UNC007E

**STORIES**

**PREVIOUS**

**ESPAÑOL**

**The Planet Onis  IV**.

   Both Yener and the boys spent the next few days very busy. As far as the issue of ships was concerned there were no major problems, fortunately no one wanted complications and each allied world of Yumlaiance became known and established its corresponding diplomatic legation. By order of his superiors Yener had to begin to agree with the other representatives of his alliance to prepare a common policy.

-This is really tedious as well as cumbersome. - It was said the young officer. –

Of course, his new rank carried privileges. Only his god Kail would know how he enjoyed it when that stupid Mulhar  squared up waving at him militarily! It happened during the visit he made to say goodbye to his former companions on the cruise ship  Lyris  where he established that historic contact. He even found it embarrassing that Commander  Elkor  greeted him as if instead of having been Yener's commanding officer he had been the other way around for years.

- But commander, that's not necessary. - Could say the hurried boy. -

-You are my superior, sir. It's courtesy due to his rank. - He simply answered  Elkor, after squaring and greeting. -

-Thank you very much for all you have taught me. - Thanked the boy. -

- Good luck, Ambassador Rant. - He was wished by his former superior. -

Yener realized that Elkor  said it from the heart, which he appreciated. It is fair to say that most wished him luck unreservedly, although not everyone shared that view, of course. And it is that under many of those smiles and congratulations he could detect envy and when not, inquina.

-Some think I'm kind of recommended, but I don't have anyone who can influence me in this way. And in the monastery they would never do it. - Thought totally sure of that. –

And while that blor beer didn't displease him either, it wasn't a matter of being excited. As somer's own proverb said.

-Be careful to order a blorbeer. After drinking it you will end up standing or not. - He recalled. –

The truth was that this drink was so strong that whoever tried it for the first time could be literally unconscious. Yener thought there was no better analogy. That being ambassador and captain of the ship so suddenly had almost knocked him out. Of course he wanted to let his family know as soon as possible, but something told him it would be better to wait. Perhaps the surprise would be tremendous if he did not notice and when he returned home on leave he would be seen with his new badges.

In any case, I will think about that when the time comes. - Decided. -

        In addition, he continued his fast-moving adaptation to this changing reality, taking on his new duties and in the meantime his omega friends were preparing a new exploratory mission. Fate, Onis IV Star System. With two terrestrial-type planets. One of them with clear signs of life. They had to patrol this sector and check the degree of evolution in it. Perhaps Cassiopeia (or whoever they would have been) tried to repeat the attempt at a military base in that area. When Yener found out he wanted to accompany them because he was dying to get out of the suffocating routine to which he had been forced. And he approached them hours before they left.

-For us there is no problem. - Peter said, evidently conditioned by the importance of his interlocutor, which he immediately recorded, claiming. - Although I don't know if an ambassador should put himself at such a risk.

-If it is a walk through a solar system not too far away, nor dangerous, I do not see what problem there may be. I want to create a climate of collaboration and camaraderie between our worlds. Maybe then I can start to get it. - He exposed his contertulio. –

We would have to consult our superiors. - Kira intervened. –

Yener nodded, that was the logical thing to do, he said goodbye and his friends promised to let him know of the answer they got.

- What do you think? - Peter asked his companion, once they were left alone. –

I don't know. - The girl sighed, although soon a smile relieved that meditative expression she had adopted and exclaimed amused. - That gets bored like an oyster!

I suppose that will be the case, there is nothing strategic or important about this sector in any sense. Why would he go there to spy on us? - His partner wondered aloud. –

In this case, I don't think it's because of that. - Kira agreed. - What's more, he didn't lift his mental defenses this time and I could clearly feel that the situation here is beyond him. It is as if I want to put distance to reflect.

-In that case, we could help you. If they give us permission, of course. - Peter nuanced. -

In turn Yener set out to undertake the march not without overcoming the reticence of Commodor Cresat who tried to dissuade him with obviously reasonable arguments such as.

- No, you are the new ambassador of Yumlaiance, you should not risk an accident.

- I must go, this position of ambassador that I perform is the right one to befriend people from other worlds. - He refuted this one, although that was really what mattered least to him at the time. - And I would like to gain the trust of those officers. Above all, that of that brunette girl.

        Cresat snothed his head slightly without hiding his disapproval to say.

