“Red alert!” Kai ordered. “Prepare for battle!”
The crew raced to their stations. Kildo watched from the bridge. A panel next to the door flashed a bright red in warning. He could hear the two heavy catapults in the front and back of the Space Dragon and the main ballista in the middle being loaded. A dark, massive spider-like spelljammer maneuvered from above toward them. Its shadowy image blocked out the stars behind it and was the only indication it was there. Using the space hulk of the nautiloid ship of the mind flayers, they had flow straight into their trap.
A horrible screeching sound penetrated around them. Two ballista bolts were sticking out of the spider ship. A moment later, four boulders slammed into its hull, jolting it. Kildo thought that couldn’t be from the Space Dragon. They didn’t have that many weapons.
Two sailing galleons, each over a hundred feet long, passed overhead. They had three main sailing masts with complex rigging. One would typically view these vessels on the open sea, but in a world of mind flayers, they were now in open space. At least a hundred people were on the decks of the craft. The two new arrivals maneuvered between them and the spider spelljammer. One of the galleons continued to fire at the spidercraft. The other slowed down and leveled with the Space Dragon. A person could be seen waving to them.
“Take her to yellow alert,” Kai ordered.
The command crew went topside.
A human, likely the captain, greeted them in a pristine white shirt and black trousers. “Are you folks all right?”
“Aye! What be that spider ship?” Kildo asked. He noted humans staffed the crew, and he didn’t see any astral elves.
“Oh that. It’s a neogi spelljammer. A race of spider-like creatures. Ruthless, xenophobic slavers and plunderers, hated in all known spheres. Nasty pieces of work those neogi. You’re lucky we were out here on deep patrol.”
“Where are you from?” Kai asked.
“We’re out from the Rock of Bral. A couple hours away,” the captain said, pointing over his shoulder. “If you folks don’t need any further assistance, I’ll leave you to go after that neogi craft so they don’t cause anyone else any harm.”
“Thank you captain! We’ll be good from here,” Guo Gan said.
Nodding, the galleon pulled away and barreled off after its companion craft and the shadow-spider spelljammer.
A couple of hours later, a tiny dot of light grew bigger and bigger. Soon, another asteroid, about ten miles long and half that wide, came into view. On the southern end were docking stations, where several craft made port. There were plenty of docks for the Space Dragon to moor. Kildo noticed no unusual ships or damselfly spelljammers with a new paint job.
Exiting, the dock warden greeted the party with a large book under his arms. An older gentleman with snow-white hair and well-pressed clothes said, “Welcome to the Rock of Bral…Wait, I’ve seen you before. Weren’t you in a damselfly before? The Space Ghost, if I recall.”
“Yes, it be a long story,” Kildo said.
“Yes, of course. Name of your ship?” the dockmaster asked.
“The Space Dragon,” Kai said.
Writing in his book and glancing at the hammerhead ship, he said, “Got it. Captain Kildo T. Hammerhand, it seems you’ve had an upgrade.”
“I be no longer the captain. The triton here, Kai, be the captain,” Kildo said, pointing his chin to the paladin. As the dock warden opened his mouth, Kildo said, “Even a longer story.”
“Understood,” the dock warden said and, clearing his throat, continued, “Remember, Bral is a neutral city, so all are welcome. Keep the peace and don’t cause trouble and no trouble will come to you. Any aggressive negotiation business is to be conducted off-world.”
“What about spellcasting? Specifically of an acid nature?” Scomatch inquired.
“Acid? No, gross. Why acid? It doesn’t matter, no offensive or prying spells. Just treat others how you would want to be treated,” the dock warden instructed.
Kai asked, handing the dock warden a few gold coins. “Where can we get reputable craftsmen and materials to repair our ship.”
Closing his hands over the coins, the dock warden looked to the Space Dragon. He said, “Looks like you got in a spot of bother. It’ll take about twenty days to make the ship fully functional again. I know a few people. However, if you want to do things more affordable, I’d purchase the materials and have the crew make the necessary repairs in dry dock or en route if you are in a hurry.”
