaphysical realm. Needless to say they were a bit confused. The Brigadier grabbed up Glycerin. Mumbo Jumbo was a different story. Once he got his bearings he charged at Sundance, but she didn't flinch. She stood her ground and began to move her hands using fast fluid motions. Brightly colored orbs seemed to dance from her finger tips. Mumbo Jumbo stopped in his tracks, hypnotized by the colored lights. Camiel then caused the orbs to surround his head. The confusing patterns must have overloaded the mammoth robot's circuits because soon he fell to the ground with sparks jumping from his head.

{Ummm...Cami, what was that?}

{I call it mesmerize. I learned it while at the Academy.}

{Cool.}
 

(Chatterbox)
I cautiously walked over to Mumbo and kicked him. No response. Yep, definitely out cold. That ought to show him not to mess with the holy powers. However, I noticed Glycerin might not be able to live to learn that lesson. She was coughing up so many profanities while trying to get out of my comrade's grip that he shoved her into a wall. Well, as soon as she hit that wall, a small decorated chest fell out of her coat. Uh, oh...

"You dare to steal a donation chest from the temple of Thal'Rahi?!" he growled. Yipes! "You and your boss has got a lot of nerve!"

"Vhy, danke, Brigadier." Glycerin replied. "Needless to say, ve needed some capital, so vhy not borrow a little from the temple? Oh, and I left your little Steel frunde a surprise inside." Let's just say Glycerin started getting a little blue at that moment. Literally. Geez, of all the times he has to snap! Cami looked very shocked; I wouldn't blame her, considering he rarely lost his temper, if at all. After quickly explaining that my boss can be a little sensitive to his faith, I flew over to calm him down. Well, enough so he didn't kill Glycerin, that is. As much as I'd love to see her get what she deserves, I wasn't exactly thrilled at the thought of one of Bedlama's finest getting court martialed!
 

(Camiel)
After calling for back-up to come take the Mobsters to the Penal Planet, I saw Brigadier Brightlight completely lose it. He was actually choking the woman. Chatts explained that he was very sensitive about his faith. I can be too, by sheesh! I ran over to help Chatterbox free the Mobster so she could be put under arrest. By the time I got there it looked like her eyes were going to pop out of her head! She had this look on her face that screamed ‘help me!’ We finally managed to free her from the Brigadier’s grip.

While I was properly restraining Glycerin, who looked like she was about to collapse from lack of air, I started to overhear Chatts and the Brigadier talk. Sounds like Chatts is giving him a piece of his mind, but it was in some kind of language. That language sounded very familiar, though. Could it be the same language I've been hearing that voice talk in? I made a mental note to ask Chatts what language that is as soon as possible.
 

(Sh’Ekrah)
What in the galaxy? One minute, I had Glycerin in my clutches, the next, she's being restrained by someone else. Somehow, I had a feeling something happened when Chatts flew over.

@What in the world were you thinking?!@ he yells. @I know you get ticked from people dissin' your faith and everything, but that's no excuse to commit career suicide!@

@What are you talking about?@

@Don't tell me these little rage periods affect your memory! Glycerin was about to suffocate thanks to your little choke hold! If Cami and I weren't there...@ Oh, now I remember. I lost my temper when the donation chest fell out of Glycerin's coat. Gods, I wanted to kill her for trying to steal from the temple. That was just as bad as defiling the temple itself. Chatts kept shouting something else, but I wasn't paying attention. I kept looking towards young Camiel. A definite fighter, but she has such innocent eyes, one wouldn't believe all the horrors...what am I thinking?! Was I just...fantasizing about someone centuries younger than me? I can't be feeling what I think I'm feeling, could I?

@...and another thing! How in the world am I going to explain this to--hey, are you even listening to me?!@ That snapped me out of my regime.

@What? Oh, Chatts, what were you saying?@

@You didn't hear a word I said, did you?@

@I...was preoccupied with something.@ Then that bird did something I dreaded; he smirked. I'd dismiss it, except for the fact every time Chatterbox smirked, he was up to something.
 

(Camiel)
I kept wondering why the Brigadier kept looking over at me. Was there something I was supposed to be doing? Soon the Maraj landed and Moonstryker and SandPhoenix arrived to pick up the two Mobsters.

"The SilverHawks have everything under control Brigadier. Thank you for your help." I bowed respectfully and called to Chatterbox. I would have teleported back to base if my mesmerize technique hadn't taken so much out of me. Bluegrass dropped us off at Hawk Haven then took the criminals to the Penal Planet.

{Chatts, let's head for the rec room. I still need to talk to you about that voice. It sounded like it was speaking that language you and Brightlight were using.} When we settled down at one of the tables I carefully repeated the strange words I kept hearing then asked Chatterbox if he could translate.
 

(Chatterbox)
The same language I... Dios mio! My theory! Augh! We were so busy with those Mobsters I totally forgot about my theory! D'oh! This is just great!

{Same language, huh?} I questioned. Cami nodded. {You sure about that?}

{Positive.} Cami replied. {What is it, anyway?}

{Uh...} If my theory's correct, then Camiel's true love has been right under her nose this entire time. {It's nothing, just one of the ancient Bedlamian languages.}

{Do you know about them?}

{Um, my database only has the most recent dialects, but I had managed to talk Brightlight into teaching me the native tongue of his species, the Hash'a'Glith. These days, those dinosaur languages aren't used except in prayer services, or whenever he gets really emotional, usually anger or frustration.} I was about to translate the words she told when...

"Cami, we need to talk." Another interruption! Is there no privacy in this galaxy?! Oh, goody. Keedra.

"Phoenix, now is not the time!" I shouted. I was getting a little bit frustrated at all these interruptions. "Can't you see we're discussing matters of life and death here?!"

"Beat it, birdbrain. I need to talk to Sundance. Alone."

"Whatever you have to say to her, you can say to me."

"Fine, fine." He then turned towards Camiel. Ever since she started her final quest, Keedra had been acting like such a jerk. "I finally figured it out. Why you've been so distant from me." he continued.

"You...have?" Cami asked. She was as shocked as I was. I figured it was about time he got the point.

"Yeah, it took some deep thought, but I made a decision." Then he bent down on one knee. Oh, Dios, is he going to do what I think he's going to do?? "Camiel, will you marry me?" Ahh!! That BAKA!

"Wha--"

"I did some research on the MATI. That data from Sapphire was real useful. Now I understand why you wanted our relationship broken in the first place; to protect me from those monsters."

"Keedra, I--"

"Think about it. The MATI are after your mom because she's half-human, your father for marrying her and you for being part human. I can understand that they don't tolerate their species mixing blood with another species; two would make them go berserk. Well, I don't care. I love you, Camiel, and I'd risk everything for you...please say you'll marry me. I'm not going to take no for an answer, so don't even think of trying to protect me this time." That arrogant little green man!

"Keedra...this is all so sudden. I...I have to get back to you on this." Then she left the rec room in a hurry. Keedra looked on as if he didn't do something wrong. I, on the other hand, was adapting to a new feeling: Speechlessness. I flew over to Phoenix’s shoulder, then slapped him on the head with my wing.

"You bakayaro!" I cried. "How could you be so...so blunt?!"

"I just wanted her back, Chatts." he replied. "I just want her back."

"Oh, for the love of the gods! You've just made the biggest mistake of your life!"

"Look, if I have to face the MATI to be with her, then I will." That brought about one of the craziest and most dangerous ideas to ever cross my little mind.

"Oh, really?" I asked slyly. "Well, hermano , if you think the MATI aren't as tough as you say, then why don't you fight them? Prove to Camiel you'll do anything for her. Once she realizes how you can handle yourself against them, I'm certain she'll be more courageous in accepting your proposal."

"You really think so?"

"Absolutely."

"Well, well...then that'll prove her 'spirit quests' were just an excuse. Thanks for your advice, birdbrain. I owe you." Keedra, I hope you don't do anything drastic. As I watched him hurry out of the rec room, I get totally stunned. The one time someone listens to me...oy...I just hope he doesn't get hurt. Hell, I hope he doesn't get himself killed!
 

(Steelheart)
It was the end of my shift. Will and I had just done a complete overhaul on the SprintHawk. It took longer than I thought so I was really glad when we got finished. I decided to relax and listen to some music. I was about to drift off to sleep when my COM went off.

"Aw...blast it, now what?"

I saw that I had an incoming message from Camiel. From her message I could tell she was pretty upset. She had been confiding in me about her difficulties with her spirit quest. Turns out that her former beau, Keedra, was causing her a bit of stress.
 

(Camiel)
When I got back to my quarters, there was a sympathetic message from Aunty Em, an invitation to talk to her in her quarters. I went over immediately.

She opened the door, motioned me in, and looked at me for a moment, then held out her arms. I fell into them, crying like a little girl as she half carried me over to her sofa, murmuring those soft nonsensical things that you always say to a crying person.

We sat there for several minutes, as I cried myself out. "Feel better now? she asked me. I nodded.

"Why don't you tell me everything from the beginning?"

"Well..." Suddenly, the alarms went off! Oh, Vasah, what now?! We all rushed to the hangar where the alarms were blaring. Nothing seemed to be out of place except for one thing: the Road Nova was missing. I thought that strange since Sapphire was on monitor duty, the Steel Twins off-duty and the other 'Hawks were on patrol in the Mirage. Chatterbox started to pale when he saw the difference. "Aw, crap! Sapphire is going to kill me! Slowly."

"And why would I do a thing like that?" We turned around to see Sapphire, looking very tense. "What in the--the Road Nova's gone!" By then, Condor and Stargazer came over, along with the Steel Twins.

"Great galactic ghosts!" Stargazer cried. "What's going on here?"

"I don't know, sir." I explained. "We heard the alarms, rushed here and the Road Nova's nowhere to be seen." Sapphire was already swearing in Mykari and Chatts was cringing at the impact of the words. I've never seen her so upset.

"Where's SandPhoenix?" the Commander asked. I looked around; Keedra was nowhere to be seen. Oh, Vasah...

"He didn't." Chatts mumbled. "Oh, Dios, tell me he didn't!"

"Didn't do what, Chatts?" Condor asked. Chatts faced all of us. Sapphire calmed down a little to hear what's going on; her face bore that 'this-had-better-be-good' look.

"I--" Chatts started. "I...think SandPhoenix might have decided to...takeontheMATI." Everyone looked shocked.

"Has he gone nuts?!" Stargazer cried. "Taking on the MATI is like a kamikaze mission; he'll never survive their armies, especially solo. Where in the cosmos did he get a crazy idea like that?!" Sapphire then glared at Chatterbox.

"Chatterbox," she said in that icy tone of hers. I think she's pretty pissed. "Did you have something to do with this?"

"All I said was, 'if you think the MATI aren't so tough, then why don't you fight them?'." Chatts recalled. "How was I supposed to know he would actually listen to me?! No one usually listens to the parrot, remember?"

"Chatts, he could get killed out there!"

"Oh, put more weight on my conscience, why don't you?!"

"Enough of that!" Stargazer called out. "We have got to find SandPhoenix before he gets himself into hot water." Get going! I'll alert the others." We all went in different directions; Condor used his pack to fly, SteelWill took the SprintHawk, SteelHeart used Stargazer's old cycle and Sapphire used the metaphysical realm. I think if the MATI don't kill Keedra, Sapphire will for taking her Road Nova without permission. I borrowed Pahda's racer and took Chatterbox with me. As we sped out of Hawk Haven, I gave a glare at Chatts.

{How could you tell him that?!} I snapped.

{Cami, I swear, I had no idea he'd actually do this!} he replied. {Besides, he wanted to prove himself to you. Said your spirit quests were just an excuse.}

{I just hope we find him before it's too late.}
 

(Keedra)
I had no idea where the MATI were. I heard that they showed up on Bedlama and stirred up trouble after a concert, but that was while I was at the open house at the Academy. The only place I could think of for a covert, secretive terrorist group to hide was the Light-year Limit. I was almost there when I heard the COM go off on the Road Nova. I was being hailed by Camiel.