I do not consider it appropriate for the ambassador of our world to try to make merits with a young woman, however beautiful she may be, and for that to put her security at risk.

With all due respect, sir, that is not what this is about. - He qualified his contertulio that he explained. – Sub-Lieutenant Mercedes Carrión, if I remember her name correctly, is a very valuable advisor to the president of Omega and to the colonel in chief of the space police. He has gifts of telepathy and can even capture my thoughts of not interposing some psychic barrier. If I succeed in persuading her of my good faith she will pass it on to her superiors who I know still harbor misgivings against us.

After hearing these reasons, the Commodus kept a few moments of silence meditating on this issue.

- That's another thing. Besides, officially I can't stop you - The commodus sighed resignedly. - It is up to you to decide what is most appropriate considering your new position.

That's where Cresat left that kind of emotional blackmail, although he certainly knew positively that it wasn't going to convince him. However, he did not wish to use his authority with the boy. On the one hand, it was not advisable to create friction and on the other he had to abide by the strange instructions he had received from his world. He had said nothing about them to Yener, but they told him that he should leave the boy a letter of absolute freedom. Anyway and always looking for his safety, he proposed.

- At least let me send two escort ships.

- That seems fine to me, it's a precaution that never hurts, but I guess they'll have to go away so as not to cause an incident, - Yener smiled happy to get the green light. I don't want them to think that we monitor them, or that we distrust them.

- Leave that out of my mind. - Cresat replied that he knew it as well as he did. -

- Then I'll go and inform our Omega allies and ask them for permission to accompany them. With your permission, sir, I retire.  - Enthusiastically stated the boy. -

Cresat nodded and Yener rushed out into the flight room of Omega's federal building. The commodus was now shaking his head wondering what they would be playing in Dumlans by giving that responsibility to a boy fresh out of the shell?, no matter how monk of Somer he was. And that had raised unease among other more senior officers with more merit. First, to promote a child overnight to the rank of captain. And as if that were not enough to appoint him ambassador of Yumlaiance in a completely new world without having the slightest experience in those struggles. But, although I did not understand it at all, it was the orders and there was nothing left to obey. Better to stop circling and deal with urgent matters.

-I hope that my old friend and mentor, and such an outstanding royal advisor, Azor Ligero, knows what is being brought. He wanted to. - At least until today it always did. I know he's trained this guy and he's like a son to him. No... I don't think he's been blinded by that, it's not that way. Maybe when you come home you'll ask.

Meanwhile Yener ran inside omega's space patrol headquarters. Once there he approached a guy who looked like an ordinance and was behind the destination table.

- Could you tell me when the exploratory mission to the Onis IV system departs? - Asked the yumlaincer.  -

"In two hours' time, sir," replied this one, standing before such a high office. -

- Do you know where the officers in charge of the matter are? - Asked again. -

- They must be preparing for the outing or drinking something. - He speculated that guy. -

The yumlaincer opted for the second option and left quickly in the direction of the canteen. Upon arrival, he was immediately greeted by the Quadruple Alliance officers gathered there. Although once it happened, murmurs were heard behind his back. Yener knew it, it was clear that his colleagues were talking about how it was possible that a first lieutenant fresh out of the Academy had managed to be promoted to captain in such a short time. These comments, many of them the result of envy, were inevitable and his instigators would have to prove their worth. Although of course the first surprised and even somewhat frightened by that was himself.

-I better prove that they have not made a mistake with me. That is precisely what worries me, I do not think I am ready. - Thought. – And, above all, anything you do is going to be looked at with top-notch amplifier.

Surely, had he remained just a first lieutenant he would have had no problem getting permission to go with Omega's scouts in an exchange of goodwill. No one would have been interested.  But, on the other hand, now he had been able to get what he wanted.

- Hi Yener!, how long without seeing you - he was greeted by an unpleasantly familiar voice from the other side of the bar that riveted not without a good dose of irony. - Or, rather, under his command, Captain Rant.

Looking in that direction again, he discovered an individual in the uniform of Nataclia, one of his allied planets. It was that Nerel Asety, the young and ambitious officer he had met in the cadet exchange program. Not that he was very pleased to see him there, but he would have to hide it, that's why he was now an ambassador.