“What about adding photon torpedoes?” Scomatch asked.
“Never heard of those?”
“Phaser banks?”
“No.”
“Deflector shields?”
“Deflector…no.”
“Cloaking device?” Scomatch questioned.
“Transporter?” Kildo added.
“Are you just making stuff up?” the dock master questioned.
“Fine! What about a wizard’s tower then?” Scomatch huffed.
“No…but there is a wizard’s lodge. It’s down on High Street,” the dock warden pointed out. You can’t miss it.”
“Perfect. I’m heading there,” Scomatch said, beginning to move in that direction.
“Kildo, go follow Scomatch and ensure he doesn’t set anything on fire or melt anyone. I’ll stay here and get the repairs underway,” Kai said.
Nodding, Kildo hurried to catch up with the halfling.
Traveling down a cobblestone street, they approached a grandiose two-story building built from the asteroid’s stone. Small, half-rounded windows brightened up the structure in a fairly asymmetrical pattern. The building was shaped like a ‘T’. The two extensions extended into a garden path where different, magical ingredients grew. The second floor was bigger than the first, which created a stylish overhang around half the house. Multiple chimneys stuck out from the roof, indicating numerous rooms were on the upper floor.
A bored doorman stood with one foot planted on the side of the building. When he saw them coming, he stood up straight.
“This the wizard’s lodge?” Scomatch asked.
“Yes, but only wizards are allowed inside,” the concierge said.
The end of Scomatch’s Staff of Fire ignited.
His eyes went wide in surprise. He looked over the halfling’s head to the dwarven cleric and said, “What about the other one.”
“He’s with me,” Scomatch replied.
“Right,” the doorman said, opening the door for the two.
Upon entering, there was a foyer with a large study. Seven wizards were inside reading newspapers. There were three humans with grey hair, a high elf, a gnome, and a dwarf.
“Which one are you thinking to talk to?” Scomatch asked.
Kildo eyed each but centered on the dwarf. He had a tall, brown mohawk, which matched his eyes. He had a regular build and was not muscular, so he hadn’t spent much time mining rock. His face was smooth, and a neat, long-braided beard went down his front. He was short and about four feet tall. He’s never seen a dwarf wizard wandering outside their clan homestead. They tend to be brighter than the average wizard and remain under their mountain, where life expectancy tends to be much longer. Pointing with his chin, Kildo said, “The dwarf.”
The two approached.
Turning toward them, the dwarf said, “Hello. I haven’t seen you here before on the Rock of Bral. I’m Armrock Runeriver. Who are you?”
“This be Scomatch and I be Kildo Hammerhand.”
“That’s a very odd accent you have,” Armrock said.
“I can be saying the same for ye,” Kildo retorted.
“Hammerhand? That name sounds familiar,” Armrock said, his eyes going up in thought. “No matter, what can I do for you.”
“My companion and I are looking for information. Do you live in this area or just visiting?” Scomatch questioned.
“I live here. I was born on the Rock of Bral. What can I help you with?”
“We encountered a space hulk, which was a trap laid by some space spiders. Is it common for them to lay in wait for people to come along?” Scomatch asked.
“Space spiders? Ah, you must mean the neogi. I hate those things. Never trust them. They are more likely to eat your face than…well, they’ll just eat your face,” Armrock said and then continued. “If you are asking if piracy is a common problem, then the answer is yes. Pirates and slavers are everywhere. You said, Hammerhand-?”
Interrupting Armrock’s thought, Kildo hurriedly asked, “What about astral elves? What be the general consensus about them?”
“I don’t know much about them, except they arrived in this sphere. Heard they were devouring the earth because the sun went out,” Armrock replied.
“Ye be knowing anything about them crystal vines they be using to drain the earth?” Kildo inquired.
“Crystal vines you say? That’s news to me.”
“What about mind flayers? Have there been any about?” Scomatch asked.