"Sundance to SandPhoenix! Sundance to SandPhoenix! Do you read me? Please respond!" Should I respond or should I ignore her?

I decided not to answer the hails; I needed to do this. Then, another voice came on. It was Chatterbox. "Phoenix, get your little green butt back to Hawk Haven this instant!" he shouted. "Do you have ANY idea how much trouble you're in?! Oh, by the gods, if the MATI don't kill you, Sapphire certainly will!" He had a point; Sapphire wouldn't be too happy with me taking the Road Nova, but it's the best vehicle in our arsenal. Besides, how tough could the MATI possibly be? I stayed on full radio silence as I finally entered the Light Year Limit.
 

(Camiel)
Keedra wasn't answering my hails. What could be going through his mind? We had gotten to a point in the Limit where there was a lot of interference so I didn't know if he could hear me. I tried one last time.

"Keedra, if you can hear me, please listen to me! Turn back! It's too dangerous to take on the MATI alone! I couldn't even do it! So, I'm begging you to turn back!" There was no response. I wasn't sure if he was ignoring me or if there was interference. He was still within sight so I decided to speed up to try to catch up with him. He must have noticed me because he also picked up speed. "Chatts, take over driving the Space Racer. I'm going to teleport." Before Chatts could say a word I teleported to the Road Nova. Keedra seemed startled by my appearance.

It took me a while, but I finally convinced Keedra to land. We were somewhere in Sector 5. One of the uncharted sectors. When we landed we both got off the Road Nova and I started to give him a piece of my mind.

"Keedra, are you crazy? What do you think you're doing? Never mind, Chatts already told me."

"Cami, you have to let me do this?"

"Why? So you can get yourself killed and leave me feeling like I'm partly to blame?"

"No, Cami. I..." I cut him off when I saw something out of the corner of my eye. "What is it?"

"I'm not sure. But I think someone else is here. Whatever or whoever it was, I don't see it now." I could have sworn I saw something big and purple. And if my suspicions were correct, we needed to get out of there fast!
 

(Dragor)
I was speeding along the Light Year Limit in my beautiful Nebula Burner when I noticed something up ahead. SilverHawks! How wonderful! And right in this sector, too. I'd be more than happy to take on the little birdies except for one little detail; my private aerie was a few hundred miles away. That's a little too close for comfort in my tastes. I hid behind a nearby asteroid to see if I can think of a plan to lure them away from this sector. Can't afford Stargazer or Mon*Star to know about my aerie. Ah, what the hell? I revved up the Burner and charged at the 'Hawks, launching fireballs as I went.
 

(Chatterbox)
Oy, vay! Why did Cami have to leave me driving this thing!? Let's just say that even after three years, my driving skills haven't improved much. Well, come on, do I look like I could reach the pedals?! I actually tried to start it. Uh, oh, looks like I broke the brake, 'cause I can't stop this thing! Oh, I'm gonna die! I closed my eyes, and after a few minutes, felt the Space Racer crash into something. Please let it just be an asteroid...I opened my eyes to find a huge motorcycle jammed into a meteor. Whew! At least it isn't Seymour’s cab (again).

"MY BIKE!" I heard someone scream. I turned around to see a very angry and distressed Dragor. "NO! NOT MY BEAUTIFUL NEBULA BURNER!!"

"Ah, stuff it, you perverted Barney!" I shouted. Big mistake.

"No...one wrecks my baby and gets away with it!" He then launched a fireball at me. Yipes! His attention was focused entirely on me, which meant roasted parrot will be on the menu if he gets me!

I was fast enough to take shelter behind Sundance, who used a light shield to deflect the fireball. Soon our back-up had arrived. When Dragor saw the others he ceased his attack and retreated. I supposed he would come back later for his bike but I wasn't going to wait around to find out! Besides, SandPhoenix was injured. We had to get him back to base pronto.
 

(Camiel)
When we got Keedra to the infirmary, Moeba treated his burns. Fortunately he wasn't burned too badly. He was patched up and sent to recover in his quarters. Later on he received a severe reprimand from the Commander. It was a good thing he's in charge of discipline. If it was up to Sapphire, I don't think Keedra would have made it. Soon things were getting back to normal. Well, as normal as they could be. It was about that time that my spirit quest got a bit interesting. It all started one night while I was sleeping. I had experienced something new to me. It's called the sumar gom (dream touch). It's not like a normal dream. It's more...real. I just knew within myself it had to be my one true love reaching out to me. But who could it be? He won't show his face. I even asked him his name, but he didn't answer. Maybe there's a way to get him to talk to me. Perhaps the key was those words that I keep hearing. When I repeated those words, he responded! It was in the same language so I had no idea what he said. He still wouldn't show me his face. He did take my hand in his. At that moment, I woke up.

The next morning I rushed to the mess hall. I knew Chatts usually fixes breakfast there. I just had to tell him what happened and see if he could translate what my visitor said.

When I got there, I actually found Sapphire fixing breakfast instead. I asked if she had seen Chatts.

"Sorry, Cami." she replied. "After we dropped off Keedra, Chatts went to start his shift on Bedlama." I noticed she got a little tense when she mentioned Keedra; I guess she's still mad at him for what he did to the Road Nova.

"But doesn't his shift start at 0900?" I questioned.

"Chatts wanted to get there extra early and he said he needed to get away from here for a while. Considering what's happened, I don't blame him."

"Do you know when he'll be back?"

"About 1700, at least. Why?"

"Nothing. Just wondering." At that moment, Bluegrass came in and grabbed something to eat. The instant he started eating, he gagged.

"Whoo-whee!" he cried. "Who made this slop?! Better make sure I'm still breathin'." Sapphire then got really angry and threw a frying pan at him.

"YOU TRY FOLLOWING ONE OF BIRDBRAIN'S RECIPIES ONCE IN A WHILE!" she shouted. Yipes. Talk about pissed. Makes ya wonder when was the last time she had a vacation.
 

(Sh’Ekrah)
Another day and all the unexpected turns of life was focusing on me. The dreams I've been having were starting to get even more odd. Last night, I thought I saw someone trying to reach out to me; a female. She had asked, in the old tongue, why my heart was hard and unreachable like the mountains. I told her that it was because I have spent so much of my life on the warrior's path and that I had lost my final innocence to an obsessive woman and a jinxed night. I wasn't sure if she understood me, but it seemed so real. As soon as I touched her hand, I wondered, could this be my...soulmate? Legend tells that dreams are a path into the Spirit Realm, and that soulmates, those whose love is so pure and true that not even the gods could separate them were united within the Gair'Eai (shared dream). I don't even know who she is. Perhaps I'll never know.

When I finally reach my office, I got quite a surprise; that crazy Chatterbox was asleep right there on the desk! What in the name of the gods was he doing here? It took a while, but I managed to wake him.

"Huh, wha--oh, buenos dias, sir!" he said.

"Chatterbox, what are you doing here?" I asked. "Your shift doesn't start for another hour."

"I know, but you always complain of my tardiness, so I decided to impress you by coming early. Besides, some baka damaged the Road Nova and Sapphire's complaining and cursing was keeping me awake."

"Well, as long as you're here, we may as well talk about the ball, as much as I hate to do so."

"But you said I was in charge."

"I still need to approve on the purchases. Tell me you haven't gone extravagant or something."

"Relax, sir, I didn't hire any exotic dancers, if that's what you're worried about; I'm saving those for the after-party special."

"Chatterbox..."

"Kidding! Sheesh, you should take a joke once in a while." I shook my head and I look through the recently arrived paperwork and see what that bird's done. "You know, sir." he starts. "Maybe the ball would be a lot more tolerable for you if you had a date."

"If you're thinking what I think you're thinking," I began.

"Oh, honestly! I know you don't care for Cristol. But maybe some other female takes your fancy..."

"Not that I know of."

"Not even a certain...young lady? Let's say, for example, Miss Camiel Meglouse." I gave a stir when he mentioned her.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"It's so obvious you like her, sir. I mean, every time you two meet outside of the professional field, it's 'Miss Camiel' this and 'Miss Camiel' that."

"That's called being polite. Something you should learn."

"I don't swear in front of ladies; that good enough? And plus, every time you see her, you smile. You never even grin, let alone smile. Plus, the way you were looking at her at the temple yesterday was a big giveaway."

"Chatterbox, that is the most absurd thing I've ever heard!"

"But you two look so cute together."

"Let's just say for the sake of argument, you were right (no matter how unlikely). Even if I did have some sort of attraction to Miss Camiel, how would it work? I mean, the tabloids would get a kick out of the two of us in a romantic relationship."

"Hmm, you have a point there; the gap between the ranks could be a problem, but it's not like you're in the same unit as her."

"I'm talking about the age gap, you nutcase! I have to be like, 300 years her senior!"

"304, actually; I checked."

"You see the point I'm trying to make?"

"Uh, the fact you're in strict denial?"

"Just...shut up!"

@Someone's got a crush! Someone's got a crush!@ It gets very annoying when he chants like that, especially when I'm the only other person who understands him. Still, I had to give him some credit for keeping whatever thoughts he had under wraps. But it wasn't long before I stuffed him in a drawer.
 

(Cristol)
It was a typical day at the office. Answering phones, holding the Governor's calls, confirming appointments, fixing his Bedlamian root tea just right...you know, the usual. It's an all right job. Pays the bills and sometime provided for some excitement. Especially when Sh'Ekrah comes by to see the Governor. What a man! I love the way her carries himself with such power and authority. He's very highly respected in the community. Even after that incident at the gala. What an incredible night that was! What I couldn't understand is why he was playing hard-to-get? I mean we would make an excellent couple. A woman like me could go places with a man like that. And he definitely could use someone as pretty as me on his arm. The military ball was coming up and as far as I knew he didn't have a date. As soon as he came into the office, I decided to ask him point blank.

"Hello, Sh'Ekrah." He grunted his greeting. Looked like he was in kind of a hurry so I cut to the chase. "So, have you found a date for the upcoming military ball? If not, I'm...available. Maybe we can even get together afterwards for our own...private party."

"Uh, Cristol, I'm sorry but I...I alreadyhaveadate." What? That can't be! Who could he possibly have asked out? Last we spoke he told me he didn't have one.

"Oh really?" I sniffed and sat up in my chair, trying to keep calm. No need to lose my cool. "So, who's the lucky lady?"

"I'd rather not say..."

"And why the hell not?"

"Cristol...is the Governor in his office?"

"He's in a meeting," I sneered. "You're going to have to sit and wait." He sighed and without another word he sat and waited. I paged Governor Xander to let him know the Brigadier had arrived.

"Send him on in, Cristol." The whole time Brightlight was walking to Xander's office door I glared at him. How dare he ask someone else to the ball! I was going to found out who the man stealing floozy was, so help me!

I looked up and saw Chatterbox come in. Odd, considering he's usually late, but today, he's early. No matter, I figure I could find out what I want to know from him. "Oh, Chatts." I called sweetly. He flew right over to the desk. "Could you tell me just who exactly the Brigadier is taking to the military ball?"

"He asked someone to the ball?" he asked. Seems he knew just about as much as I did, but I thought he was playing dumb. "Last time I checked, he wasn't even planning on going, but then he got stuck planning the whole thing."

I grabbed him by the throat. "Tell me who he's seeing or I'll stuff you and place you on the wall."

"Cristol, I don't think he has a date at all. I think he just said what he did to get you off his back."

"And why in the galaxy would he do that?"

"Because he's completely uninterested in you." I let go of him.

"Why? I'm pretty, and smart; why wouldn't he be interested?"

"Besides the fact you dissed his beliefs?"

"Well, excuse me for stating my opinion."

"Stating your opinion? Cris, you just insulted the man by describing his patron god as a fairy tale. I swear, if Brightlight wasn't such a gentleman, you'd be through the roof by now."

"Oh, really?"

"Si really. Besides, what do you see in that guy anyway? He's boring, has no life and cares only about his work. And from what I saw at that gala--which isn't much, a regular brute."

"So he was a little rough. Big deal."