- What are you doing here, Nerel? - He wanted to know Yumlaiance's with feigned courtesy and a not-so-disguised surprise. -

- I arrived with the combined alliance fleet. And from what I see, you've had time. - His interlocutor smiled with irony. -

"I can't complain," Yener replied, returning a self-sufficient smile. - But going back to what I asked you How come you've been assigned here?

- He was stationed on one of the ships that have been sent, that simple," replied Nerel, shrugging his shoulders. -

For some reason Yener thought that guy was hiding something from him. When he had the opportunity to meet him, he found that he was, without any doubt despite the little sympathy he professed, one of the best officers in the camp. In addition, he was stationed in the Nastralsiregiment, an elite corps of Nataclia's army named after the capital of that world. It was a corps specializing in rapid raids and counter-espionage policy. Or in a more realistic language, a group of spies who were dedicated to obtaining information from their own allies. The real reason for her presence there would undoubtedly be the direct strategic interests of Nataclia, who, although an ally of Yumlaiance today, maintained a permanent struggle with her for control of the leadership of the Quadruple Alliance and of any planet or system associated with it. Actually, as a Yum proverb said, the dog is the dog's best friend and in this case, that applied perfectly to natacliers. Therefore, anticipation and the other powers, and this one in particular, meant something that their allied theorists would not have received very willingly. And that was largely the work of Yener himself. At least that gave him a satisfaction that he wasn't going to bother to hide.

- I'm so glad I saw you, but I must leave now. - He said it with supposed kindness. -

- I suppose the new ambassador plenipotentiary of Yumlaiance will have many duties. - Nerel replied with some barely concealed derision in a sweetened half smile. -

- You can be sure of it - declared Yener coming out of the canteen at the same time that he said goodbye waving his hand - The news flies - he thought - or is this guy too knowledgeable.

Anyway, the nataclier wouldn't have much merit in that either. Everyone was talking about Yener and her rise.

We'll chat. I would like to say that we will have to lay the foundations for some common policy agreements with those of Omega. - Nerel fired him. -

Yes, of course. Now I must leave you, I have work to do, I'm glad I saw you. I wish I had more time to chat. There will be more chances. - He blatantly lied. -

Asety reciprocated the farewell with a slight tilt of his head and walked away. Yener did the same by heading to the flight zone regretting not being able to do a mental sweep of that guy...

He has training that allows him to protect himself and now he would not be too polite at the diplomatic level. - He sighed with resignation. -

Meanwhile Peter was waiting for permission to start the march. Kira met him at the entrance to the trampling, as soon as they obtained confirmation they would depart on a runway bus bound for their ship. They were going over the details of the itinerary to follow, recalling the words of Commander Graham when they informed his superior of the intentions of the yumlaincer.

- What kind of guy wants to go with you! - The stupefied commander exclaimed. –

Yes, sir. - Kira confirmed. – We have not known what to say to you. Of course, we do not see him as very suitable, but he is the ambassador of an allied power.

If he had openly denied us, he could have taken it for an affront. - Peter added. –

The commander took a hand to his chin nodding slowly.

That's right. You were right to come and consult me, but I am afraid that I am not qualified to decide on that either. I will ask the colonel for permission.

He soon called Pier and asked him, he was also perplexed, for a long moment he said nothing.

- And okay? - Wanted to know Graham. –

I don't know, it's a delicate matter. If we say it's not possible that they can take it for a scorn, but if we say yes and something happens to him...

It was Peter who then intervened with a measured but full of determination tone.

With all due respect, if I may say anything, he has requested it. If he comes it will be at his own risk.

-Yes, son, apparently so it is. But in political reality it is not so easy. - His father replied via intercom. – Perhaps the authorities of your world did not understand this. And if something were to happen to him, he would be under our protection as he were in the space of confederation. In truth, I do not understand the reason for this request.

I think he has a lot of desire to join us to see us in action. Even if it's a routine patrol. - Kira added. –

-What do you think. - Graham asked the girl. –

The others turned their attention to her, they had a lot of respect and appreciation for her sensitivity and telepathic abilities. In addition to his intuitions. And then the young woman sentenced.

I think it wouldn't hurt to come with us. What's more, I think it will be mutually beneficial.

And after another brief moment of silence, Colonel Larans testified.