“Well, we live in a world of mind flayers. I do believe there is one that sells robes. On High Street intersecting Vine Avenue,” Armrock answered.
***
Exiting the wizard’s lodge, Scomatch and Kildo headed down another cobblestone street. Passing a notice board, an image caught Kildo’s eye. Approaching closer, a well-drawn sketch that resembled himself was staring back. It had the following:
WANTED!
Dito Hammerhand
70,000 gold pieces
Alive if possible. Dead if you are able!
For slavery, killing, looting, tax evasion, and general skullduggery!
“Found it!” Scomatch called out.
The halfling stood in front of a building with a sign. The sign featured the image of a pair of scissors and the outline of a man with a tape measure around his neck. The one thing that stood out was its head, which resembled a squid with four long tentacles.
The pair opened the door and entered. It was surprisingly bright inside. Bolts of delicate fabrics, including cotton, silk, and wool in various colors, lined neatly organized shelves. An outfit in mid-design was draped on a tailor dummy with various chalk marks along the length.
Kildo noticed movement out of the corner of his eye. A humanoid hovered slightly in the air. Its skin was soft, flexible, moist, and rubbery. The color mutated to a sickening mauve. Excretion of a thin film of slimy, glistening mucus kept it moist. However, its most distinguishing feature was the head. It was bulging, ridged, and with an elongated face reminiscent of an octopus, with a cluster of four flexible, unsegmented, extendable, purplish-black tentacles surrounding the mouth. They writhed and undulated almost constantly and absent-mindedly but flexed in anticipation at seeing them. Its eyes, sheltered by brow ridges, were uniformly pale and devoid of pupils, similar to those of a blind cavefish. The creature’s hands were long, slender, and lacked an index finger, and nails were thick and black. It was dressed in flowing, dramatic purple robes with a high, flaring collar and a cloak and wore distinctively two-lobed boots of the highest quality. It was unmistakably a mind flayer. He noted its squirming squid-like tentacles went erect with excitement at seeing the halfling.
“You are a mind flayer, awesome!” Scomatch said in excitement.
“Yes. Welcome to my tailor shop. What a tantalizing dish you are,” the mind flayer said to Scomatch. “What can I do for you, morsel?”
“I’m looking to buy a shiny mage wardrobe—something intimidating. It should be red and black, maybe with a flame pattern,” Scomatch said, adding, “Maybe a little acid green color thrown in.”
“Excellent choice, tidbit. When done, your mage robes will not only fit well but also make you feel confident and comfortable in your unique style. I will transform your personal taste into wearable art. Speaking of taste, let’s start by getting your measurements,” the mind flayer said.
“Of course, you’ll imbue it with magic?” Scomatch asked.
“No, I’m afraid that is beyond my abilities. I deal only in textiles,” the mind flayer said. He then motioned Scomatch to a box to stand on. “We’ll start with the collar. If your friend would like to wait outside-”
“I be waiting inside,” Kildo stated flatly.
Nodding to the dwarf, the mind flayer took a tape measure in his long fingers and began daintily measuring Scomatch’s neck. “Would you like a high and tight collar?”
“Yes.”
“How about a high and tight crouch?”
“God’s no.”
Kildo noticed the mind flayer’s tentacles were awfully close to Scomatch’s head. Trying to redirect him, he asked, “Oi, what do they call you?”
“My name can not be pronounced easily with your thick tongue, so I go by Snips.”
“Snips, how long have ye been here on the Rock of Bral?” Kildo asked.
“Oh, twenty-four of your standard years.” The mind flayer began to measure the halfling’s arms.
Scomatch asked, “Have you heard of those space spiders, neogi?”
“I have heard of them.”
“Did you know they used one of your people’s nautiloid spelljammer as bait for a trap?” Scomatch asked.
“I’m unaware of any specific situation. However, I wouldn’t extrapolate a single instance to a wider audience,” Snips said, taking additional measurements around Scomatch’s legs.