"Lit--you could've been killed that night! I mean, when they got you into the infirmary, there were bruises where there weren't bites and scratches where there weren't broken bones! You need a guy who can party and have a good time; someone who can be as gentle to you as a feather. Someone--"

"Like you?"

"Well, I do believe in inter-species dating. And I am way more interesting than your crush there."

"Forget it, birdbrain; I'm not that desperate."

"Well, excuse me for trying to help."

"You can help by telling me who he's seeing."
 

(Chatterbox)
I knew I hadn't asked anyone to the ball yet, but I had to deter Cristol somehow. I hoped she would take the hint and leave me alone. When I entered the Governor’s office I was surprised to see Miss Camiel sitting there.

“Ah, Brigadier Brightlight. We were just discussing you. Please have a seat.” Discussing me? What were they doing that for?

“You summoned me, Governor, sir?”

“Why yes. You see, Sundance had expressed an interest in our culture and faith. She would like to learn more about them. Since you are very active in the local temple I felt you would be the perfect person to assist Sundance in her research.” Miss Camiel and I decided to meet once a week at the Temple. Perhaps during that time I could build up enough courage to ask her to the military ball. I hated to admit it, but Chatterbox was right. I was smitten with the young SilverHawk. Now how was I going to ask her out.
 

(Camiel)
I spent the next few weekends meeting with the Brigadier at the Temple. He taught me so much that I never knew about the Hash'a'Glith. I even had the honor of attending one of their sacred services. He even gave me translations of some of the traditional prayers.

Though I was learning more and growing spiritually, it seemed I had come to a dead end in my spirit quest. I hadn't come any closer to learning the name of my one true love. And the dream touching had become more and more intimate. One night the visitation was so intense it woke me up in the middle of the night. I was so excited that I couldn't get back to sleep. That was it for me. I wasn't going back to sleep until I found some clue as to who this person was. Out of frustration I prayed to Vasah for guidance. I finally got a break through when I heard an unfamiliar voice speak these words:

"You'll find your one true love behind a veil of tears."

A veil of tears? At first I didn't understand what that meant, until I could faintly hear the sound of rushing waters and an image appeared within my mind. Weeping Falls! He was behind Weeping Falls. I got up from my prayer mat and threw on my meditation garments. I finally knew where to find my one true love and was going to him right then and there.
 

(Sh’Ekrah)
That did it! I couldn't take it anymore. Every night, my dreams have become more and more intense. From whoever's been haunting them, I concluded that it was the Gair'Eai I'm experiencing, but I have no clue who my soulmate is. It had gotten to a point where I couldn't even sleep. Moreover, I wondered if I was worthy of whoever was destined for me. I've never been in love before, and about the most experience I had with intimate relationships was that awful night at the gala. I didn't even want to think about that.

A part of me wanted it to be Camiel, but it seems highly unlikely. How would we ever make it work? I wasn't kidding when I told Chatterbox how the tabloids would eat up word about a romantic relationship between us. And then there was Cristol. I would never hear the end of it if she learned I chose Camiel over her. She would go on and on about how I was, as the humans say, 'robbing the cradle' and how it would damage my reputation and hers. Well, I'd rather risk social damnation for something I believe in than be blackmailed into some sort of loveless relationship. She had a taste of me that night, so I'm assuming that arrogant woman is after social power through me. Why can't she pick on some other unfortunate person? If I could, I would give that harlot a piece of my mind. I call her that in private because there's only three differences between her and the Mob Moll Astrala; species, motherhood and the presence of a criminal record.

I arrive at my usual spot behind Weeping Falls. I prayed desperately to Thal'Rahi for guidance. It seemed my prayers were answered as a serene voice spoke these words:

"Your soulmate is seeking you. Wait for her, and all shall be explained."

What in the world did that mean? My soulmate is coming? I wonder what she's like? I wasn't one to dismiss a sign from the Heavens, so I waited a while.
 

(Camiel)
I teleported down to Bedlama just north of Weeping Falls. I traveled the rest of the way by orb. When I arrived at my destination I stood before the wall of water. My spirit guide said he was behind the falls. I didn't see any openings so I did the only thing I could think of. I went through the falls. My light shield kept the thundering waters from crushing me on the way through. When I got to the other side I saw nothing but an endless wall of rock. There had to be an opening somewhere. I used an orb to hover about twenty feet off the ground. Then I saw it. A cave opening. I went in using smaller orbs to light the way. I was soaking wet and began to shiver in the cold breeze that whipped through the cave. I kept going up the passageway until it widened into a large cave. The first thing I noticed was a light, like a fire in a fireplace. I saw someone was sitting by the glowing flame. Still shivering, I stumbled towards the warmth of the fire. That's when I got close enough to see who was sitting there. It was Brigadier Brightlight.
 

(Sh’Ekrah)
For a moment, I thought I heard something. I looked up and saw someone trip and fall towards me. Miss Camiel? What in the galaxy was she--by the gods! I quickly turned my head the other way to avoid seeing the...outfit she was wearing. What am I thinking? It's not like she's completely exposed, but still, the outfit was cutting it close.

"Miss Camiel," I stuttered. "W-w-what brings you down here?"

"It's complicated, sir." she replied. She soon noticed my tension. "It's my meditation garment, isn't it? Sorry, but I didn't have time to grab that prayer robe."

"That's all right; I...I don't even notice it." I offered to get her a dry blanket so she wouldn't catch cold. She consented and wrapped herself quickly as soon as I passed the spare over to her. I relaxed the instant she was decently covered. "So, what brings you down here?"

"Like I said, sir, it's complicated. What about you?"

"I come here often for meditation or solitude. Things have just been crazy for me lately."

"Weird dreams of unusual intensity and exotic voices that only you hear and not anyone else?"

"Yes...exactly like that." Perhaps she knows something about what I'm going through; maybe even have the same or similar experiences. "You know, Miss Camiel, during our little cultural exchange, you never did tell me about your culture and god. I mean, these things do go both way, do they not? Maybe if we compare cultures, we'll both find the answers we're looking for." I know I risk passing the one good chance of asking her to the ball, but I wanted to make certain her heart was free and willing before I dive into anything with her, for both our sakes.
 

(Camiel)
I wrapped myself in the blanket the Brigadier gave me. My wet garments were clinging to my skin which made me quite uncomfortable. After careful thought I wriggled out of them under the blanket, and pushed them towards the fire with my feet. I notice that there was no smoke coming from it. I figured they must be therma stones, rocks that produce their own heat. I noticed the expression on the Brigadier's face.

"I'm sorry, sir, but I had to get out of those wet clothes. They were very uncomfortable. I hope you don't think..."

"No, no. It's all right. Do what you must. Don't want you to catch cold." I sat down about ten feet away from him in the warmth of the therma stones.

"So you want to know about my faith and culture. Does this have to do with the dreams you say you've been having?"

"Uh, yes. You could say that."

"Well, first of all, I'm on what's called a spirit quest. Candidates for Holy Eldership must complete three quests; the quest for true self, true purpose, and true love." His eyes widened when I mentioned the last one. I also explained to him about the sumer gom (dream touch) and the sumer akit (dream visitation). "It's believed that you can only experience these things with your one true love. I've been experiencing them in the past few months. In these dreams my one true love would never show his face and he'd never tell me his name. I had no idea where to find him....until tonight." I watched the Brigadier as he slowly seemed to realize what I was saying. "I've complete my part of the spirit quest. Now it's up to you to accept or reject me."
 

(Sh’Ekrah)
As soon as that was said, I was torn. Part of me wanted to take her for myself and never let go. I knew we were destined to be soulmates, but I had to be sure. However, when I looked into those dark eyes, I saw not only her innocence, but her pain. It was like she didn't care if I rejected or accepted her; she just wanted it over. It was then I realized she had her own personal struggle in this quest. Her destiny was placed before her heart. I could've denied everything she said, but that would only make things worse. There was only one thing to do.

"Camiel," I said. "I...I...I don't know if I can accept you. Please, try to understand; this is just so unexpected, I hope you--"

"I know." she replied. "It's all very confusing to me as well. I can understand if you reject me. After all, what's a high-ranking officer of social power going to see in some mutated hussy like me?"

"Innocence, beauty and strength beyond even her own comprehension." I couldn't believe I said that. It was all true, but...

"Then why?"

"Your eyes; they're filled with such innocence, but also such pain. I've seen this many times in my own soldiers; whenever they follow certain orders, they only do so because that's what it is, an order. Their own personal feelings are placed aside for the sake of their duty. Their very hearts become ignored because of their obligation. You feel that you have to distance yourself from whoever you long for because you have to."

"My spirit guides insisted I keep away from the man I..." I had a feeling someone else was in her heart. "I've tried, but it hurts so much. I don't want to break his heart, but I don't want to go against my destiny either. And things have been so difficult because of him. He even nearly got himself killed because he thought I was protecting him from the MATI, insists that my quests are an excuse and that they're pathetic. Why was I so dumb as to get involved with someone before taking this quest?! How could I have been so stupid?! I shouldn't have even thought about being with him, but I had gone through so much during my Academy days..." She started weeping at the lost love she would be forced to leave if I let her. Gods, I didn't want to make this harder than it already has. If she wants to be with this person, I'll at least try to understand. But my gaze fell onto something that made my blood boil, and I don't mean in a lusty sort of way, either. It was one of her arms--particularly the one that usually remained flesh. It was covered in bruises.

"How did you get those?" I asked, indicating the bruises.

"These?" She stopped crying and held up her arm. "Well...I do get into battle a lot; a few bruises are bound to show up."

"On that arm? Usually battle is the enemy trying to hit more vital organs and I know those marks weren't made by any Mob member I know."

"Okay, I might've gotten into a brawl with another 'Hawk..."

"A brawl? You?" There was no way I was going to let her hide the truth of those bruises, whatever it is.

"Well, my former beau to be precise. He's tried everything to win me back; begging, arguing, an attempt to take on the MATI. Now he's gotten to a point where he's willing to force me back to him. This afternoon, he tried to drag me back to his quarters, but I fought him off. I even reported him; thankfully, he's transferring to another base. But what he said to me after the whole incident was what really struck me; he said no one was as willing to love a mutated hussy like me as he was." By the gods...

"And yet you still love him?"

"He's done so much for me, I wish he would understand he would always be special to me."

"From the way you describe this individual, I doubt he even deserves you. He insults your beliefs, disregards your needs and has gone so far as to physically assault you to get what he wants."

"You're starting to sound like Chatterbox." Now that was scary, even for me. "Chatts didn't like him, either. He insists I could so much better than him."

"As hard to believe as it is, he's right."

"You're still not going to accept me, are you?"

"No. I can't; not now, at least. Nor am I rejecting you. I don't want to make any decisions until you have whatever emotional clutter sorted out. You're going through a troubling time right now, and to accept you right now would be taking advantage of you, which is the last thing I want. Yes, I do desire you and I want to accept you, but I need to be certain that you will accept me, with a clear and willing heart."
 

(Camiel)
I learned a few things that night. First off, the Brigadier's given name is Sh'Ekrah, which means 'fearless rebel.' From the stories I've heard told about him I'd say that's a fitting name. In turn I told him the literal meaning of my name is 'light in darkness.' We also talked a little more about the shared dreams.

"You know, for someone so big and strong, you sure can be gentle." He sort of blushed at my comment.

"Miss Camiel...I don't quite know how to respond to that..."

"That's ok. And you can call me Cami. Umm...could you see if my garments are dry yet? I'm off duty tomorrow but I still don't want to go back too late."

"Yes. It would be wise to rest up after what you've been through." After my meditation garment was dry, Sh'Ekrah gave me the privacy I needed to get dressed. We decided we would stay in touch with each other on a private level, so I gave him my COM link tag. I teleported back to Hawk Haven and headed back to my quarters. I was so tired I didn't notice someone waiting at my door. It was Keedra.

"Keedra, what are you doing here?"

"Where've you been, Cami?"

"That's really none of your business. Now you'd better get out of here before you get into even more trouble."

"Look...I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to hurt you."

"That's nice. Good night Keedra. You have a safe trip to Mars Base."