-Be then, you have my permission to take it. Good luck and good service. - He said goodbye by cutting off communication. -

And it was Graham who, taking the floor, riveted.

"Well, you've heard, guys. Tread carefully. - He asked them. –

The two nodded, greeted their superior and went straight out into the hangar area. They had to prepare the Dragonfly.

I hope we don't regret this. - Peter sighed. –

I don't think so. – Her partner replied. -

That was almost an hour ago, they were finishing the routine checks on the ship when they saw Yener running close.

- Hello- he greeted them - Are you ready to leave?

- Yes, we have almost checked the equipment and the ship and everything is in order - Peter was surprised to see him there so soon. –

- Have you spoken to your superiors? - He wanted to know him without going around the bush. -

- Yes, we have been allowed to come. - Kira replied. –

-Great, I have also consulted him and there is no problem in that he accompanies you. - Yener told them in turn, riveting with animated dye. - At last some action!

His two contertulios looked at each other and it was Peter who replied by recounting that possibility.

- I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed. There's not much to see out there.  The planet Onis  IV will have no intelligent life. At least we've never detected anything that indicates this, such as radio wave transmissions.

- They could be at a lower stage than ours and be smart, they may not yet reach enough technology to send transmissions off their planet - conjectured Yener who insisted. - It wouldn't hurt to look.

In this case we should not contact them, it is a basic premise of our confederation. - Kira revealed to him. –

They certainly had enough of that on the planet Diana and I wasn't interested in repeating the experience. But there was no reason to tell all that to his interlocutor.

-Well, despite that I would like to accompany you. It's always interesting to see how the allies work. Don't you think? - Yener then asked. -

Kira smiled, that young man looked like a five-year-old boy who had been given a whim. In short, I hoped that at the moment of truth it would be more mature than it appeared. Although he presented that, as an officer and expert in that kind of disciplines of his, he was of total confidence.

-Welcome on board then. - He commented kindly. -

So, the three of them boarded the ship. Yener informed them that they would surely be escorted by a couple of cruise ships from their world, at least by the common space, which, under the pre-agreement, they could cross. That didn't do any fun to any of his fellow travelers, but there would be no choice. His small patrol ship was effectively accompanied by two larger ships belonging to Yumlaiance, although these were always kept at a safe distance for the duration of the voyage. Even so, the atmosphere between the three of them was not exactly very relaxed. Despite this, the yumlaincer wanted to engage in conversation.

So this is what you do, you tour the sectors of your confederation.

That's right, we usually patrol a quadrant that we have assigned. - Peter replied. -

-This ship is not too big. What flight autonomy does it have? - Yumlaincer was interested. -

-It is a Dragonfly-class ship. - His interlocutor explained to him. - Its autonomy is reduced to a few light years of spaceflight.  A simple patrol boat.

He was not told that he could move into hyperspace and that he was then able to travel galactic distances. Although it was true that this was not its main function.

-Then I saw that you have somewhat larger ships, the equivalent of our light cruisers. - Yener observed. -

-Yes, the Hummingbird class. - Kira intervened. - Its autonomy is much higher and its weaponry more complete and powerful.

Their interlocutor nodded, seemed to think of something and finally told them.

- And don't you have larger ships? I mean. Some heavy cruiser.

We don't need them. Omega is a peaceful planet, actually an outpost of Earth.

- The Earth? - Yener repeated since he would swear to have heard the name of that world earlier in the conversations of the Council of confederation. - What planet is that?

-Our mother world. In fact, virtually all of us are descended from earthlings. - Kira told him. -

-Omega exercises the function of administrative capital of the Confederation. - Peter added. - It is the base of the space police, which was created to safeguard order and peace in the systems attached to our alliance of planets.

Yes, I see. - Musitó his guest taking a hand to the chin. -

Sitting in the pilot and co-pilot positions, Kira and Peter looked at each other. That guy was asking a lot of questions, but of course, that had its logic. Being the ambassador, he would like to know first-hand how the Confederation worked. Nor had they provided him with any valuable or fundamental information and certainly knew nothing like that, worthy of endangering the security of his world or his allies. That's when Yener commented.

-And yet you have that guy, the consul of Cassiopeia, who boasts at the slightest chance he has of his destroyers and his heavy cruisers. And it doesn't boast in vain. I have received reports about some of your ships. Its size and estimated power is really impressive. It rivals ours. You're lucky to count it among your friends.