“Who would have more information about neogi, astral elves, or beholders,” Scomatch asked.
“Maybe a newspaper,” Snips said. He hovered over the counter, retrieved several news sheets, and handed them to Kildo. “You can have this one.”
Kildo took the newspaper and began reviewing it. Some of the headlines read:
“Sun Still Out”
“Astral Elves state they are just Visiting”
“Earth Under Quarantine and Closed to Travel Until Further Notice”
“Miners Refuse to Work after Death”
“Today’s weather forecast: Gloomy, again.”
“Have ye come across any astral elves?” Kildo asked.
“Astral elves? No, they are new to this sphere. It’s not an ordinary thing to have visitors. Our sphere was closed to travel, so it’s a big deal and something new that they have been able to come in. It coincided with the sun disappearing,” Snips said, measuring Scomatch’s chest and waist.
“Woit? They couldn’t be getting in? Does that mean people can be getting out?” Kildo asked.
“Probably. That sounds logical. With that, I have the measurements needed. I’ll get started working on your clothing,” Snips said.
“How long will it take to get my robes ready?” Scomatch asked.
“Four to five days at the earliest,” Snips said.
Scomatch moved over to the counter and placed several gold pieces on it. “How about now?”
“Still four to five days.”
“How about now,” Scomatch said, adding more gold to the pile.
“Still four to five days. Unfortunately, gold won’t make my hands physically sew any faster,” Snips replied.
“Fine, four days then,” Scomatch said, taking his gold back. “Is there anyone else that might know more information?”
“Well, the Rock of Bral is ruled by a duke. The Duke of Bral. A Number 1. He might have additional insight,” Snips informed.
***
Meeting back at the Space Dragon, Kai and Guo Gan supervised the loading of supplies onto the ship. Relaying the information from the mind flayer tailor, Snips, the group decided to go visit the Duke of Bral, A Number 1, at his castle. Receiving directions from the dock warden, the party was soon before the stronghold entrance flanked by two guards in chain armor.
“Greetings, what can we do for you,” asked one of the guards.
“We would like to gain an audience with the Duke of Bral,” Kai said.
“The duke is very busy running this city. What business do you need to discuss?”
“The unusual oddities, like the recent outage of the sun and the presence of astral elves from outside our sphere,” Kai replied.
“The duke is already aware of these things. What do you have to contribute?”
“We would like to advise the duke on some intelligence he may not be aware of yet,” Kai said.
Kildo could hear the guard whisper to his companion. “Let A Number 1 know that some homeless people want to talk to him.”
The guard then said as his companion entered the castle grounds, “Just a moment, we’ll go see if there is anyone that can speak to you.”
Several minutes later, the guard returned and motioned the party to follow him. They found themselves in a large dining room. Two guards flanked each exit to the north, south, east, and the western door they just entered. There was a long table with a dozen red cushioned chairs along the length. Several dwarves were seated and looked at the party as they entered. There were also two magnificent seats at either end. A bald black man with a beard and gold earrings in his forties stood up from the closest chair and clasped his hands behind his back. He wore a navy uniform with tassels on his shoulders, indicating he was a captain at some point in his career. A valuable gold necklace studded with a large ruby was in the middle.
“Duke of Bral and A Number 1, I’m Kai, captain of the Space Dragon. This is Scomatch, master of fire and acid and great renown. Next to him is Kildo, the holy dwarf and a follower of Rigga, the Earthmother, and Guo Gan, master of the two-finger push-up.”
“I’m Duke Andrew. We already know who you folks are as the crew of the Space Dragon proceeds itself. Have a seat.”
Kai began, “A Number 1-”
“Please, Duke Andrew.”
Nodding, Kai continued, “Duke Andrew, we recently encountered an astral elves’ ship in what was part of a blockade around Earth. It came to our understanding that it was not possible to travel into our sphere. Yet, the astral elves are here. We have good reason to believe these elves are a clear and present danger, not only toward the destruction of Earth from their crystal vines but also to the Rock of Bral. We wanted to bring this matter to your attention to see if there is anything we can provide or help in this regard.”