"Cami..."

"Keedra, it's over. Could you please just move on?"

"But Cami..."

"I said it's over. I still care about you but we can't...it just can't ever be the way it was before."

"But why?"

"Kee, I've completed my part of the spirit quest."

"What? What do you mean...? So it's not me?"

"No, Kee. It's not."
 

(Keedra)
I walked back to my quarters crushed. How could it be, that I'm not her one true love? I comforted her when her mentor died, I did everything for her! On the way, I ran into Chatterbox. This was the last thing I wanted to do.

"What do you want?" I asked. "Other than to torment me, that is?"

"Oh, I've come to wish you fare thee well." he replied. "And to tell you now I understand why Cami's spirit guides wanted you two apart; they obviously foresaw domestic abuse if she stayed with you in the near future."

"Look, I told her I was sorry, okay?"

"Sorry, my tail feathers! Bad enough you dis her beliefs, but now you treat her like an object, more likely a punching bag! And what you called her, oh boy, you should be grateful her Pahda wasn't around at the time, because then you'd be sent home in a pine box!"

"I just can't understand how I couldn't be her true love! I mean, who could possibly take my place at her side?"

"I can think of someone, but believe me, if it was you, you would've known."

"Doesn't matter anymore; she's found who she was looking for. I hope he's real happy with her. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to finish packing." I couldn't blame him for being mad, though; he was like an older brother to Cami. I'm just glad I'll be as far away from that stupid bird as possible.
 

(Chatterbox)
 Ay Cariumba! What a day! I've just spent the last eight hours coordinating the military ball, which was just a few months away. I wonder how Cami's doing? I decided to check up on her. On the way, I ran into that little green bastard, Keedra. What in the galaxy did Cami ever see in him? Well, after giving him a piece of my mind, I found out that Cami finished her part of the spirit quest. I flew over to her quarters and rang the door tone. No answer. Poor kid; must be asleep. Gods know she'll need the rest after all that's happened. I'm so glad Keedra's shipping out tomorrow. But one thing still has my brain wondering; who's Cami's true love? I have a very good idea on who it is, but I need to be sure. So I flew back to Sapphire's quarters, where I usually stayed and logged on to her laptop. Fortunately, she was on patrol (what a surprise), so I had everything to myself. I knew my theory was correct, I just knew; all I had to do was prove it. I brought out a small disk containing the invitation to the ball, opened it and 'accidentally' e-mailed it to every SilverHawk not being transferred. Well, it was a good way to cover my tracks in case anyone wonders how a low-ranking officer got an invitation without bringing about suspicion. Now that that's done, there's one more detail I need to carry out, and I'm gonna need some help. I dialed a number to have it answered by a very sleepy figure.

"Wha-wha-hello and what business do you have calling me at this hour?" she asked. Well, at least she's awake. "Chatts, do you have any idea what time it is?"

"Mi dispiace, Phantasma." I said. "But I need an emergency shipment."

"Of what? More party supplies?"

"I need every romantic song you have in your music collection by May. Plus, some Tequila wouldn't hurt."

"What is this for?"

"The annual military ball on Bedlama."

"Don't they have an orchestra for those things?"

"I managed to get a DJ set hidden in the room next to where the ball's being held. I'm the DJ, so I'll be able to coordinate the music."

"And you're calling me about this because..."

"Let's just say the entire universe depends on this."

"This is one of your matchmaking ventures, isn't it?"

"Si. But it's not what you think; this is muy importante. Nothing must go wrong!" I noticed Phantom wasn't too willing. "Come on, Phantasma, I'm begging you! True amore hangs in the balance here!"

"You're asking for a shipment of part of my music collection."

"Only for one night! Think of it as a loan."

"If I see so much as a scratch on my music..."

"Put the damages on Sapphire's tab." Okay, so this may seem suicidal, but I had to admit, the gods had to allow a little mortal interference once in a while. Right?
 

(Camiel)
I woke early the next morning in spite of my being worn out from the previous night's events. Since I was up, I fed and brushed Caramel. As I brushed her lustrous brown fur I told her about how I had finally met my one true love.

"He seems so wise and kind. He's a lot older than me, but it doesn't really matter to me. I don't know how I know this but I'm know he'll love me the way I need to be loved. The gods in their wisdom has chosen this fearless rebel for me. I only hope that he decided to accept me."

The door tone went off as I continued brushing Caramel. "Who is it?"

"It's not the little green monster, I guarantee that!" Chatts! I let him come in and he perched next to me. "So, how's my favorite bambina doing?"

"Much better than yesterday, thank you very much."

"Yea, good riddance to bad rubbish! But less talk of bad times; on with good times. Heard you found your one true love."

{I most certainly did.} I knew Chatts might overreact some, so I reverted to Mua to keep the conversation private. {It wasn't quite who I expected.}

{Anyone I know?}

{Yeah...but I'm not telling.}

{Why not?}

{Because he hasn't accepted me.}

{Oh, okay--WHAT?! And why not?!}

{He looked into my eyes and saw that I was emotionally distressed and he wants me to accept him willingly before he makes a decision. So we're going to wait a bit before anything big happens.}

{Oh, yea. Well, I suppose that's fair, considering all you've been through. One thing is for certain; no matter what, I know you'll be happier with Brightlight than you ever were with that little green jerk whose name I care not mention.}

{I suppose I would--hey, how did you--}

{You forget, I am an expert in matters of the heart. I can be sensitive to these things.}

{Chatts, you have to promise you won't tell anyone.}

{Ok, Cami, you can count on me!}

{I sure hope so.}

{Cami, believe me, I'm great at keeping secrets.}

As I put Caramel back in her habitat, I heard my COM go off. It was my private line. I recognized the COM tag number on my caller ID.

{Um, Chatts, I've gotta take this call. I could use some privacy.}

{Oh, really? Who's calling?} he asked with a smirk and a tilt of the head. I rolled my eyes.

{Chatts...go...now.}

{Ok, ok. I'm going.} As he headed towards the door he began to chant 'Cami and Sh'Ekrah sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G...' I tossed a pillow at him just as he flew out of my door.
 

(Sh’Ekrah)
When I woke early the next morning the first thing on my mind was Camiel. I felt a strong need to talk to her, but I didn't want to call her so early. Somehow I got the feeling that she was already awake. In fact I could safely say I knew she was awake. I wasn't sure how that was possible though. So, I called her, and when she answered she had the most beautiful smile on her face. She looked rested and happy.

"Good morning, Sh'Ekrah!"

"Good morning, Camiel. I'm glad to see you are doing better."

"Yeah. I feel great! And I'm glad you called. Is there a reason you called?"

"Well...I've been thinking about you. In fact, I haven't stopped thinking about you since last night. I wanted to see how you were doing."

"Oh. How sweet." I found my face getting a little warm when she said that.

"Camiel, you told me that you had the day off, so I was wondering if you'd like to...uh, meet somewhere so we can talk some more."

"I'd love to, but don't you work everyday?"

"I decided to take the day off." She looked surprised when I said that. She knew, like almost everyone else in Limbo, that I've never taken a day off in my life. It felt strange to me to do that, but I felt I had to spend some time with her.
 

(Camiel)
As I prepared to go meet with Sh'Ekrah, I noticed my message light was blinking on the COM. When I opened the message I saw that it was an invitation to the Bedlama Military Ball. It sounded like it would be lots of fun. I wondered if Sh'Ekrah was going.

Sh'Ekrah and I decided to meet in the most private place we could think of. The cave behind the falls. Fortunately he showed me a much dryer way to enter the cave. It was a secret entrance about one hundred feet from the one I used the first time.

When we both got to the cave, we had a nice talk. That's all we did was talk, mind you. We talked mostly about me. He said he wanted to know more about me. I told him what it was like growing up without my Pahda actually being there the first five cycles of my life. And how when I finally did see him face to face it was under very dangerous circumstances.
 

(Sh’Ekrah)
Camiel continued to tell me how the Mob attack contributed to the exposure of the MATI. I noticed that she started to falter when we got to the part about Molecu-Lar. When I asked what was wrong, she simply said that the memory of an attack by Molecu-Lar wasn't the best thing to talk about and left it at that. She really didn't want to talk about it, so I didn't push. Then she got to when her powers manifested, her first two Spirit Quests and her battle against the MATI about four years ago. She got a bit upset when we got to her Academy days.

"Cami, what is it?"

"Sorry, it's just that my first year at the Academy was when my mentor, Master Hajin..."

"I heard about that. He did a few services at the temple a couple of years back. His sermons about forgiveness were inspiring." I learned that it was his death that drove her to the arms of her previous beau, whose name she didn't care to mention. That's understandable. We finally got to her first mission, to stop a powerful force the MATI hired against her and her family. I must admit, she truly is a strong woman.

"What about you?" she asked. "What great secrets are in your past?" I must admit, that took me by shock. In all my years, I've never discussed my past with anyone. Ever. I have good reason for not talking about it. But being with Cami, I felt I could discuss everything freely with her. Well, almost everything. I told her how I was a wild one in my youth, running away from home and joining the military at her age. She seemed awed by how I, as one of the only Hash'a'Glith in the boot camp, was able to handle any situation and quickly rose in rank as soon as I got in. She even asked me about my first meeting with Stargazer.

"The truth is," I explained. "I never held high regard for humans. I felt they were feeble and cowardly and evil." That was true, but only because the only humans I had dealt with back then were in the Mob. "I didn't think we needed any help in dealing with the Mob, but it was the only way to solidify the alliance with Earth."

"You get along with Stargazer now. What happened?"

"I was about a Lieutenant Colonel at the time. The Mob had attacked the temple of Thal'Rahi. When I saw the burned altar, I was furious. I doubted the SilverHawks to do their job, so I tried to take things into my own hands."

"How so?"

"I actually went to Brim Star and tried to fight the Mob myself." That came as a real shock to her, but I was young back then.

"And did you make them pay?"

"Are you kidding? I nearly got myself killed that day! Somehow, Stargazer found out where I was and had to drag me back to Bedlama kicking and screaming. But frankly, he saved my life. After a severe reprimand by the few officials who outranked me, I realized that, maybe, humans weren't so bad. It took me a couple of years to tolerate them, but eventually, I came to hold Stargazer and the SilverHawks in the respect I hold them in today."

"Wow...You really are a fearless rebel," Camiel responded with a smile. I could see a mixture of awe and admiration in her eyes. Those dark, pretty, innocent eyes.  I was so lost in her eyes at the time, I didn't realize that she was still talking to me.

"Um, Sh'Ekrah? Did you hear what I just said?"

"Hmmm? Oh, I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"I said do you know about the Military Ball that's coming up?"

"Oh, the ball. Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that. Would you...uh, like to go? With me, that is? On a date?" I really need to work on that.

"I'd love to go! It should be fun. Vasah knows I could use some fun in my life." She accepted. Wow...that was easy. Maybe this dating business isn't as hard as I thought.
 

(Cristol)
One month until the Ball and I was still no closer to finding out who Sh'Ekrah was taking. He wasn't talking. I tried asking him nicely, but he told me it was none of my business. I tried threats, but then he ignored me. Whoever she was, she had him smiling to himself every once in a while. I know Sh'Ekrah, and he hardly EVER smiles! The little slut probably gave him a good work-out in bed and got him hooked. As I worked at my desk, still brooding over this issue, I got an emergency call on my private line.

"Governor Xander's office, how may I help you? Yes, this is Ms. Minkh. Yes, that's my daughter. She's in the emergency room? What happened? Oh, gods! All right, I'll be there right away!"
 

(Governor Xander)
While in a meeting with the Brigadier, my secretary burst through the door looking very distressed.

"Ms. Minkh, what's wrong?"

"Pardon the interruption, Governor, but I must leave immediately!"

"Why, Cristol?"

"It's my daughter! She's been taken to the emergency room! I don't have time to explain! I have to leave now!"

"Cristol, you can't drive in your condition! Brigadier. We're going to have to cut this meeting short. Could you please take Cristol to her daughter?" Brightlight looked like he was cut off guard by my suggestion, but he consented. The two of them left together quickly. I hoped young Lorie would be all right.
 