-Well. - Peter sighed allowing himself the luxury of being a little more sincere now in declaring. - To call tiñoso and his consul allies would be a lot to say. And friends let's not even talk about.

- Tiñoso? Who's that? - Wanted to know the yumlaincer. -

-General Tirelius, the plenipotentiary ruler of Cassiopeia. - Kira clarified with some haste, to explain. - They gave him that nickname because he always has a frown and seems to be in a permanent bad mood. As if I had ringworm. A terrestrial disease of ancient times.

         Yener laughed amused at the stunned eyes of her interlocutors who couldn't help but smile, imagining her companion's encounter with that irritating dictator of Cassiopeia.

-But better than when you meet him, because I guess you will when he appears for Omega, do not call him that way. - He advised a now also funny Peter. -

And after a smile from him and Kira, it was the brunette girl who in turn, wanted to know.

- What do you tell us about your world? It must be a really interesting place to visit.

Yes, I think so. - The questioner agreed, recounting. - It is divided into several kingdoms and regions with a lot of history and traditions of their own.

- Do you rule by assembly as here in the Confederacy? - Wanted to know Peter. -

-Oh, no... well, we have regional governments, but they are subordinated to the central government and parliament. We have been a totally unified world for more than four centuries. - Calculated to boat soon. -

-And you are a prosperous planet apparently. You have brought an entire fleet from your planet. Therefore, your strength must be equal to that of Cassiopeia. - Deduced Peter. -

           It was clear that this boy was trying to snout more substantial information with those seemingly naïve questions. Yener nodded as he thought that the kind of answers he was giving could be offered by anyone. He thought he could be even a little more loquacious without overdoing it too much. At the end of the day, he wanted to gain the trust of those two and would have to give them something in exchange for everything he himself had wanted to know. So he explained.

Not quite, we have more fleets deployed in other quadrants. One is limited to our planetary system for the direct defense of our world. Another, for example, deals with the neutral zone.

- The neutral zone? - Kira inquired. -

-A place that marks the border we have with some unsymicable neighbors. - Yener said enigmatically, not wanting to clarify much more. -

Kira could clearly feel that the boy's emotions were soaring when talking about that topic. He knew right away that he was blocking any kind of mental information that was related to that. It had to be a complicated issue for him. I could not, however, determine if there was anything personal or if, quite simply, the yumlaincers were generally afraid to talk about it. Although he couldn't investigate muchmore. They were reaching the far reaches of the system and Yumlaiance's ships did not venture any further.

"Don't worry," Yener reassured them that she clearly perceived that covert discomfort confirming that fact. -My cruises will not pass from here. They will be kept waiting in case we need anything.

      So he indicated to those ships, the commander of one of them contacted them to agree.

-At your command, captain.

          Yener could not hide a sense of satisfaction at having those prerogatives of command. In the meantime his friends continued to do their checks.

- We must do the approach maneuver to the planet and anyway do not worry, this area is very safe - Peter informed him. -

- All right. - He agreed to his contertulio. -

- We are approaching the orbit of the planet. Get ready for increased gravitation- kira advised him with a tone free of concern. -

However, the girl did not have them all with her in terms of her partner's statement, something inside warned her that they should be careful on this occasion. But the girl did not know if it was one of her hunches or just caution when taking the ambassador with her.  Although he wanted to warn.

-Peter, we must be careful, I sense something...

-Something like what? - He wanted to know the guy. -

I'm not sure, we just shouldn't trust ourselves. - He could say. -

We won't do it, he neglects. Connected shields. - Peter indicated. - Approach systems, ready...

Unreoccupied Yener held on to his seat with his magnetic belt ready for the maneuver. At that moment the ship approached the atmosphere of the planet ready to make a pass and the boy perceived something. I wasn't entirely sure, but in that world something unforeseen was happening. However, he thought it more appropriate to remain silent, his fellow travelers might judge that notice as a presumption...

- We are going down to visualize the surface, - kira reported by carefully scrutinizing the sonar screen. -

When they descended into the stratosphere the ship experienced a jolt. Through the real vision screen, ash clouds and hulls were seen rising towards the sky.

- A volcanic eruption! - Peter exclaimed alarmed. - Kira, increases the intensity of the protective shield.