Duke Andrew scratched his beard. “Yes, the astral elves' appearance does seem coincidental to the sun going out. You said you wish to help, and you have a vessel. As it so happens, I have a visitor from outside the sphere who is also aware of these developments.”
“An astral elf?” Guo Gan asked.
“Oh my, no. A Giff.” Duke Andrew motioned, and two guards opened a door.
Kildo's eyes went wide. A humanoid hippopotamus, like Silas, entered. He was eight feet tall and had powerful muscles over a stocky and broad frame. Like a hippopotamus, his grey head and snout were covered with thick chitin plates. He wore a dingy-blue uniform with three round medals on his chest.
Duke Andrew said, “This is Commodore Krux. My understanding is that he has a long-standing grudge against the astral elves and the Xaryxian Empire. He would be most appreciative if you would assist him in gathering an armada to address this threat.”
“Yes, that is correct,” Commodore Krux said, nodding to Duke Andrew.
“Officially, I have no control over what independent agents are doing or even what you are doing or any aggressive action against the astral elves. However, you might want to go and have a conversation,” Duke Andrew said.
Kai said, “It’s good to meet you, Commodore Krux. Would you be willing to come to our ship to discuss this matter further?”
“Yes, thank you very much.”
As the party exited the Duke of Bral’s compound and returned to the Space Dragon, Guo Gan bumped Kildo and darted his eyes. Following them, a cloaked human was reading the paper, but he kept looking up toward him. He was very much aware of what was going on.
Boarding the Space Dragon, Guo Gan nudged the high elf Gyne, who was instructing the crew, who were twice her size and weight, and made her appear child-like next to them, and organize the supplies they were bringing aboard.
Guo Gan began, “Gyne, we’re being watched. There is a guy-”
“Yes, I know,” Gyne interrupted.
“Do you think you can watch him without being spotted?”
The high elf, with piercing, ice-blue eyes and a stern expression, stared incredulously back at the monk. “Of course. I’m a woman and invisible.” She pulled her straw-like hair behind her sharp, pointed ears and left silently.
The party assembled in the situation room on the front left side of the ship’s mallet head. It had a round, wooden table with enough chairs for everyone to sit. A plate of pumpkin scones, a pitcher of beer, and cups were around it.
Kai entered with Silas, the paladin made introductions. “This is Commodore Krux. Do you know him by chance?”
Silas huffed and said, “No, the sphere is pretty big. We all don’t know each other.”
Scomatch whispered to Guo Gan. “What do we call them? Hippos? Hippopotami?”
Sighing and shaking his head, Guo Gan said, “You call them by their name.”
“We would like to join the armada you are leading. When we docked on the Rock of Bral, we didn't see a fleet of ships. Where is it located?” Kai asked.
“I’m not leading the armada. Major Warwick is leading it. It’s currently forming outside of this sphere. I followed the Xaryxian Empire’s ships into your sphere. My mission was to find other vessels to join the fleet. The Duke of Bral is helping me in that endeavor. Unfortunately, I’m finding there isn’t much here in the way of battleships. This sphere is in its infancy stage technology wise. I mean, not even crawling, maybe barely able to turn over…barely. No offense,” Krux said, looking around the room and wincing at the interior of the Space Dragon.
“Yes, we are not profound space travelers,” Kai replied. “We were just recently aware that no one was allowed into our sphere.”
Scratching his chin, Krux said, “It was quarantined under the Xaryxian Empire. They are trying to build a proverbial wall by putting in a blockade that would destroy anyone trying to leave. As the astral elves’ Emperor stated, this sphere’s populace has a lot of problems and would bring those problems with them. They’d bring drugs. They’d bring crime. They’re rapists. And some, they assume, are good people.”
Scomatch said, “What an absolute dic-”
Interrupting the halfling, Kai inquired, “What can you tell us about the emperor?”