(Sh’Ekrah)
I was kind of miffed that the Governor volunteered me to take Cristol to the hospital, but I quickly decided it was the right thing to do. She couldn't drive safely in her distressed state of mind. By the time we got there the doctor told her that Lorie's condition had stabilized, but they were going to keep her overnight for observation. Cris wouldn't tell me what happened to her daughter, so I left that issue alone. She decided to stay at the hospital with her daughter overnight.

"Thank you for brining me here, Sh'Ekrah. I really appreciate that."

"Oh, it was no problem at all." She looked up at me with those black eyes of hers and smiled. She then threw her arms around me. Oh, gods, not now!

"Sh'Ekrah, you are such a wonderful person! How can I ever repay you?" I gently pushed her to arms length.

"Uh, no need for repayment, Cristol. Listen, I have to go. I hope your daughter recovers soon." She looked very disappointed when I said that.

"Oh, all right. If you must. Uh, Sh'Ekrah?"

"Yes?"

"I'd like to...apologize for the comment I made about your faith. I should never have insulted you like that."

"No problem. All is forgiven." She looked surprised and relieved all at once. "Well, I must go. I pray all will be well with you." I made my exit before she could say or do anything else. I had promised Camiel I would meet with her later that afternoon on the shore of Bedlama Lake. I had no idea that a great danger would be lurking nearby, lying in wait to do her harm.
 

(Camiel)
Sh'Ekrah and I met at my special spot on the shore of Bedlama Lake. I was so glad to see him I gave him a hug. When he hugged me back, it made me think of one of the dreams we had shared. It felt so good to be in his arms.

We sat down across from each other on a blanket I had brought with me. I noticed he looked kind of stressed.

"Is everything all right, Sh'Ekrah?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I just had a little excitement earlier today. Almost made me late meeting you."

"Really? What happened?"

"Well, I had to take Cristol to the hospital to see about her daughter."

"Lorie? She's my friend! Is she ok?"

"She'll be all right."

"Tell me what happened." When he was about to respond, I thought I saw movement in the bushes nearby. "Sh'Ekrah, wait! I think there's someone else here!"

"Are you certain?"

"Positive." It wasn't long before I was proven right. Both of us were barely able to dodge the incoming bullet. Soon enough, someone dressed in black came over to us holding some sort of blade. The assassin didn't seem to be any good at combat 'cause Sh'Ekrah managed to restrain her (it looked like a female, that's for certain) with no problem. When her mask was finally removed, we saw that it was Lady Pijol.

"I thought Bedlamians were smart." she commented. "But obviously you're the dumbest I've ever met."

"Oh, is that a fact?"

"No one with so much as half a brain cell would possibly have himself involved with the likes of that disgusting, revolting, incest-made mongrel whore!" Pijol was certainly sorry she said that. I could tell by the way Sh'Ekrah twirled her around and actually backhanded her into a nearby tree! I have a feeling he's going to be a teensy bit overprotective of me in these types of situations.
 

(Sh’Ekrah)
After that purist bitch got up, I grabbed her by the neck and slammed her into the tree again. I've been angry before, but hearing her talk about Cami like that made me snap.

@Insult her again and I'll break your neck!@ I yelled. I even squeezed her throat a bit for effect. I soon found myself being slightly pulled on. I turned to see Camiel.

"Sh'Ekrah, don't. I know you're upset, but this'll only get you court martialed. Please...calm down." I let the assassin fall to the ground. Cami managed to get a light shield to surround her.

"I take it she's part of the MATI?" I asked.

"Pijol Ritua Ataka, one of the leaders." She then called for back-up. It wasn't long before Sapphire and Chatterbox arrived. I was a bit surprised, but it's because of the fact I haven't gotten used to this shadow 'porting trick of Sapphire's.

"What happened to her?" Sapphire asked. Pijol's jaw seemed to be all bent out of shape. Serves her right.

"She said something that made me lose my temper a bit." I replied as Sapphire began to restrain Pijol. It was the truth, technically. Chatts started looking at me kind of odd. "What?" I asked.

"Nothing, sir." he said. "It's just that...it's usually against your personal policy to hit a lady."

"Since when was that ever a lady?" Everyone seemed awfully shocked at my snappiness; except for Pijol, who was swearing her head off in her own tongue. After Sapphire shadow 'ported herself and Pijol to the Penal Planet, I found myself alone with Camiel and Chatterbox, who was patting my shoulder with his wing.

"You know, sir." he said. "There may be some hope for you after all."
 

(Tifa)
I thought we'd finally be rid of the Child of Light when something went wrong. I should have know it would. Pahda had me train his pitawan as an assassin, but I knew she wasn't ready to go out in the field. That hard headed Pijol insisted that she do the job. Just to be on the safe side, Banji and I kept track of her location using her portable teleporter. At first she was on Bedlama. Then all of a sudden her location changed.

~Where the hell is she now, Tif?~

~Penal Planet Ten.~

~Huh? What's she doing there?~

~I don't know.~

~Get her out of there NOW~

~I'm on it, love.~

I activated her teleporter belt to bring her back to our temporary base in the Light Year Limit. When she materialized in our midst we got the shock of our lives. Pijol was a complete mess! Her face looked horrible. It was all bloody and swollen. She looked over at us and kind of groaned and she fell to her knees.

~Banji, get Dr. Yowstis. We have a medical emergency on our hands.~ Damn that Pijol! Can't she do anything right?
 

(Tkkla)
I was in a meeting with Dragor, the Saurian Casanova. He was here to drop off our share of the profits and to discuss other types of business. He actually considered I open my prostitution ring to non-Mimians. I told him it was out of the question, but he insisted I would make millions off foreign customers.

"Lord Ataka, be reasonable." he continued. "Mimian females are about the second-highest piece of meat in the whole damn prostitution market!"

"What about the highest?" I pondered.

"Mykari are difficult to hire as hookers, if at all possible. It's been done, mind you, but I don't exactly know anyone with the resources for that kind of stunt."

"I don't know about this...it would look rather bad if a mixed child was spawned from this business venture."

"Then we work together on this. You could borrow the policy Jester and I use for our brothels."

"Those include monthly health checks?"

"And biweekly implant maintenance. A guarantee that no implants will malfunction." That's for certain. Just then Fikkia barged into my office.

~Sorry to disturb you, love.~ she said. ~But Pijol's back.~

~How did it go?~ I asked.

~Tifa and Banji had to teleport her here. She's very injured. Dr. Yowstis is treating her now.~

~What happened?~

~I don't know.~

"Dragor, you'll have to excuse me. I must tend to some personal business now." He decided to follow me to see Pijol. How bad is it, and more importantly, did she succeed?
 

(Dragor)
When we finally got to see Pijol, we discovered what had happened to her. Her face was nearly unrecognizable. Lord Tkkla was in such shock he just stood there staring at her with his mouth hanging open.

"Damn! What happened to her face?"

"A Bedlamian happened to her face," Dr. Yowstis responded. "Pijol told me it was that Brigadier General of theirs."

"How could she have possibly told you anything with that sorry excuse for a mouth?"

"She wrote it down. According to Pijol, the Brigadier is romantically involved with the Child of Light."

"Huh?"

"Disgusting, isn't it?"

"yeah, that is kinda creepy. But that doesn't explain what happened to her face."

"He back handed her."

"Ouch." The doctor then turned her attention to Lord Tkkla, who still seemed to be in shock.

I left the MATI base after a few minutes. I assured Ataka that Mon*Star be informed about this little situation and that the Mob would handle it. Luckily, he consented, but only because he was still in shock over his pitawan getting all beat up. I, on the other hand, kinda find this all hard to believe. Brightlight in love? The pigs must be flying today, but I still need to see it for myself. But if this information is correct, then there's not a chance in hell I'm telling Mon*Star! He finds out about those two, I'll never get first taste of that 'Hawk! Sheesh, just because he lost one little scuffle; that was over 300 years ago for the love of the gods! And Mon*Star's been waiting for a chance at vengeance since; at least that's what RJ told me back in the day. Well, I know for a fact that the annual military ball's coming up. So I drove on down to Brim Star and barged into Hardware's workshop.

"Hey, lizard lips!" the little troll shouted. "Don't you ever knock!?"

"Well, it's been all quiet since Glycerin got caught," I replied. "I decided you needed a little racket now and then."

"With Glycerin gone, I've been enjoying the peace. Now what do you want?"

"I need your help, Hardware."

"Oh, no you don't! I told you I want nothing to do with your type of business!"

Oh, for crying out loud! "Hardware, don't be such a baby. I just want to check out a source's info and I need the best surveillance equipment you got."

"What's this information your source has?"

"Umm, personal information on one of our dear Bedlamian friends."

"Please tell me your source hasn't been reading the tabloids."

"Uh, the other annoying Bedlamian, bolt brain."

"What is it?"

"Can't spare details; gotta prove it first. I just need the equipment in a few weeks."

"What exactly are you spying on anyways?"

"The annual Bedlamian military ball."

"Have you completely lost your marbles?! That'll be loaded with security!"

"Thus the surveillance equipment. I may be crazy, but I'm not stupid."

"Fine, fine. Just leave me out of this!"
 

(Camiel)
The evening of the Military Ball had finally come. I was so excited! I usually didn't get to attend formal gatherings such as this. I had been to weddings and graduations but never to a ball. I took my time making ready for the event. I looked at myself in the mirror to admire my new gown. Aunty WuWu had designed it for me. It was long and navy blue with gold highlights on the bodice. It made me feel like a princess. Mahda braided my hair for me and I wore a necklace Jamahda Lsa gave to me a few cycles ago. After I put the finishing touches on my make-up I was ready to make my grand entrance to the Ball. I just hope I don't outshine my date...too much.
 

(Sh’Ekrah)
Well, this is it. The evening that I have been dreading, and at the same time, anticipating. Here I was, in that formal dress uniform, all white with crimson trimming and some of the medals that display my rank and prestige. I look ridiculous. Still, this is a formal event. Thankfully, I managed to get Chatterbox into full-fledge hostmanship, so he left early to put the finishing touches on the ball. I just pray he doesn't turn the one romantic moment I have with Cami into a disaster. I was nervous about the whole thing altogether. Is this going to work out or not? But when I came to pick her up for the ball, all doubts left my mind as I glimpsed onto the goddess I had begun to fall in love with. Yes, I admit it. I did love her, so very much, and I pity the fool who sees otherwise.
 

(Camiel)
When we arrived at the Ball, there were about fifty people already there. Everyone was telling me how beautiful I looked and that they liked my dress. I was having a great time so far. We were talking to a Coquat couple when Sh'Ekrah suddenly excused us and pulled me to the side. Just as we were heading towards the punch table I saw Ms. Cristol out of the corner of my eye.

"Oh, look, it's Ms. Cristol! I want to go over and say hello."

"No!" Sh'Ekrah snapped. I gave him a questioning look. "Ah, we'll talk with her later. There's something I want to show you." He then took me to the upper level of the ball room to a smaller room with a balcony.

We went towards the balcony; the nighttime stars were really shining. As soon as we were out in the fresh air, I asked what he wanted to show me. He pointed out two of the brightest stars in the sky. They seemed intertwined together.

"The Geia'Qui." he explained. I assumed he meant the constellation. "There's a story behind those stars. It's been told they were the ones who gave birth to the Hash'a'Glith race."

"But I thought Thal'Rahi created the Hash'a'Glith." I replied.

"He did, but when the galaxy was young, he made two sets of Hash'a'Glith; male and female. Back then, they seemed like different races. But there were a few errors. First of all, both genders were immortal, so they could not die of age. Second, their strengths were unbalanced. The females were stronger than the males and if either gender wanted another of their own, they prayed to Thal'Rahi for a new one, which was created with a blood sacrifice. The creation was spawned into a full adult with all the knowledge of the cosmos. That was a problem. The genders didn't get along with each other and were constantly bickering. Wars were fought every day. They slaughtered each other until there was only one survivor of each gender. Even then they were determined to finish the other off.

