//------------------------------// // A Draconian Treaty // Story: Friendship Amongst The Stars // by Thunder Brony //------------------------------// Later that evening in the castle of friendship Kendar finished construction of the prototype holographic projector. As he showed it to the others he said “this device can not only disguise you as anything you wish but it also projects an image if needed.” Thinking for a moment he continued “which can be useful when escaping or confusing an opponent.” Placing it on his wrist he said with a smile “allow me to demonstrate.” He pressed a button and he faded and a different creature appeared it 2 was meters tall with brown skin giant leather wings red glowing eyes and sharp fangs. The creature spread its wings and let out a high pitched screech. Fluttershy squeaked and hid behind one of the thrones. Kendar said with a smile “don’t worry Fluttershy it’s just me.” Fluttershy slowly emerged from behind her hiding place with a meek look as Kendar turned off his projector “sorry didn’t mean to frighten you.” Fluttershy rolled her hooves and said softly “umm it’s ok it’s just that was scary.” Kendar said with a smile “next time I’ll do a bunny or a bird” Fluttershy smiled softly. Cadence asked “what was that creature?” Twilight said “it looked kind of like the Thestral ponies I saw on nightmare night when Princess Luna came to Ponyville they were pulling her chariot” Kendar said “that was a Kornoptorite from the planet Kornoptora a highly evolved species of what you would call Thestrals or bats. They are an aggressive race with very thick skin that feed on mammalian blood.” The other recoiled in revulsion Kendar said waving a hand “don’t worry they’ve been extinct for over 200 years. Their star went supernova and the remaining stellar core collapsed in on itself forming a black hole and their entire solar system was consumed.” Kendar pointed to the devise “this design is mainly for bipeds” looking around at the group “however, it can be worn by ponies activating the button may be tricky but can be easily remedied.” Applejack asked “how can we wear it?” Kendar said “you can wear in on your front leg I will make the buttons easier to press just lift your leg and press it to onto the other and that will activate or deactivate it. Thinking for a moment he smiled and said “you can also use magic too.” He paused “if you use what do you call it levitation spell? That will work all you have to do is press the button.” After the demonstration Spike went outside onto one of the balconies carrying a latest edition Maneiac comic when a light glint caught his eye. Looking up into the evening sky he was saw what looked like something moving in the sky. Whatever it was it was hard to see but it had light reflecting off of it and it was moving. He stood up and walked over to the telescope Twilight used for stargazing. He saw a giant Pontian ship larger than any he saw before he ran inside and said “you all have to see what’s going on outside.” They ran outside and saw the giant ship descending now it could be seen without visual aids. Fluttershy softly asked “w-what is that? Zackmar said “it’s a Pontian transport ship.” They watched as a door opened and 8 smaller Pontian ships emerged then formed into 4 smaller formations of 2 each one going to the cardinal directons.” Zackmar said softly “this does not bode well.” The next day a knock came on the door Pinkie went to answer it. As Cadence put on a cloaking belt Pinkie sing songed “cooomiiing” then opened the door and saw the Mayor she said “oh hi Mayor.” The Mayor said “hi Pinkie is Twilight home?” Pinkie nodded “uh huh” and opened the door the Mayor entered walked past the sensors and the alarms did not go off. She smiled inwardly as she knew the Mayor was not an imposter. She led the guest to the throne room where Twilight and the others were. Twilight said “hi Mayor what brings you here?” The Mayor said “I wanted to deliver this important message to you personally we just finished work an warning siren in Ponyville” Twilight was slightly confused “what siren?” The Mayor said “after the last monster attack Choco Chax suggested an early warning device and showed me a scale model I approved it.” Twilight smiled and said “an early warning device?” The Mayor nodded “yes we set it up with some watch towers.” Twilight said “I would like to see it.” The others nodded the Mayor said “come I’ll show it to you.” Twilight said “we will meet you there.” As the Mayor left Shining asked “what about Cadence?” The invisibility field surrounding her disappeared sa said “I have an idea.” Her horn began to glow as she levitated the projection device over then placed it on one of her legs then a stream of magic flowed down and pressed the button on the device. She faded and a new pony appeared a sky blue Earth pony with white mane and tail and a broken rock for a cutie mark. She said with a smile “how’s this?” Pinkie said “ooooh nice can you do any pony?” Cadence nodded then Pinkie jumped up and down excitedly “ooh do me do me!” Applejack said “two Pinkies’ we don’t wanna raise no suspicions.” Pinkie seemed a little depressed but understood. Cadence said with a smile “another time” then gave a mischievous smile this cheered Pinkie up. Zackmar said “have you decided on a name to use while incognito?” Cadence thought for a moment nodded and said “yes, call me Sarsen.” As the group left the castle Pinkie and Sarsen walked behind discussing something the others heard giggling which made a few of the other look back questioningly. But Pinkie and Sarsen looked around innocently. As the group arrived in Ponyville they met the Mayor who led them to the center of town near the shield generator the Mayor pointed to a nearby tower and a treadmill. On the front right side It had a rod with a grooved wheel connected to it. Next to it was a larger wheel in the middle was a grooved wheel the two were connected by a belt. On the other side of the large wheel was a rod set on the outer perimeter of the wheel as the wheel rotated the rod would rise and fall. The rod was connected to the outer perimeter of another wheel in the upper part of the tower. On the other side was a small rod that went from the center to a casing with slots the outer casing had slots in it as well Zackmar, Synora and Kendar looked at each other and smiled. Rainbow asked “how does it work?” Kendar pointed to the box “see those slots up there?” Rainbow flew up to the device hovered and nodded. Kendar continued “the rotating fins inside push air out through the slots creating a very distinct sound.” Rainbow landed and seemed to understand. Meanwhile across the planet in the nation of the United Dragon Alliance Kalios arrived in a shuttle to meet with the leader of the dragons King Dargo. He remembered hearing from Queen Chrysalis that dragons had an affinity for gemstones. As his shuttle approached some of the dragons on the ground watched in amazement others payed no attention. As Kalios looked down at the huge majestic creatures below him a wave of fear washed over him. Some of them were huge he thought to himself I hope their leader is willing to talk. This mission would end badly if he saw me as finger food. Then he thought no if they did that then my comrades would destroy them. He soon came upon a castle high in the mountains it looked as if the mountain had been hollowed out to create this fortress. He landed on a nearby ledge and walked towards the entrance to the castle. A set of double doors he estimated them to be at least 7 meters high and 5 meters wide standing in front of either side were 2 dragon guards. They did not move stood still as statues. As he approached they came to life and one of them said in a loud booming voice “halt!” His voice rumbled like the sound of thunder roaring across the lamd. Leaning down in front of the Pontian his breath was hot. His teeth were sharp he looked as if he could swallow him in a single gulp “state your business and be quick about it.” Kalios said unwaveringly in spite of the nearly unbearable heat “I am here to speak with King Dargo I heard hes holding open court and have something to offer.” The dragon guard chuckled slightly then smiled wickedly and said bearing his teeth “there is no open court here now tell me why I should let you pass.” Kalios smiled “I have an offer he would find very interesting.” The guard asked “what could you offer our glorious king?” Kalios grinned “an unlimited supply of gemstones.” The guard opened one eye slightly wider than the other voice booming still “oh really? Very well but if you become barbequed biped don’t say I didn’t warn you.” The huge metal gates opened with a creaking groan and the guard said “just down that corridor is the throne room.” Kalios nodded and entered the interior was so huge he felt so small walking along the corridor the walls were encased in glowing stones that illuminated the corridor. The walls were made of giant 2 blocks each one stood 7 meters tall. The ceiling curved