They had located the Dauntless' tram network with no resistance and it made Vadir suspect that many of those on board had died from the ship's crash. Or they are being converted and we're not even considered a major threat. That wouldn't surprise me but it just means when they come for us it won't be easy. We probably won't even survive when they do.

It had taken some time for Vadir to get things up and running. He had two hawks on his shoulder, more curious than offering any real assistance. One of the engineers, Mason, looked back at the Commander. "Why did you bring us along, Commander? This guy can interface with this stuff."

"Hands-on experience," Miller said as the tram started moving.

Vadir stood up and checked the controls to make sure they all operated in a functional capacity.

"That thing you did, not the projection but the glowing veins. What is that?" Webber asked.

"It's a trace. Helps me learn about stuff, and in the case of this tram. How to get it up and running."

"Can all Kaskari do that?" Mason asked.

"Most of us can do a simple trace. Anything more takes practice. The projection I did was the first time I used it like that."

"How else do you use it?" Webber asked, cocking his head.

"Well, it can save time on grabbing stuff, like tools."

"That sounds like laziness to me," Jackson interjected.

"Perhaps, but don't tell me you wouldn't do the same. Well, it shouldn't take too long for us to reach medbay. It's a short journey from here. That's if the tram line is still intact though. It's a miracle the ship isn't more damaged."

"Yeah, this thing seems built to take some punishment," Webber said. "Even the ship we found you on wasn't that bad on the outside."

Vadir rested on the console. "Built to last. The motto of the Builder Sect. It's been a long time since I thought about them. I might be the last of them…"

The awkward silence didn't last long as the tram shuddered violently before the light above blinked out. When it came back on, a chill ran down his spine. Something is wrong. The tram had been drenched in a blue hue and even though it was moving. He heard nothing. Where's the Wel-

The low growls set him on edge as the first Mortan climbed into the small space. He had on instinct raised his weapon to shoot it when something climbing in from his right side grabbed the barrel and directed it up in the air. A spray of plasma painted the ceiling and he clenched his free hand. He focused his power into his fist and drove it at the head of the other attacker and they soon bounced back against the wall. He tried to take aim again but another Mortan appeared out of the blue and pushed the rifle against his chest. Where are they coming from? At that moment Vadir released his grip on the weapon, much to the Mortan’s surprise. It gave him the time to let loose another flurry of punches. The psionic energy lifted the creature up and soon send it down to the ground. From his left side, his arm was held back and the Mortan on his right followed soon enough, stopping him from engaging them normally. He tried to project himself again but saw two more Mortan enter the tram. Their combined strength pushed him to his knees and one of those Mortans soon loomed over him. At the end of its arm was a sharp point. I can’t become like them. I can’t - He could do nothing as his head was pulled back and the sharp point entered his neck. Whatever the fluid was, it blurred his vision because before passing out he saw the Mortans for who they really are… The Welcome Wagon? Then that means…

—

“Welcome back,” Gregory said beside him.

Vadir Kor lay across two seats, his head was dizzy and any sudden movement made him want to throw up.

“Had to make it a strong dosage. Otherwise, we might all be dead.”

“I was attacked by Mortans but they were you.”

“You’re half right,” said Mason. “You went to shoot us and we had to think fast to avoid any real casualties.”

Vadir sat up in a puddle of sweat. “Something got in my head and tricked me. Made me see things that weren’t real. We need to get that data and head to Hydroponics. This thing can’t be allowed to explore its power, otherwise, I might kill you.”

Gregory scratched at his beard. “Can you stop it from getting inside your head? Could we be affected?”

He’s right, all it takes is it to end their heads and we’d be easily picked off. No wonder we’re not seeing much resistance. It doesn’t even need to send Mortans after us. “I’ve never tried to create a mental block before. I could try but it may not stand against this type of enemy.”

“While it was in your head, did you learn anything?” Mason asked.

“No, all I saw was what it wanted me to see. Speaking of - where is the Commander?” Vadir said, trying to sit up.

Mason put a hand on his shoulder. “Slowly does it now, Vadir. We don't want you off balance."

"We had to stay behind to make sure you were okay. The others are being guided by your A.I friend to the Captain’s body. Once they have the authorisation key they’ll head back to us," Gregory said.

"Then they are in more danger than they know. If it got in my head. Just think about what it can do to you. We can't rely on sedatives."

The two soldiers looked at each other. Gregory removed a two-way radio from their belt and tried to reach the others.

"Whatever they say if it comes down to it. Put me under. I might be able to help them if it goes for their minds."

"What do you mean by that?" Mason asked.

"Dreamwalking. It's a rare practice for some of my people."

"Have you ever done it before?" Gregory asked as static buzzed from his radio.

Vadir couldn't bring himself to lie to them. "No."

"If - worse comes to worst and they come after us. Greg can send us on ahead to the archives, you could guide them through the tunnels if you do this dream walking."

Vadir rolled his eyes. "I'll try but it's new ground for me. Have you reached them yet?"

Gregory grumbled. "Lots of static. Could be the ship, could be range, I'll keep trying though. May need to boost the signal." He adjusted a dial and spoke some more.

–

The Commander's radio crackled into life and shattered the silence. The rest of the Wagon paused as he answered, "This is Alpha-Zero, I read you."

"Gamma-Two here. Vadir is well but we may have a new problem."

"Well don't keep us waiting, Gregory, what made him attack us like that."

"Something got inside his head. He's not sure what but he's worried it could go after you."

Commander Miller signalled for the others to continue walking. "Noted, appreciate the warning. We're not far off where the Captain is."

"If anyone shows any irregular signs let us know, Vadir will try and help."

"How would he do that?" Commander Miller asked.

"It sounds daft but he calls it, dream walking."

"After what happened to him, nothing surprises me anymore. We'll let you know -"

The Commander, Webber, Jackson, and Munroe all stopped as they rounded the corner. Other than the dim lights the only thing they saw was a human awkwardly propped up by the wall. Their badly torn clothes had seen better days and their arms were covered head to toe in a mix of red and black blood. They jerked their head up as the Group came to a stop.

"We'll be in touch, Gregory. We just made contact."