"Realizing his mistake, Thai'Rahi appeared to the two immortals and demanded that they cease the fighting. Neither immortal was willing to risk his anger, so they consented. Thal'Rahi was saddened at the turn of events that led to that moment and decided to make amends. He asked the fighters if they were willing to rebuild their race at the cost of their blood. They both said they would. Thal'Rahi, to their surprise, demanded not their lives, but their strength and immortality. The female gave up her extra strength for the ability to conceive and the male sacrificed some of his strength for wisdom. Both renounced their immortality for the ability to love. Thal'Rahi told them that they shall bring new life into the world. 'Your descendants,' he said, 'shall enter this realm in the greatest form of innocence. After 500 years in this realm, they shall return to me, as you shall soon enough, my children.' He gave them the title the Geia'Qui, the Lifegivers. Once their work was done, the Geia'Qui returned to their father Thal'Rahi and watch their descendants from those two stars, to this very day."

"That's such a beautiful story. And those stars are such an alluring sight."

"Yes...you most certainly are." I blushed at that comment. He gently turned my face to look at his, moving his hand behind my ear. I could feel the tension building up when that happened. Sh'Ekrah noticed my reaction. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, it's just that behind my ear is a little...sensitive." He immediately moved his hand away.

"Sorry, I didn't realize."

"That's okay. Why don't we go back inside?"

"Good idea." But when he tried to open the door, it was locked. Oh, this is just great!
 

(Dragor)
I couldn't believe what I had just witnessed. When Pijol said they were romantically together, she certainly wasn't kidding! The surveillance equipment I brought allowed me to hear every word and see every action. Oh, and I managed to drag Hardware, whom I told my suspicions to. He said that what I told him would happen had as much chance of actually happening as Mon*Star reforming. Well, this certainly proved him wrong! We both heard and saw what had transpired. I noticed Hardware was looking a little green, along with some shock.

"What's wrong, little guy?" I asked. "You look like you caught some sort of bug."

"I don't know which is harder to believe." he said. "The fact you were right or the fact Brightlight can be so mushy! I stay here any longer, I'm going to lose my lunch!"

"Hardware, you don't have a romantic bone in your body, do you?"
 

(Chatterbox)
Yes! This is perfect! I knew he would take her someplace private, so I followed them and locked the door so they could have some private time. I also plan to kill Moonstryker in the near future! I can't believe Cristol was able to get him to take her. She says she's interested, but I know better. Then again, a hag could flatter Moonstryker. I flew back to the main ballroom to check up on him.

"Hey, Chatts." 'Stryker called. "Have you seen Cristol?"

"No, why?" I asked. Oh, Dios mio what now!?

"Well, she said she needed to freshen up, but it's been over an hour." Tell me she didn't see Cami!

"Kyle, I have no idea where your date is! Most likely, she ditched you for some more meat."

"Why would she do that?"

"Uh, because she's an obsessive, social climbing bimbo who would do anything (and anyone) to be Miss Popular in Bedlama!"

"But she could do that with me!"

"Hermano, there's a lot you need to know about women." Especially women like her.
 

(Sh’Ekrah)
Damn that parrot! I had a feeling he'd try to pull something like this! Ah, well. I figured being stuck outside with Cami was a good thing. She didn't seem to be bothered by the fact that we were locked out.

"I'm sure someone will notice and let us back in eventually." She walked over to the railing and leaned over a bit. She was watching other guests enter the Hall on the lower level. We didn't say anything to each other for a few moments. I was too preoccupied looking at Cami, taking in her beauty. While looking at her I realized I would give my life for her if I had to. I wanted so much to tell her that, but wasn't sure how to go about it. After a few minutes, Cami wordlessly walked over to me and hugged me about the waist and laid her head against me. She then looked up at me. She looked as if she wanted something. At first I couldn't figure out what it was. I finally realized she wanted me to kiss her.
 

(Camiel)
Sh'Ekrah took my hand and led me to one of the benches on the balcony. When we sat down, gazed into my eyes as he played with a loose strand of my hair. I knew he knew what I wanted. The bond between us had grown stronger over time so we were able to know what the other was thinking sometimes. He knew what I wanted but for some reason he was making me wait.

"What are you thinking about?" I finally asked.

"Besides you?" he replied.

That made me laugh. "Besides me."

"I was thinking about how much I could ravish you without you making me regret it."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes, really."

"And suppose I don't tell you?"

"Well, then I guess I'm going to have to find out for myself." It was then he finally kissed me. It was so soft and sweet. I was definitely taken by surprise. After a while, we stopped.

"Sh'Ekrah, I..."

"Hush." Then he kissed me again. This time he started to deepen it, slowly. I could feel the passion being released from him. After a few minutes, I had to gently push him off so I could breathe.

"Well, now you know." I said, laying on his chest.
 

(Cristol)
I had managed to get away from Kyle for a moment so I could do a little investigating. I still wanted to know who Sh'Ekrah had brought to the Ball. I asked around to see if anyone had seen him. Lady Detia said she thought she saw him head for the upper level. Well, that's where she saw him go so that's where I went! When I made it upstairs, I entered one of the private rooms. I had just discovered that the door to the balcony was locked when Chatterbox showed up. Oh, gods! Why'd he have to show up!

"There you are, Cris!" he shouted. "Kyle's been looking all over for you! It took me forever to convince him you weren't kidnapped by Dragor!"

"Oh, is that so?" I asked. "Uh...I just needed to freshen up and I got lost."

"For a whole hour?"

"Say, why is the balcony door locked?"

"I don't know."

"Well, why don't you unlock it?"

"Do I look like I have the key?"

"You are the host, aren't you? You have to have a key somewhere!"

"I left it in my other suit."

I glared at him dead in the eye. "Open that door or I'll rip you apart."

"And risk more debts on Sapphire's bill? I'm not exactly the richest bird in the universe, ya know!"

"Hey, Chatts!" Wonderful. More company. Both of us turned to see Kyle. "Did you find--hey, Cris. Where have you been?"

"Oh, I just got a little lost." I said. What a dork. "Kyle," I started sweetly. "Why don't we go someplace private, like on the balcony?"

"Okay." I noticed Chatts started shaking his head towards Kyle, who tried to open the door. "Hey, this door's locked." he said. "But I think I can get it opened." He then prepared to knock the door down. Oh, well...

"NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Chatts screamed as Kyle rammed right through the door. Let's just say that we both got quite a surprise.
 

(Chatterbox)
Oh, boy this is not good! When Kyle busted through the door Cristol followed. I wasn't far behind. When Cristol saw Camiel sitting there with Sh'Ekrah she went ballistic!

"This...this is who you chose over me?! This child that is not even one fourth your age?!" she screamed. From that point on, things got even crazier. I'm not exactly sure how it happened, because it happened so fast. Anyway, somehow, Cristol pushed Cami over the balcony. Fortunately Cami teleported before she hit the ground. After making sure Camiel was all right, Brightlight proceeded to tell Ms. Minkh off! And I thought I had a filthy mouth!

"What the hell were you thinking, woman?!" he yelled. "Don't you realize you could've killed someone?!"

"Oh, well, maybe you should've thought of that before you decided to have her!" she replied. Oy, vay.

"Who I decide to see is really not of your concern."

"Well, I still don't see what she had to do to get you at her side!"

"She did nothing. I went to her."

"I find that hard to believe. At least her mother was well balanced with the human DNA."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm just saying is that even someone mixed like her can be the same as any full-blooded Mimian female; a natural slut." Oh, damn! "You know I'm right, Sh'Ekrah. I mean, the way they view sexual practice, it's really obvious why they're so open."

She's doomed! "Oh, is that so?"

"Yes!"

"Well, then you may be right." What?!

"Really?"

"You must be since you know more about being a slut than anyone in the whole galaxy." Oooh! That got Cristol pissed.

"What? You surely can't--"

"For three years, you've made my life miserable by chasing me around, hoping that you have a chance with me, when in reality, I wouldn't be romantically attracted to you if you were the only other lifeform in the universe!"

"I...I..."

"I've tried telling you nicely that I wasn't interested, but you obviously don't get the message."

"But, that night at the gala--"

"Was the most disgusting and most embarrassing night of my life! You may be turned on to stuff like that, but I'm not! Just because you got drugged and got me infected with the stuff doesn't make us lovers!"

"Chatts, I think you better do something about this." Kyle said.

"You're right." I replied. So I flew up and shouted, "IT'S ABOUT TIME YOU TOLD THAT HAROLT OFF!"

"Chatts!"

"What? You said I should do something."

"So you decided a child was better suited?" Cris asked.

"Camiel is not a child." Sh'Ekrah answered. "She is an adult, just like you and me. She may be younger, but at least she acts her age, unlike someone else I know."

"So the choice between us was difficult."

"Oh, it was real hard choosing between a sophisticated, kind-hearted woman 300 years my junior and the Divore version of Astrala." I didn't know he could be sarcastic.

"I have never been so insulted in all my life!"

"Believe me, Cristol, I could do much worse. But arrogant, conceited, social power-hungry bitch or not, you're still a lady(as unfortunate as this may be)." That certainly drew the line. Gods know if that didn't drive Cristol off, what will?

"Well, then." Cristol continued. "Since you're so fond of the little brat, she can keep you, you cradle-robbing meathead!" Then she slapped him and stormed off. Kyle started after her, hoping that he could still comfort her. Oh, brother. What a baka.

"Are you okay?" I asked Camiel. "I tried to stop her, I swear, but..."

"Yea, I'm fine, Chatts." Cami replied.
 

(Camiel)
I thought things couldn't get any worse until Ms. Miknh went and told my parents. How could she do that! I didn't want them to know until I was sure Sh'Ekrah had accepted me. That night I realized he had, but I still wanted to be the one to tell them. When they showed up on the balcony I pretty much figured out what had happened. I wasn't exactly sure what Ms. Minkh told them so I decided to explain it all myself.

{Mahda, Pahda, I have something to tell you. I've completed my final quest and he's accepted me. I would have told you sooner, but he hadn't accepted me at the time.} I waited a moment for my parents to take this all in. When there was no response, I continued. {Sh'Ekrah and I love each other and we want to be together. Do we have your blessing?} More silence and strange stares. Finally, Mahda's face lit up with the biggest smile as she came over and gave me a hug.

{Oh, Cami baby, I'm so happy for you! I knew you could do so much better than Oni and Keedra! Of course you have my blessing!} I was relieved by Mahda's response. Pahda hadn't said a word yet, though.

{Pahda, do we have your blessing too?} For a few moments he stared at me with wide eyes, until he finally spoke.

{He's older than Japahda Quito and Jamahda Matra combined!}

{Yes, Pahda, but my spirit guides led me to him. He treats me better than any other I've been with before, and I love him so much. And he loves me.} I could tell Pahda wasn't too comfortable with this situation. I waited for his response as he leaned on the railing resting his head on one of his hands.

Finally, after a few minutes of silence, Pahda came back over to me.

{Cami, are you sure your spirit guides led you to him?}

{Absolutely.}

{Are you happy with him?}

{I've never been happier, Pahda!} That's when he began to smile.

{If you're happy and he treats you well, then I'm happy for you. I still feel kind of weird about it, and it'll take some getting used to. But, I want you to be happy. You have my blessing too.} I was elated! I turned back to Sh'Ekrah to translate everything we had said.
 

(Sh’Ekrah)
When Cami's parents showed up, they began to converse in their native tongue so I couldn't understand what they were saying. I could tell by her parents' expressions that they were shocked about something. Most likely the relationship between Cami and I. After talking to her parents, an excited Camiel returned to me and explained all that they had discussed.
 

(Dragor)
The party started getting boring, so we headed on back to Brim Star. Well, actually, I wanted to shake things up a bit, but Hardware kept bitching about how much trouble he could get in just being seen with me, so I solved that dilemma the Casanova way; I shut him in the trunk of the Zoomer (the Nebula Burner was still in the shop; I'm going to fry that parrot for trashing my baby) and set the controls for autopilot. Have a safe trip, trollface! Ah! Nothing beats a hearty meal of limestone. Now the fun begins.
 