in an arch he marveled at the scale. On his world to carve and set such a structure out of solid stone would require technological assistance. As he approached the throne room he came upon 2 huge metal doors he pushed on one of them and to his surprise it opened with ease. As he entered he saw sitting on a throne sat a huge cyan dragon with dark blue spines. The dragon king saw the bipedal creature approach and wondered what this creature was doing in his palace. He leaned down to the being and said blowing smoke as he spoke “what are you doing in my palace?” Kalios bowed “greetings your highness my name is Kalios I am not from this world.” The dragon king said with a sarcastic tone “that is obvious what do you want?” Kalios smiled “I am here to make you an offer one you may find interesting.” The King said “I am king of the United Dragon Alliance what can you offer that I do not have?.” Kalios smiled “a source tells me you like gemstones and the Pontian Empire is willing to offer you technology the kind to take you to worlds made entirely of gemstones.” Dargo said “what’s in it for you?” Kalios smiled we don’t ask much just an alliance and access to your DNA nothing much some skin or a scale we are looking to improve our fighting forces. We want to meld dragon and Malctitude DNA with this will create an army of invincible warriors. With them we will concur the universe. Just think a galaxy of your own with planets to rule over some rich in gems to consume at your leisure I know of a planet made entirely of sapphires.” Dargo said “you have my attention.” Kalios reached into his pocket and pulled out a small device that fit into one of his hands he pressed a button and a glistening sphere appeared on the device. The planet appeared to be flashing as if it was in a strobe “this is the planet Zaffiro.”. Dargo asked “why is it flashing like that?” Kalios said “about 500,000 years ago its star went supernova the pressure wave and heat and pressure fused the crust of entire planet is one giant gemstone. The flashing effect is from what’s left of the star it’s a rapidly spinning neutron star or a pulsar. There are enough gems there to feed your subjects for millennia you can mine them yourself or if you desire or you can have some other beings do it.” Dargo said “that is a very tempting offer I will consider it and will contact you.” Kalios nodded reached into his other pocket and pulled out a communication device handing it to the king he said “press the button on the side when you’re ready to contact me.” Dargo nodded and said “I will contact you in 4 days.” Kalios bowed and turned to leave as he left the castle he took another device from his other pocket and pressed a button and his shuttle came to the ledge and a ramp descended. He boarded and left for base camp when he arrived he met Hydoria. He bowed and said “I spoke to their leader and he will contact me in 4 solar cycles.” Hydoria said “you have done well what did you offer them?” Kalios said “I offered them technology and to sweeten the deal the planet Zaffiro in exchange for their DNA.” Hydoria smiled “that old wreck of a planet?” Kalios smiled “yes just think my liege we can use their DNA to bolster our Malctitudes soon we will have an army of them that are bigger, smarter and fire proof.” Hydoria said “that is if they are willing to cooperate.” Kalios nodded “they regard precious gems as snack food when I offered the planet Zaffiro the kings eyes lit up.” Hydoria grinned wickedly “very clever.” The 2 went to find Chrysalis who sitting on her haunches watching a monitor intently it was a gladiatorial match between Night-Mare and another being that seemed to be holding his own. Then the challenger made a mistake and left a defensive position open. Night-mare took advantage of this opening and grazed the gladiator in the side. This caused an injury that was harsh but not fatal the combatant dropped his weapon and fell to the ground. Night-Mare holding her laser sword in a blue arura pointed it at her opponent “do you relent?” The injured being nodded as a hovering camera moved in slowly as he said “I want a rematch.” Night-Mare smiled wickedly “I welcome the challenge but next time you won’t be so lucky.” Night-Mare lifted her head and raised her head and levitated her sword and said in a loud booming voice “WE ARE VICTORIOUS ONCE MORE” The announcers voice boomed across the stadium “Night-Mare wins again and remains undefeated.” On several screens across the stadium and for the billions