Colberton stared at his ship. It was listing badly and taking on water. "This is an act of war, Jejliard. I can't believe you'd do such a thing."

"I can't believe you would use our research and my son's talent to help you perfect a nuclear weapon, then turn it on us." Jejliard said. "Keep moving."

He pointed Colberton toward the ramp leading up to the Sora. There was no proof that Colberton's team had succeeded in having an operable warhead, but it wasn't a chance he could afford to take. If not now, it would be a short time before the threat became a reality

"You've chosen the wrong side, Jejliard," Colberton cautioned. "We could have been great together."

"And you could have been a great general, leading the way to a peaceful resolution of this problem. I can see the lure of power was too great for you to resist. They had the uranium ore and you had all but the last piece of the puzzle to use it effectively. The Theopians needed an ally who had earned the trust of the Council and you were in a perfect position to take advantage of the situation," Jejliard surmised. "When did you plan to inform the Council you've gone rogue, General?"

Colberton scoffed and answered with his own question. "And just where did you get a military grade missile?" he asked. "One that is capable of piercing the armor on that ship?"

"What you just saw was not my doing," Jejliard replied. "We have no such weapons here. It appears to be an act of revenge by the alien creature your guards attacked,"

"They should have killed him twice."

"We can continue this conversation inside." Jejliard said. He gave Colberton a nudge toward the spaceship.

"If you think this piece of junk will give you any protection, you're sadly mistaken."

"I won't be staying around to find out. We're leaving soon."

Tajlon ran ahead and opened the door of the hatch, then turned to cover the dock area with his rifle. Colberton's guards didn't dare to venture out of the water. The work crews approached with caution and gathered beyond the charred dock. Jejliard turned to address the crowd while Tajlon held his weapon on Colberton.

"We were to have a demonstration of a nuclear-powered submarine and air show for you today. We have been developing nuclear power to improve all our lives on Beldora. It would be an efficient and clean source of energy. However, General Colberton and friends have decided to give us a different sort of demonstration. They have stolen our nuclear technology and plan to blow Turodey off the map tomorrow in a display of the destructive force of their nuclear weapons program."

The workers drew closer to hear what he was saying. The ship Gengor had torpedoed had taken on a lot of water, but appeared to be stabilizing, Pumps were activated, and the hull was being sealed to contain the damage. There were distant shouts as officers were organizing the lifeboats for emergency evacuation procedures The guards injured in the exchange of fire were being attended by the handful of medics among the workers.

Jejliard continued, "I'm powerless to stop them from exploding a bomb on Turodey. All I can offer is escape. You are welcome to come aboard this spacecraft, the Sora. It has been repaired, but not tested. I am trusting both my son's life and my own with it. If you stay here, you will die. If you come with me, there's no turning back. You will answer to my command on the Sora. Don't expect to return to Beldora. If nuclear war breaks out between Theopians and the Beldorian Council of Nations, it will destroy life on our planet as we know it. Beldora will be thrust into a nuclear winter and the surface will be uninhabitable for several generations to come."

"Inside," Jejliard said to Colberton and pushed him through the door. "Tajlon, I'll give them a few minutes to decide, but when this door closes again, we're finished here."

"Understood." Tajlon looked at the anxious faces, many of whom had been at his birthday celebration. "I wish we had more time, but there's another battleship on the way. If you want to join us, get your belongings and come aboard now."

"What about our wives and children? We can't leave them," one man called out.

"We're leaving friends and family behind as well," he said thinking of those on the Sea Grinder and the sub. "I'm sorry. If we can find a way to help them, we will. This ship is equipped with aerial transport vehicles which we hope can be used to rescue more people."

"Count me in," one voice came back.

"Me as well," another said.

There was a flurry of activity as several workers ran to their tents to gather a few items.

"Ten minutes max," Tajlon warned. He knew the other battleship could arrive at any time depending on its location when the fight erupted. He looked out across the sea. He could see the Luca Luna disappearing to the west. And now they were leaving Hal behind as well, though he knew it was by Hal's own choice. A pang of guilt went through him again. He wanted to stay.

"You're too valuable, Tajlon," Widhbo spoke to him telepathically, reading his mind. "You can't risk dying here."

"Why not. You can just regenerate me like you did Gengor."

"A copy is still a copy. My friend Gengor really died and it really hurt to lose him, just like Koutou."

"We still have you."

"I still miss Koutou."

"Yeah. We all do."

A group of workers had returned, including a few wounded in the recent fight. As they made ready to board, Tajlon surveyed them to be sure none were Colberton's men in disguise.

"Alright. Everyone pick up the weapons from the dock and bring them aboard with you." They gathered the rifles from the ground where the soldiers had been ordered to throw them down and filed up the ramp.

"You're somewhat of a tribal legend now, Tajlon," Widhbo said reading the minds of the men coming aboard. "The little trick with the leopard in the fire had quite an effect on them, not to mention the show Hal and Gengor just put on for us."

"It's had quite an effect on us," Tajlon replied.