(Sh’Ekrah)
Ah, isn't love grand? I was so happy for Cami and my boss finally really hitting it off. Camiel's parents seemed pleased with the arrangement. Ok, so her mom was ok, but The Kidd was still kind of weirded out by the whole thing. He'll get over it. We all decided to head back downstairs when we got another unwanted surprise. A fireball hit the balcony and took out a huge chunk of it. Oh no! Could it be....Dragor? Damn! As if we hadn't had enough drama that evening!

The coward was shooting fireballs from a distance so we really couldn't tell where he was. Camiel shielded us from the flaming debris.

"Pahda, Sh'Ekrah, Chatts! Cover me! I'm going down to take care of this." Cami then formed a light sword in her hand and teleported off the balcony.
 

(Chatterbox)
"What are you loco?!" I shout. Too late. Ay, cariumba! It's not that I doubt Cami's abilities; I don't, but Dragor's kinda dangerous. He was also nuts, which made this even more chancy. I mean, she did cream him last time, but that was pure luck. At least she worked with Sapphire and learned some new tricks, like that light sword. I wonder...

"Hey, Barney!" I shouted. "Why you hiding in the shadows for?! Come on out and show your ugly mug! Yeah, that's right, I'm talking to you! You think you're all big and tough just because you got a few hundred muscles and a macho bike! Oh, yea, you can beat all the chicas you want, but we all know how tough you really are! Yea, gettin' your bike trashed by a little birdie and yourself burned and bloodied by a little girl! Don't think I don't know that--believe me, I know that your toughman act is just faux, you perverted bastardous, scaredy-cat lizard!" He definitely heard me, 'cause the next thing I knew, I was flung right into the wall! Ohh...somebody get the number of that space hack...wow, it's Orion and the two Dippers...ouch.
 

(Mikel)
Dragor made a big mistake when he hit Chatterbox. Camiel may be mild mannered most of the time, but when my daughter's angry she takes after her mother. Camiel teleported in front of Dragor and slammed him into the wall with a double fisted punch to the stomach. She then tossed her light sword between his legs, just millimeters from his crotch. The move seemed to scare the farndah out of him!

"Okay, this is getting ridiculous!" Dragor cried. "I heat things up a little and nearly get my balls chopped off. Whatever happened to the women whose only purpose in life was to give birth and please men?"

"Stuff it." Cami said as she prepared an energy orb. "You're under arrest, Dragor!"

" Moi, under arrest? Oh, say it ain't so, Sunny! Say it ain't so!" He then smiled. I did not trust that lizard for a second. "You don't want me? Fine, I can take a hint. I know when to move on to another woman; always do. Besides, Molecu-Lar says your mom was delicious." That bastard had a lot of nerve saying that! "Aww...poor wittle Kidd jealous? Ha! You think me or Mo's bad, you haven't faced Mon*Star himself! Now there's a true pervert. And boy, would he love to get his clutches on your little girl? In general, it's because he's hornier than Ataka. Details? Ask Sunny's little boy toy there. I know what I saw, oh yes I do."
 

(Echo)
That man of mine! Can't he stay out of trouble for five minutes? I had been looking for Dray earlier that evening, but he was nowhere to be found. Mo had told me something about him heading for Bedlama for some reason. I figured he might be going to screw someone behind my back again so I went to check it out. On my way to the surface I got a little surprise. Lo and behold, the Limbo Limo was heading towards me...without a driver! I stopped my Shadow Chaser and took over the controls of the Limo. After I stopped the car I heard thumping noises coming from the trunk. When I opened it up, I found Hardware.

"Hardware what are you doing in here?"

"Your crazy boyfriend stuck me in here!"

"What? Why'd he do that?"

"Long story. Anyway, if you're looking for him, he's at the Military Ball. When you find him, punch him in the crotch for me, will ya?"

When I made it down to the Military Ball I could tell I got there in the nick of time. It looked like he was getting attacked by four people at once. I decided to even up the odd with a smoke bomb and help Dray get the hell out of there!
 

(Hardware)
After Echo let me out of the trunk, I raced on back to Brim Star. When I got there, the guys were bombarding me with questions.

"What's going on down there?"

"How are things?"

"Want to play?"

"Where's Dragor?" I wasn't in the mood for answering any of them, so I told them to ask Dragor when he gets back then barricaded myself in the workshop. Geez, I can't believe how perverted the Mob's gotten since the Elite came! I mean, I could handle a few assault charges, muggings and thievery, but not this. I had my limits, especially in these situations.

My mind drifted back to before the Elite arrived, more specifically, back when Timestopper was in the Mob. I always knew Mon*Star was a bit...warped, but I didn't know how much until that one day. I had ran into Timestopper, who bragged that Mon*Star had a special surprise for him on his sixteenth birthday. I figured the boss wanted to give him a big raise or even a new weapon. I went to find Yesman to confirm this and ended up overhearing the snake talking to Mon*Star. That was when I learned the truth; Mon*Star was complaining on how much Timestopper was such a boy. His sixteenth birthday, Mon*Star was going to show him how to be a man. I thought he was going to make him kill someone, but then Mon*Star talking about how he needed a new playmate. That was when I learned that Timestopper was in danger. He had to get out of the Mob, and he had to get out now. When Timestopper was finally caught by those tin turkeys, I was relieved. At least, until Mon*Star ordered me to devise a way to break Timestopper out. That was when I took matters into my own hands. I thought up a plan, all right--one that was doomed to fail from the start. Fortunately, the raid got Timestopper transferred to a reform school away from Limbo and Mon*Star thought I was just plain stupid. That was good news, especially since Mon*Star doesn't know what I did was deliberate. All for the best. I know Timestopper was a pain, but he's still just a kid. There was no way Mon*Star was getting him back, not ever. I haven't cared for a child like that since...since before my exile from Plunn-Dar. Now there was corruption in its entire formation.
 

(Camiel)
While Sh'Ekrah, Mahda, Pahda, and I were beating the daylights out of Dragor, something else unexpected happened. Smoke came out of nowhere. I started coughing uncontrollably and my eyes stung. After the smoke cleared, Dragor was gone. By then, Chatterbox had pretty much regained consciousness.

"Chatt's, did you see where Dragor went."

"Not exactly. Oh, my head aches!" he moaned. Poor bird. Unfortunately, that wasn't the last we heard of Dragor. Months later all of us Hawks found out that he had hurt Aunt Em very badly. But that's a whole other story. As if that wasn't hard enough for me to deal with, I also found out that my close friend Lorie was having serious problems. She was addicted to Stardust. And on top of all of that, Mon*Star himself had decided to come after me.
 

(Dragor)
"MOLECU-LAR!!!" Word of my little discovery was all over Brim Star thanks to my dear protégé. And I was going to kill him for it, slowly. I burst into the rec room where I saw Buzz Saw and Windhammer playing a poker game.

"Hey, Dray." the 'bot greeted. I merely snorted in reply. "What's up with you?"

"You see Mo anywhere?"

"Not lately." Windy replied. "Why?"

"Because I need a little target practice, and he's the target."

"This is about what he mentioned to Mon*Star, isn't it?"

"Duh, ya think?!"

"So Mon*Star gave you a little tongue lashing for keeping it secret. Big deal."

"Big deal?! Thanks to Mo's big mouth, Mon*Star's after that cute little 'Hawk, who I've had my eye on for quite some time, and there's no chance that I'll get first taste!"

"Come off it, Dray. You said so yourself that Mon*Star's more perverted than you. Why are you so upset at him getting any? Besides, you already had a 'Hawk."

"That was different; I did it for fun. Mon*Star is using this as a vengeance tool."

"Against the SilverHawks?"

"You mean you don't know?" Both rookies shook their head. I don't believe it. Three hundred years and Mon*Star still isn't over that little mishap. "I'll show you." I led them to Mon*Star's personal chambers. They were a little reluctant in entering, though.

"Dragor, do you have any idea what you're doing?!" Windhammer whispered. "We can't go in there!"

"Sure ya can." I told them. "When Mon*Star's in the mood for a playmate, or unless you're really sneaky."

"Now I understand why they put you in the Asylum Planet." Buzz Saw commented. I shrugged, then opened the door. Good, he's asleep. Astrala must've really worn him out. I crept over to that sleeping body, my curious comrades a little far behind, and slipped off the eyepatch. Oh, the look on their faces when they saw the cybernetic eye!

"HOLY SH--" I had to clamp Buzz Saw's mouth shut before he woke up Mon*Star. "What is that?" he whispered.

"Gentlemen," I said in a hushed tone. "I give you the truth behind the infamous Lightstar. Moonstar may give out the power, but this little gizmo is what really gets it going."

"I don't get it." Windy said. "What does this have to do with your discovery?"

"Take three guesses, and the discovery is a hint; who do you think took out the original eye?" Those two went into serious shock as the information was slowly processed in their little heads. Uh, oh. Mon*Star was beginning to wake up. "Hold this, please." I told Windhammer as I handed him the eyepatch and bolted out of the room. I think my slamming the door must've really woken Mon*Star up 'cause the next thing I heard was a lot of banging. Gods, he sounded pissed. With nothing better to do, I placed my head on the door and listened to the massacre.
 

(Camiel)
After the excitement at the Military Ball, I asked Sh'Ekrah what exactly Dragor meant by what he said about Mon*Star. He said he didn't want to talk about it.

"Sh'Ekrah, I want to know what happened. Please tell me."

"I said I don't want to talk about it."

"We shouldn't keep things from each other..." That's when he looked at me. I tried to read what he was thinking, but it was like he had put an emotional barricade up between us. He turned away from me and said he was going for a walk...alone.
 

(Sh’Ekrah)
I needed some time to think. The truth of the matter is, it's not as bad as one may seem. But I really didn't want to talk about it, especially with Camiel. Cami...once Mon*Star learns of our relationship, he'll stop at nothing to get to me through her. I know Mon*Star; he's a true monster. Fight against him long enough and one could see that he's worse than ten Dragors. Gods...it was when Dragor mentioned Mon*Star that an unpleasant memory started resurfacing.

One day, I'll get my revenge. No one does this to the Planet Master. Do you hear me? No one!!

It was after I had won the fight against him that he said that. Those exact words. I was young, and reckless. To this day, I still find it hard to believe an eighteen-year-old military cadet was able to survive a fight against Mon*Star, let alone win, especially with the result of Mon*Star getting his eye torn out. I still don't believe it, which is strange, considering that cadet was once me. That was when I learned the weaknesses associated with the Moonstar; it can give infinite power, but once the user is mutilated, the power can be concentrated into the missing limb if it was ever replaced. That was how the Lightstar came to be. It was that one fight that made me so popular in Limbo. The SilverHawks may be able to stand against Mon*Star, but I was the only one that crippled him. But I have seen enough of Mon*Star's horrors to know that, as powerful as he is, his pride was very sensitive. I've seen the results of many who have crossed his path the wrong way. Gruesome deaths, extreme mutilation, and the rape victims. Those were the worst. The ones who haven't committed suicide as a result of Mon*Star's brutal attack were placed on the Asylum Planet. I was lucky. Mon*Star has tried and failed to get his revenge on me a couple of times. But now that I'm involved with someone...I know Cami's a warrior, and she'll be in several battles against the Mob. Gods, I hated keeping secrets from her, but how could I explain that the most powerful criminal in Limbo is going to be after her because of what I did to him over 300 years ago? That was something I couldn't handle; Mon*Star getting his hands on my beloved lady. I swear, if I ever so much as see him near her, I'll take out a lot more than his eye...
 

(Mon*Star)
So, Squid Face has a girlfriend now. Perfect. Getting my claws on her would make sweet revenge. From what I’ve seen of her, I think she’ll make a nice little slave to cater to my every wish. Then again, if I get rid of her relations between the Mob and the MATI would be even better. Lord Tkkla would love to be rid of the Child of Light for good. Kill two birds with one stone, I say. But before I snuff out her life, I want to have some fun with her….and record it so Brightlight can watch!