watching across the universe a score appeared it said in big bold letters at the bottom of the screen. Night-Mare 7 wins 0 losses the champion basked in the glory of victory and preformed s few tricks. Chrysalis watched the match and smiled then the voice of Hydoria snapped out of her the daze “when you can tear yourself away from the view screen we have matters to attend to here.” Chrysalis snapped out of her daze then looked over “huh? Oh yes, very nice technology this viewing screen.” Hydoria nodded and said “we have made contact with The United Dragon Alliance and will be expecting a reply in 4 solar cycles. In the mean time we need you to send a spy into Ponyville and see if they are planning anything.” Chrysalis nodded as her horn began to glow and a ring of green energy moved down her body to the ground then extended outwards in pulsing circles one after the next. Moments later 2 changeling drones appeared. Chrysalis stared at them after a few seconds they nodded then in a puff of green magic took the form of 2 pegasi and took off into the sky Chrysalis smiled and said “we will soon know.” The changeling drones flew to a location near Ponyville landed and entered the town ponies were going around carrying on their daily activities. After walking around the town and not seeing anything out of the ordinary. But also trying not to draw unwanted attention after surveying the town the drones looked at each other for a few moments then nodded. As one flew into the sky and returned to the Pontian base. A short time later the drone landed in front of Chrysalis returned to its root form and stared at her for a moment she nodded and the drone flew away. Chrysalis said “they are not doing anything just going about their mundane lives.” Hydoria grinned wickedly “now that’s something we are going to have to change” reaching into a pouch on his belt he pulled out a communication device. He pressed a button and said “Hydoria to Holmar” a hologram appeared “Holmar here what is your command my lord?” Hydoria said “prepare 2 Malctitudes for transport one flying one ground based.” Holmar said “at once my lord they will be arrive in 2 harmons.” Hydoria said “acknowledged” turning to chrysalis and Kalios he said “they will soon learn a lesson in misery and sorrow.” Kalios grinned wickedly Chrysalis asked “how long till the Malctitudes arrive?” Hydoria pointed to the sky as a small ship crossed over their heads he said with a cynical smile “not long.” The ship landed and a door opened and a Pontian stepped out bowed and said “the Malctitudes are ready my lord.” Hydoria said “good deactivate their suspended animation cylinders and send them to to the outskirts of Ponyville.” The Pontian bowed “at once my lord they will be ready by the beginning of the next solar cycle.” The next day in Ponyville the citizens were going about their day and in the castle of friendship Twilight came downstairs and saw Pinkie sitting in the throne room. She said “hi Pinkie.” Pinkie replied “hi Twilight.” Twilight went into the kitchen and saw Pinkie at the table confused she asked “wait weren’t you just in the throne room?” Pinkie just shook her head. Confused Twilight poked her head into the throne room and saw nothing when she turned around Pinkie was gone she was confused the door was the only way out of the kitchen. She looked around and found nothing Pinkie just seemed to vanish. Slightly confused she decided to make some blueberry waffles for her friends and guests. As she prepared the waffles Rarity came in the kitchen and said “good morning Twilight.” Twilight smiled “good morning Rarity I’m making blueberry pancakes.” Rarity said “oh I’ll help.” Twilight said “thank you by the way have you seen Pinkie?” Rarity shook her head as she poured the batter onto a griddle “no why?” Twilight said “I’m not sure I thought I saw Pinkie first in the throne room then in here then vanish.” Rarity said with an arched eyebrow “that is most unusual.” Twilight sighed “yes it is.” Rarity thought for a moment “maybe Pinkie or one of the others is playing a prank.” Twilight thought for a moment then smiled just then Pinkie entered the room and said “hi Twilight hi Rarity I smell waffles need any help?” Twilight and Rarity shook their heads as Pinkie left the kitchen then suddenly Pinkie emerged from the kitchen pantry both Twilight and Rarity looked at each other in astonishment. As Pinkie looked over smiled waved and left the kitchen. Rarity looked over at Twilight and said “I see what you are