"Rumors are going around Jejliard came here on the Sora instead of from Sera Luca."

"Is that good or bad? Tajlon asked.

"Depends on whether they think he's a demon or a god."

"And what does that make me?" Tajlon asked.

"His unworldly spawn," Widhbo answered. "Okay. I shared this knowledge so you can better predict their actions. Don't let it go to your head, Tajlon."

* * *

Jejliard ushered Colberton onto the main deck of the Sora and on to the bridge and control center. His protests and threats dissolved into silence when he saw the interior of the spacecraft. It rivaled his own in modern design. Jejliard had in fact incorporated some of the features from Colberton's ship in his concept.

"What in the name of heaven is that?" Colberton asked on seeing Widhbo in his bird form at the console typing away at the keyboard.

"What do I look like?" Widhbo asked.

Colberton was stunned when he spoke. Widhbo paused, his talons hovered above the controls in mid strike. "Well?"

"An overgrown spoerl eagle?" Colberton managed to say.

"Correct. Now if you'll excuse me, I've work to do." Widhbo continued his typing.

"Have a seat Robert," Jejliard said indicating a side chair. "Do we have a containment cell available?" he asked Widhbo.

"We shall in a moment. Working on it now."

Colberton had recovered enough to object. "I suggest you treat me with the same degree of hospitality you received."

"Things have changed. I recall you were well received on Novaland earlier."

"We can still be friends, Jejliard" Colberton bargained. "If you'll surrender now, I'll request a light sentence for both you and Tajlon."

Jejliard laughed. He couldn't believe the audacity of the man.

"When you've served your purpose, I plan to drop you off in the post war world you're creating," Jejliard said. "Your sentence will be of your own making."

* * *

The throng of workers were approaching, evidenced by the sound of their boots echoing on the metal floor of the long corridor and lively conversation. A distant thud reverberated down the passageway when Tajlon closed the heavy outside door and sealed the ship.

"Looks like we're not the only ones who distrust you," Jejliard said to his prisoner. "I wish we could afford the same protection to our scientists trapped on Novaland."

"It's a strategic strike," Colberton said. "We plan to take out the brains of your operation, leaving the Council full of hot air. It has no substance of its own."

Tajlon steered a group of two dozen men past the control deck to their new quarters. Amenities on the Sora would be considerably better than any of them were accustomed. The men cast sideways glances at Colberton.

"Is that cell ready yet?" Jejliard asked

"Almost. Just a few more details and it will be ready," Widhbo replied.

Colberton winced at the mention of the cell again and looked around the control deck. There was a maze of stairwells leading up and down from all directions. It would be difficult for anyone unfamiliar with the ship to be able to find their way.

"Let's chat for a while," Jejliard said pulling up a chair. "Why are you doing this, Robert?"

"I ran out of promotions," Colberton said matter of factly. "I would think someone as ambitious as yourself would understand, Jejliard."

"We think nothing alike, you and I," Jejliard replied.

"Then there's nothing more to discuss," Colberton said sourly.

"Strange. I recall you're a good conversationalist. Perhaps you could answer a few questions."

"I've made my offer and you refused. Perhaps you would rather deal with Renfro?"

"Who?"

"Faustina Renfro, Prime Minister of Trabest. You'll recall her from the Council meeting."

"I remember now. She is the most unpleasant woman I've ever met, even before she announced they were seizing control of Novaland," Jejliard said "I can't imagine why you would want to partner with her."

"I don't. She's the reason I changed sides actually. The woman has leveraged her way into power. I can't stand her and her cronies any longer."

"She's the prime minister. She could be voted out," Jejliard countered. "I never knew you for one who would betray your own country."

"You've been away from the politics of this world too long," Colberton said. "Trabest has been taken over by corruption. Renfro has dirt on anyone and everyone who might oppose her."

"I'm guessing your record isn't squeaky clean either," Jejliard said.

"No matter. I'm not a politician. I'm doing things the only way I know how."

"So, you prefer warfare," Jejliard said with a scowl. "We received a communication that the Sea Grinder was attacked recently by patrol boats from Agartoon. What can you tell me about that?"

"Not in my jurisdiction."

Jejliard pelted him with questions, but Colberton was steadfast in his refusal to answer any of them. Jejliard didn't seem to mind, oblivious to the scarcity of information gained for his effort.

"Your cell is ready, General," Widhbo said at last. "Full disclosure. I'll be observing you. No privacy, just the illusion." He paused. "And no. I wouldn't taste better fried than stuffed."

Colberton sat upright with a jolt on realizing Widhbo was able to read his mind.

Widhbo turned to face him. "You think it, I'll know it. Jejliard's questions revealed a treasure trove of information. You must realize what a huge security risk you are," He let out a loud cackle and transmitted the location of the new cell to Jejliard telepathically.

Jejliard stifled a laugh. "This interview is over. Time to go, Robert. Widhbo will escort you, teleport you actually, to your cell."

"This is insane," Colberton said before he was consumed by a wave of energy and disappeared.