“The astral elves have existed for thousands of years. Oppressive, they absorb energy and leave any remaining populace to fend for themselves in the aftermath,” Krux explained.
“What do they do with the energy?” Guo Gan asked.
“They send it back to their home system for something. I don’t know what,” Krux said.
“Can we stop what the astral elves are doing or restore the sun?” Guo Gan questioned.
Shaking his head, Krux said, “I haven’t heard of a way to reverse the crystal vines. The only way is to study the Earth and get a sample. However, no one has ever come back from such an exploration. Your world is as good as dead. There is nothing you can do for your planet except avenge it. By focusing on vengeance, together, we can stop those disgusting elves and prevent this from happening to other worlds.”
“How did you get into our sphere?” Guo Gan questions.
“We slipped in behind the astral elves’ fleet. It was a small ship.”
“They didn’t spot you?”
“They did, and they severely damaged it. We barely made it to port. They probably arrogantly thought they had destroyed me. However, I sold it for scrap just in case the astral elves came looking.”
Kildo asked, “How do we be getting outside the sphere, be avoiding the astral elves’ blockade, and to be joining the starfleet?”
“Topolah.”
“What’s a topolah?” Guo Gan asked.
“Topolah is a her. She’s an astronomer,” Krux replied. “She knows how to leave the sphere, but we need to get to her wizard’s tower.”
“Now we are talking,” Scomatch said excitedly, rubbing his hands. “Where is it?”
“It’s at the edge of the sphere.”
“Of course it is,” Scomatch said, throwing up his hands.
Guo Gan inquired, “Did you have someone follow you here to ensure your safety?”
“No.”
“Before, you said ‘we’. Is there anyone else here with you?” Guo Gan asked.
“Yes, Flapjack.” Krux put his hands to his mouth and issues a piercing whistle.
Several moments passed before shouts could be heard from the crew within the hull of the Space Dragon.
“Look out!”
“Is that Tromokratis?”
“What in the nine hells is that!”
A floating jellyfish flew into the room. Its body was flat, with a pair of six-inch-long eyestalks, numerous tentacles, and small spikes that grew from the underside. It floated and traveled using air jets as propulsion, producing a whistling sound. It had a white translucent color with its tentacles ending in a darker shade. Its body’s color changed and deepened in delight at seeing Krux.
“He’s a flumph,” Krux explained at the confused stares.
***
“He’s just been sitting there watching our ship,” Gyne said as she reported to the command crew. “Wait, he’s leaving.”
Kildo watched the onlooker get up from his seat and make his way inland. He suspected he knew his cover was blown.
“Guo Gan,” Kai said.
The monk began to follow him and was quickly lost in the shadows.
The rest of the party followed but from a distance. The man eventually went inside a tavern. Entering, warm light illuminated the room. To the left sat a curved bar with recessed shelves holding small kegs and bottles. To the right, a burning hearth. Circular metal chandeliers suspended by chains lit the room. A stairway led to the second floor. The tavern burst with talk and laughter, with the tinkling of plates and glasses.
Guo Gan came up to them and pointed with his chin. “He entered the last room on the second floor.”
Kai said, “Good. Kildo and I will go to his room. You and Scomatch take the outside to ensure he doesn’t flee. We’ll knock, and if he doesn’t answer, we’ll move in on a count of six. We’ll then motion you two in.”
Nodding, Guo Gan and Scomatch left. Kildo and Kai went up the stairs. The two looked at each other, and Kildo pounded on the door. “One, two, three…six!” The dwarven cleric burst through the locked door with his shield leading.
Kildo and Kai entered a studio apartment with minimalistic furnishings: a table, seating, a bed, and other sparse furniture. The only thing that stood out was a cloak draped over a chair. There was no one inside.
“Kai, I be blocking the door. Be making sure the bloke isn’t invisible,” Kildo said.