Boy was I pleased when SkyShadow spotted her on lone patrol. I saw that as the perfect opportunity to get her in my clutches. I ordered Yesman to activate the transformation chamber, then headed out on SkyRunner to meet with Sundance.

"Yesman, if anyone asks, tell them I'm out on a hot date!"
 

(Camiel)
Just my luck to get attacked by Mon*Star on my first lone patrol! I even had just gotten my own vehicle designed by Sapphire. It’s called the Starburst and built like Jamahda Lsa’s motocyke; sleek and sturdy with armor. Unfortunately the armor didn’t do me any good when SkyRunner wrapped one of his tentacles around me and yanked me off my bike.

“Well, well, SkyRunner. Looks like we’ve caught ourselves a pretty little bird. What shall we do with her?” Mon*Star growled as the space squid squeezed me even tighter. I would have teleported if it wasn’t for the fact that I couldn’t concentrate because of the extreme pain I was in. Everything began to spin a whirl as I began to loose consciousness. Before I blacked out, something deep inside me gave way. It seems out of pure desperation my powers went into overdrive. I literally felt a huge wave of energy surge through and from my body. Somebody screamed. I’m not sure if it was Mon*Star, SkyRunner, or me. In the end I found myself laying on my back on an asteroid. Mon*Star was out cold not too far from me. His steed was stretched out on its side looking as if it’s flesh had been cooked. I wasn’t sure what happened, but I wasn’t going to wait around to find out. I found my vehicle undamaged nearby. As I headed away from the asteroid I hailed for any other Hawks that might be patrolling nearby. After I got back to base, I headed straight to the infirmary. QuickSilver found me later to tell me that when he and SteelWill went to pick up Mon*Star, he was already gone.

“I’m sorry sir. I think his escape is my fault. I shouldn’t have left the scene.”

“It’s ok, Sundance. You were injured. Now you go get some needed rest.”

It wasn’t long before I recovered. But that wasn't the last time I faced MonStar. The second time he almost had me. Fortunately, Sapphire came to my rescue in the nick of time. Things were still a little off at Hawk Haven for a while. Aunt Em had been given extended leave so all of us other Hawks had to work longer shifts. Eventually, Aunt Emily returned. I was glad to see she was doing better. I was also glad to hear that Dragor had been captured soon after that. Things were going to be a little safer here in Limbo now. As for my true love and me, we saw each other as often as we could. We usually met at the cave behind Weeping Falls. Before I knew it, my twentieth birthday arrived. I was to become a Holy Elder. The ceremony would be held at the Temple of Love, where Master Volshae was now High Holy Elder. Everyone in my family was invited to the ceremony. I even invited Aunt Emily, Aunt Jadine, Uncle James, and Uncle Leo.
 

(Sh’Ekrah)
I never expected things to change so suddenly. After the Ball, luck seemed to shine on me. First off, Cristol resigned rather than risk my pressing charges against her for assaulting an officer, which I had planned to do anyways. After she left, Chatterbox took her place. Let's just say that things were somewhat crazier than usual. Fortunately, it was only temporary until a replacement could be found. Meanwhile, I was learning what it was like to have a romantic relationship. Things between me and Camiel were going spectacular. I had gotten a little upset when she mentioned her close call with Mon*Star, but I calmed down after she assured me that nothing could separate us. I eventually told her the real reason Mon*Star was after her and she told me that I shouldn't blame myself for something that wouldn't be my fault. It took a while before I believed her, though. We saw each other whenever possible, making sure no one would see us. I doubt that some people are ready for a relationship like mine and Cami's and I don't want her to get hurt because of arrogant, narrow-minded individuals. The MATI were enough. Thankfully, Chatterbox has kept his beak shut on the whole matter, so I didn't have to worry about that.

All in all, it's gotten quite serious. I loved my lady with all my soul. The bad times we've been through only strengthened our love. Sometimes, Chatts would tell me about Mimian culture and I was able to understand some of her actions. Once, she asked me about intimacy and why some societies are so secretive on the subject. I explained that those cultures believe if you loved someone enough to mate with them, you also love them enough to marry them. To them, mating was that sacred in that one waits for matrimony before becoming intimate with their significant other. Bless her, she understood. I knew she wanted to know why I never touched her, but she thought she'd be less direct for my sake. She really cared for me and respected my beliefs. She saw me for who I really am rather than my place in society. I have a feeling things were going to work out for the better here.

I had some leave time due, so I decided to use it to take a well-earned vacation. Chatts hinted that Camiel's twentieth birthday was coming up, so I figured that she must be on her homeworld. After making certain her present was secure, I was on my way. I would've told Cami, but I wanted to surprise her.
 

(Camiel)
Three days before my twentieth birthday, I met with Lady Baca and Master Volshae at the Temple along with three other Holy Eldership candidates. I was becoming a Holy Master Warrior. Unlike a normal Eldership ceremony, ours would be held within the Temple instead of the hall adjacent to it. Also, each of us had to demonstrate the skills we each had mastered. The two male candidates were becoming a Master Dancer and a Master Scribe. The other female candidate was becoming a Master Musician. The High Holy Elder explain to us how the ceremony would proceed after we walked down the peace flower path. The Scribe would be first. He was going to read one of his original works he had written during meditation. Next would be the Musician. She would play a song of worship to the gods. The Dancer would be third. He had choreographed his own original dance. I would be last. As a Warrior I was going to demonstrate my martial arts skills and some of my special abilities.

When the day of the ceremony finally came I was ready. I had practiced with Japahda Mak to perfect my demonstration for the people. As I walked down the peace flower path I notice my family in the audience. Even Pidro, my best friend and cousin was there with his mate. I did a double take when I thought I saw Sh'Ekrah there, too. When I looked again, I realized he was there! He must have noticed me looking at him because he smiled.

After the others had gone before me, my time to demonstrate my martial arts skills finally came. I started out simple with basic strong kicks, high kicks, and some fast hand action. In the midst of my hand movements I produced a light sword and showed how I could handle my weapon. I then transformed my light sword into colored orbs which danced around my body as I executed a 360 degree kick. I ended my demonstration with a battle stance then teleported from in front of the alter. The High Holy Elders seemed quite impressed. After all of the candidates completed their demonstrations, we stood before the High Holy Elders to receive our blessing. After the blessing was complete we turned towards the people as we were presented as Holy Elders.

Right after the ceremony, I made time to stop by Master Hajin's grave. I told him that I had completed my final quest and told him about Sh'Ekrah.

{Master, he's a blessing from the gods themselves. And I never knew I could love someone this much. I would do anything for him. We even have that special bond between us you had told me about. It hasn't been sealed yet, but I have a feeling it will be someday. I wish you could have met him.}

Eventually I left a peace flower blossom on his grave and said a prayer for him. When I got to the Temple entrance, my family and friends were waiting for me. My grandparents were throwing a birthday party for me at their home. I was really looking forward to spending time with everyone, especially Sh'Ekrah.

All in all, the party was such a blast! My extended relatives were quite thrilled meeting my beau. It wasn't exactly an intergalactic secret at Hawk Haven, that's for certain. Thankfully, no one paid too much mind (though Sapphire was a little peeved at Chatts for sticking his beak where it didn't belong). Aside from a few garments and gift certificates, my presents included some meditation gems from Uncle Leo and an odd object from Aunt Jadine. It looked like some sort of instrument. It was oval shaped and had some holes in it.

{Thanks, Aunt Jade.} I said, knowing she understood Mua. {But what is it?}

{It's an ocarina.} she explained. {It's one of those old instruments from Earth.}

"Oh, Jade. I know she's hard to shop for now (more like impossible) but..." Uncle Jim started. Jade just shot him a look.

"It's a whole lot better than your singing, that's for certain." she replied.

"My--oh, come on! I'm not that bad!"

"That's what they say about all the mass weapons of destruction." Poor Uncle Jim. The way those two argue, one would think they were married for a hundred years. I found there was one more present. It was pretty small, but nicely wrapped. I undid the paper carefully and opened the box. Whatever was there, it was wrapped in some tissue paper. I found a small note inside on top of the paper.

The note read:
 

Milady,

The four years that we've spent together have been the best years of my life. Never have I dreamed that the gods would grant me as great a blessing as you. I cherish every moment we had. My gift to you is but a humble expression of the undying love I have for you. If I could, I would give you the universe. And don't you dare say that I'm spoiling you rotten, because you're much too sweet for that to happen. Besides, you deserve everything, especially my heart.

I looked over at my true love, who simply smiled. Now how did I know this gift was from him? I started to undo the tissue paper. So far, I saw what looked like a necklace. It had about two or three wide gold bands that intertwined with each other. "Oh, Sh'Ekrah. You didn't have to get me anything."

"Oh, yes I did." he replied. I started to bring the necklace out by the chain.

"Well, I have to admit, it's certainly a beautiful...neck...lace..." I stared at the necklace, and right in the center was a white promise stone! "Oh, Vasah..." My love was on both knees by then.

"Miss Camiel Jezel Meglouse, would you do me the honor of becoming my mate?" It was a while before I answered him, though, on account of my being shocked by this little surprise!
 

(Sh’Ekrah)
My lady was certainly caught off guard by my proposal. She took a few moments to catch her breath, and finally gave me an answer.

"Sh'Ekrah, I...I don't know what to say..."

"Say yes, my love."

"Ok! Yes, I'll marry you!"

I can't describe how much joy I felt in the moment. Her family began to cheer as I placed the stone around her neck. After that, the came up to congratulate us. Lady Detia admonished me to take good care of her baby. I promised that I would. Everyone seemed to be there except for one important person. Camiel's father. I asked about him and was told he was sent to the store to pick up some more food. Soon he returned, and boy did Cami and I have a surprise for him!

Cami rushed over and reverted to her native tongue as I assumed she told her father about our engagement. I noticed he looked shocked, then he marched over to me.

"You...you just proposed to my daughter?!" he exclaimed. "My little...girl...I-I-I-I just got used to you two dating, for Vasah's sake! By the gods..." I guess he was a bit overwhelmed, because the next thing I knew, he fainted on the spot. Okay...

Lady Detia cam over, looked at Cami's father, then looked at us.

"Let me guess. You just told him you got engaged." Cami and I nodded. Detia chuckled to herself and proceeded to help him up off the floor. I knew Chatts would be just thrilled with the news when we got back. Cami even suggested I tell my parents. I also thought they should know, but there was still some tension between me and my parents. Everything should be fine....I hope.
 

(Mikel)
I sat down on the couch, still trying to process the information. {Dee, tell me I didn't hear what I thought I heard.} I pleaded.

{You heard right, Mik.} she replied. {Our little girl's growing up.}

{Oh, gods...} Just then James walked over.

"What's the matter, Mik?" he asked. "Aren't you happy with this news?"

"My daughter's going to marry someone twenty times her age; what's to be happy about?"

{Mikel!}

{Sorry, Dee. I know I'm being selfish, but I can't help but feel a little uneasy.}

{Mikel, it's not the end of the world. You need to stop being so overprotective.}

{I am not overprotective!}
 

(Chatterbox)
Cami and company had just got back to Limbo. I was the first to welcome her back. When I flew over, I noticed something around her neck. Now, I've been in this galaxy for a while, so I had no clue what that stone was. But I certainly knew an oath chain when I saw one. Ah-ha! It's official! I knew it, I knew it! Cami told me exactly what happened all the way to her love's proposal. Wow, a marriage proposal for a birthday present...pure romantic genius! I was even exhilarated to be the wedding planner and my Bedlamian partner's herald. I puffed my chest and smirked at Condor.

"Told you I was a genius." I boasted.

"Whatever." he replied. "Just don't ruin any water rose clusters while you're planning this." I gave a glare, then got an idea,

"Well, since I've been officially proven as a worthy matchmaker..."

"Birdbrain, I'm telling you right now; don't even think about it." What? I didn't do a bad job with the last couple. Oh, well. I just have to find someone who can handle Condor's flint tongue. Look out, Limbo! El Senor Chatterbox: Universal-Famous, Board-Certified Matchmaker Extraordinaire is in the house!
 

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