saying.” They both left the kitchen and looked out into the throne room but saw nothing confused they went back in to the kitchen and continued to make breakfast. After breakfast was finished Twilight and Rarity called the others to breakfast. All the occupants of the castle came into the dining room and sat down. Rainbow Dash asked “where’s Pinkie and Cadence?” Pinkie came in “I’m here.” Another Pinkie came into the room “so am I.” Then a 3rd came in “me too.” All the occupants at the table did a double take Rainbow said “woah woah woah what the hay is going on here.” Twilight face hoofed and thought oh no it’s the mirror pond fiasco all over again. Two of the 3 Pinkies looked at each other smiled and a glow could be seen from one of them Pinkie faded and Cadence appeared and th 3rd pinkie faded away. Twilight said “wait Cadence that was you in the kitchen earlier?” Cadence nodded “fooled you didn’t I?” Twilight nodded “yes you did.” Cadence smiled “after Kendar’s demonstration I wanted to test the projectors.” Twilight smiled “this has possibilities” Cadence said “just think an army of projected ponies to confuse those monsters that the Pontian’s keep sending us, the prank that was Pinkie’s idea” Pinkie just grinned wildly. At the same time in Ponyville the pony guards in the watchtower noticed 2 objects streaking across the sky they tracked them as they streaked across the sky. Following them the pods landed in the Everyfree forest. One of the guards went to see the Mayor and said “Mayor we spotted 2 objects that landed in the Everfree forest.” The Mayor nodded and ran to 2 pegasi and said “Sunblazer, Skychaser 2 objects just landed in the Everfree forest go and investigate” the 2 pegasi saluted and took off into the sky. The 2 pegasi flew to the location and saw 2 streaks of damaged trees for 50 meters along the ground at the end of the streaks were 2 oblong pods. The pegasi hovered as the pods opened and reviled 2 Malctitudes Sunblazer said “let’s get back and warn the Mayor.” Skychaser agreed and they flew back to Ponyville. In Twilights castle the ponies and guests all were in the throne room discussing their next move when a strange sound was heard it sounded like a high pitched whirring sound that would rise and fall.” Spike asked “what is that sound?” Kendar said “that’s the warning siren.” The group looked at each other then ran out of the castle as they exited they saw smoke coming from the Everfree forest. As they entered town a pony was running on the treadmill which powered the siren. Twilight asked the Mayor “what’s going on?” The Mayor said “one of the tower guards saw 2 objects streaking across the sky and landing in the Everfree forest Sunblazer and Skychaser went to investigate. They discovered the pods were carrying Malctitudes and the alarm was sounded.” Just then a voice cried “INCOMMING!” Rainbow Dash flew up into the air and saw 2 creatures emerging from the forest one was flying the other was walking. She landed and said “it’s those creatures that attacked Canterlot and Cloudsdale.” The Mayor shouted “RAISE THE SHEILD!” The defensive shield dome rose up as the flying Malctitude arrived first followed by its land based counterpart. The flying Malctitude breathed fire onto the shield causing it to disperse and the shield to shimmer as it flew past to circle around. While the land based monster arrived soon after and began pounding on the shield causing it to shimmer. Soon they noticed the shield generator was beginning to heat up and smoke began to rise from it as the ground monster kept pounding on the outside. As the flying monster spewed white hot flames. Kendar said “the generator can’t hold out much longer.” Twilight asked “how long can it last?” Kendar said not much longer if you have something that can freeze those monsters now would be a good time to use it.” Twilight’s eyes lit up “yes I’ll be right back.” Before Kendar could respond she vanished in a purple flash of light and reappeared moments later with a small book.” Kendar asked “what is that?” Twilight said “something to freeze them.” Kendar said “what are you going to do throw the book at them?” Twilight opened the book and inside was 5 necklaces and a tiara as the 6 ponies put them on. Zackmar smiled as he knew what Twilight wand her friends were planning to do. He turned to Kendar and said with a smile “watch this.” The 6 ponies came to the land based Malctitude first as it roared and pounded on the shield they focused as the gems inside their necklaces began