Searching the area, Kai made wide swings with Wave. There didn’t appear to be anyone inside. The paladin moved over to the sole window and motioned to Guo Gan and Scomatch to come up. He then went back to the cloak and picked it up.
Kildo noted golden glitter fall from the garment.
As Scomatch entered, Kai said, “See if this thing is enchanted.”
Casting, Detect Magic, Scomatch shook his head. The halfling traversed around the room but didn’t find anything magical. “Where did he go?”
Shrugging, Guo Gan took the cloak and put it around his shoulders. It was two sizes too big. He walked around and swished it, but his actions didn’t cause anything to happen. “It seems it's just a normal cloak…with glitter.” Taking it off, the wood elf was covered in a golden glint. He began to itch and scratch his nether regions. “Oh, it’s getting everywhere”.
“I know who might know something,” Scomatch said.
***
“Did you need me to shorten the cloak for your friend?” Snips the mind flayer said, looking at Guo Gan’s size. He turned the cloak back and forth as sparkles gently fell from it. “Its bland workmanship and stitching are mediocre, and apparently, someone covered it with glitter.”
“I want to know where it comes from,” Scomatch said.
“You should know better than I. Do you want glitter in your robes that I’m making for you?” Snips asked.
“No, no, the nine hells no.”
***
Back on the Space Dragon’s bridge with a glitter-filled cloak, Kai hung it and said, “Take us out. We’re heading to the edge of the sphere. Commander Krux will provide the coordinates.”
Odium moved to sit in the pilot’s chair, swiveled, and lowered the spelljammer’s helm on his head. The tiefling retained his ancestors' physical characteristics, with curved horns, a non-prehensile tail, pointed teeth, and cloven feet. His skin color extended past normal human color into a reddish hue with hair a dark blue. His eyes were solid orbs of black. He had fiend blood in his veins, likely a devil, as a sulfurous odor surrounded him. “Yes, we sail in Belial’s name, and with his and only his blessing, we shall reach our destination safely.”
“Shut it Odium!” Kildo bellowed.
***
Kildo stretched as he woke up in his cabin. Dressing and heading toward the upper deck of the Space Dragon. The microgravity tingled his body as he enjoyed staring into the clear heavens where he found beauty in the dark, dark expanse of outer space, dotted with simply billions, if not trillions of stars. The cosmos was a vast abyss of stars and stellar entities that he couldn’t hope to visit or understand in a hundred lifetimes. Ultimately, dwarven relation to the cosmos is a dance between reverence and unfathomable marvels.
They were a day’s out from the Rock of Bral. He was glad they hadn’t encountered any more trap-laying space spiders, brain-sucking mind flayers, or killer klowns from outer space. Breathing in deeply, he noticed something out of the corner of his eye. Peering, he initially thought it was an asteroid or some odd creature they sometimes saw swimming through space. However, swimming was an accurate description, as a squid-like spelljammer was heading toward the Space Dragon. Even more odd was that it seemed a person was standing on the ship's bow.
Red warning lights began to flash on the top deck as the rest of the command crew exited from the ship's interior to join him. With its trailing tentacles, the giant squid was twice the size of the Space Dragon. As it came closer, it was confirmed that a person was indeed at the bow. A flamboyant figure in purple-themed clothing, like a singing performer, blue-skinned, held a golden-colored trident. However, it was difficult to determine if the figure was male or female.
Bowing slightly, the artist yelled, “Hello! Are you the crew of the Space Dragon?”
“Yes,” Kai said hesitantly.
“I knew it! Congratulations, you get to be destroyed by me. Rest assured, I will do so as fabulously as possible,” the artist said. The weapons on the squid ship began to turn toward the Space Dragon. “Star children. Destroy them, but remember, do so fabulously!” Eight additional humanoid creatures emerged from the ship’s tentacles and floated toward them. They were also flamboyantly dressed and covered with face glitter.
“Why are you attacking us?” Guo Gan asked.
“Because the Emperor of the Xaryxian Empire paid me to do so!”
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