to glow. A rainbow began to encircle then each of them as they levitated into the air as the 6 rainbows converged forming a double helix. The double helix rainbow shot out from their position and went through the shield. It flew towards the monster and soon enveloped it as it slammed into the monster. It recoiled as the rainbow magic enveloped it when the rainbow subsided the 6 ponies came back to the ground. The Malctitude that was pounding on the shield fell over backwards arms in the air. Kendar stood there in amazement mouth agape after a moment he found his voice and said “you turned it to stone.” Twilight smiled and said “who can hold the other beast?” Synora stepped forward “I can” she looked up and saw the beast coming in for another fire attack she reached her hands out and the beast stopped moving and flapped its wings furiously. As she pulled the monster down Twilight and the others again charged their elements and struck the beast with the double helix rainbow the beast froze and fell from the sky. It slammed into the shield and shattered as the pieces slide off the shield and fell to the ground. The Mayor tuned the shield off as it dissipated Kendar said “I will work on modifying the thermal dissipation rate.” After the battle a single Pegasus emerged from behind a building looked around and took off into the sky and flew towards the Pontian camp. Back at the Pontian base camp Kalios, Hydoria and Chrysalis are discussing how terrified and miserable the ponies must be when the changeling drone appears. It lands in front of Chrysalis and stares at her as she takes on a flustered look she nods and the drone flies away. Kalios said “this does not look like news.” Chrysalis said “your right it’s not they defeated the beasts again they used the elements of harmony against them.” Hydoria got upset and yelled “THAT’S IT I AM GOING TO GO THERE AND DEAL WITH THEM PERSONALY!” Chrysalis said “I wouldn’t recommend that they used the elements on those monsters you sent and turned them to stone they are probably on their way to the royal Canterlot garden. If you go in there weapons blazing they may do the same thing to you. Or worse turn your ship or shuttle to stone trapping you inside then you and the ship would also be a permanent exhibit. Just then Kalios’s communication device went off he pressed a button and a hologram of Dargo appeared Kalios said “greetings your majesty” Dargo said “I have spoken to members of the royal court and we have agreed to your offer I want to know more about that planet. I want a ship to take 2 of my guards to inspect this planet but be warned if this some sort of a deception I will personal make sure you are on the menu.” Kalios looked at Hydoria who nodded then he said “understood a ship will arrive at your castle soon.” Hydoria looked at Kalios and nodded then pressed a button on one of his armbands Kalios smiled and saluted “soon we will have smarter creatures ones who can evade their magic speaking of magic.” He took out his communication device and pressed a button a hologram of Zabador appeared he bowed “what can I do for you my liege?” Hydoria said “what is the status on operation gladiator?” Zabador said “we are making progress so far we have replicated several of the things they can do we are adapting the devices for portable as well as use by our ships.” Hydoria said “you have done well keep this up and I will give you’re your own quadrant to rule.” Zabador bowed “I am honored to serve my lord” as the projector turned off a ship flew over Hydoria, Kalios and Chrysalis’s heads followed by a shuttle. Kalios boarded the ship and left for the United Dragon Alliance. As short time later the ship arrived at the castle of the Dragons after it and the shuttle landed after the other emerged from the shuttle the 3 went to king Dargo. They bowed “we have a ship ready Salmar here will pilot it Jundar will be co-pilot have you selected who you wish to send?” Dargo nodded “I have” as a solid black dragon with emerald green eyes stepped forward. “this is Emerald Charcoal” The dragon bowed his head gracefully “call me Charky.” Kalios said “we are ready when you are I’m sure you eager to see this planet.” Charky nodded “I am.” Once the 3 were on board the ship the ramp closed and it lifted off the platform and ascended into the sky. Dargor asked “how long will they be gone?” Kalios replied “not long only about 3 to 5 solar cycles.” Dargor nodded in understanding and handed Kalios a box inside were several items a small vile of dragon blood, some skin and 4 dragon scales he then said with a smile “a token of our new alliance.” Kalios smiled and said “yes we are going to be get allies just think of it your subjects get to rule an entire galaxy as you see fit.” Dargor said “I have never been off this world how big is that?” Kalios said “you know the stars you see in your night sky?” Dargor said “yes.” Kalios said “as many as you see and more.” Dargor smiled a wide toothy grin and said in a delighted tone “it will be glorious.” At the same time in orbit above the planet the Pontian ship left orbit and traveled a short distance away from the planet before coming to a stop. Jundar said “before we engage the engines take a look out the window to your left.” Charky walked over and looked out the window eyes growing wide in surprise “i-is that my planet?” Salmar nodded “yes” Charky said “amazing I’ve been in the sky but never this far up.” Salmar said “take a seat and prepare for spaceial displacement.” Charky sat down and looked out the front window feeling a slight push backwards as the stars began to move growing into streaks they watched as the streaks flew past the windows all he was at a loss for words he thought to himself remarkable technology. Jundar smiled and said “all this can be yours once the treaty is signed.” Charky smiled “I’m looking forward to our new alliance. How does this ship travel?” Jundar said “it’s simple this ship’s engines create a field that distorts the surrounding space expanding it in front and compressing it behind thereby pushing the ship forward. An inertial inhibiting field surrounds the ship protecting us. With this means of propulsion there is virtually no limit to how fast we can travel.” Charky smiled after a short time of questions and asnwers a light flashed on the console Salmar said “entering Zaffiroian space” the ship slowed as they came into the Zaffiroian system. As the ship approached the system the neutron star could be seen as it spun rapidly causing a strobing effect Charky looked out the window and saw a planet coming into view. It was a gas giant the cloud bands were a mix of greens and blues that swirled around the planet had 27 moons of various sizes some of them had atmospheres. He asked “is this Zaffiro?” Salmar said “no this is Kalnor the outermost planet” pressing a button a star chart appeared showing a chart of the system a small arrow appeared over planet Zaffiro. It was the 7th planet in a system of 12 now the 1st of 3. The ship approached the planet it looked like a giant rock that glistened in the light. As the ship approached the gems glistened brightly when they landed as the 3 disembarked Charky looked up and saw the pulsar in the sky as it spun rapidly the strobing effect was disorienting, Jundar noticed Charky’s discomfort and asked “is the strobe causing you problems?” Charky nodded Salmar went inside the ship and soon returned with a pair of flexible glasses with an adjustable band handing them to Charky “here this will counter the strobing effect.” Charky placed the classes on his face and the strobing effect dissipated and everything came into focus. The planet shimmered with a glisten that made his mouth water. Jundar pulled out a small cutting tool from his belt and handed it to Charky and said with a smile “feel free to sample the local cuisine.” Charky walked over to a nearby rock and pressed a button on the device a greenish yellow beam came out of the tip and he cut a small piece of gem from the surrounding area. He picked it off and placed it in his mouth and began to chew he eyes lit up “wow a ruby with a hit of sapphire.” Jundar smiled and said “eat till you have had your fill and even take some home” returning to the ship once more and returning with a 33 cm box. After handing the dragon he filled the box as full as it could go. Judar said “let us return to your home world I am sure your leader will be eager to sample these rare stones.” Charkey nodded “King Dargor will be pleased.” As they boarded the ship Judar said “Salmar set course for-.” He paused and asked “what do you call your planet?” Charky shrugged “I don’t know we never gave it a name” Jundar said “we will work on that. Taking his seat he set course for Charky’s home world Salmar pressed a few buttons and the ship accelerated. Upon returning to the planet Charky gave Dargor the box and said “these are delicious my lord.” Dargor took a gem from the box and ate it he smiled and said with a mouthful of gems “you have done well.”