But before she could obey anything hit the ship's hull hard, causing them to tremble in their seats.

- Impact - warned Kira consulting the console. - We have suffered a breakdown in the port engine. We lose height.

- Despite the shield? - The incredulous Yener asked, while Peter was trying to do a check on the computer. -

-Luckily we had it connected, but it is not as effective with stone as with metal, and that rock was volcanic, with hardly any metal elements. Luckily it has served some purpose, even if it was not at full power it has spared us much greater damage. That rock could have shattered us. "The girl sentenced. -

-Well, thank goodness, although according to the readings of the computer we are losing energy very quickly. - Peter indicated. -

-We continue to descend. - They were informed by their companion, reciting. - Twenty thousand meters, eighteen thousand, fifteen thousand...

- Can't you control it? - Yener asked him. -

- We will try to make an emergency landing using the other engine and auxiliary energy. - I replenish Peter by quickly manipulating the controls and anticipating as the others already imagined. - This will move so grab it.

- Issuing distress calls on all frequencies. - Kira reported that he was busy doing so while he was speaking. -

As Peter warned, the ship fell in a tread when it was decompensated. Fortunately between the magnetic barrier and the remaining power they managed to head towards a rocky promontory on which they landed abruptly. Well attached to their seats they suffered quite a few jolts until finally everything was calm, with the ship already braked.

-- Yener could say with some relieved sarcasm. - It hasn't been bad, although I would have preferred a little more softness.

-- The important thing is that we're alive," Replied Peter, dissing his hook. - The damage will have to be checked.

"I think they are total," Kira said with little optimism. " This ship is destroyed. At least, in terms of its ability to fly and go out into space.

- As long as the radio transmitters work there will be no problem," Yener said. -It is only a matter of time before we contact the cruisers in my fleet so that they come to the rescue. Although I hope you caught our calls.

- I don't know. - I frankly replenish the girl. - We had to divert a lot of power to the motors and the transmitting antennas could be damaged by the impact.

" Well, let's test the radio then and see if more messages can be sent - replied Peter who approached it. -

He did so and after some unsuccessful attempts turned to the others.

- It's also broken down. - Kira sentenced when checking the gesture of his companion. -

- Yes, it is and there is no way to find out if it already was before we crashed - nodded his partner corroborating the harsh reality. -We will have to improvise something that serves us to communicate.

- A home radio is the only solution, Yener agreed, stirring through the scrap caused by the impact. - I don't know what it will take.

- We will also have to get out of here, I notice that the temperature is rising - kira warned. - This world reaches forty degrees easily and we do not now have a climate control to protect us. Inside these walls we could cook ourselves.

- Luckily it seems that we have been far from the eruption zone. We will have to take refuge somewhere sheltered because the plain where we have landed is in full sun. - Peter added, concerned about this unsavorable circumstance. -

- Well, let's organize with the material that may still be useful and let's get out. - Yener said. -

-What an occasion you have chosen to come on patrol with us. - Kira smiled. -

-I'm not complaining, so I'll have something interesting to tell. - The boy said. -

-It will be better that we hurry, the temperature will soon rise. - He reminded them Peter. -

So they did. Everyone worked hard to prepare basic equipment with emergency rations, water and other gadgets. When they were ready they ventured out through an open crack in the ship's lower hull.

- Come on, we have no time to lose, the suns are not yet on high and it is already a heat of death - He urged them to yumlaincer. - This looks like Vassart in summer.

- The what? - He wanted to know Peter looking at him in am astonished. –

-A southern region of my world, has a large sandy desert for the most part and quite inhospitable. You have to be from there to have any chance of crossing it successfully. - Yener explained. -

- This atmosphere is dizzying - said his interlocutor who, like the others, sweated copiously. -

- It must be because of the high concentration of oxygen. - The yumlaincer replied. -

- But that will also help us. First we will have to go down to the plain and for that it will be necessary to travel a lot of ground and very abrupt. - Kira warned. -

- Follow me. I think I know where to do it, the ambassador told them bluntly. -

Peter looked at him in amazement and disbelief, didn't like that way of speaking and asked him almost as if it were a reproach.

- How is that possible? If you haven't even seen this place before.

- It is one of the basic disciplines I was taught in the monastery where I studied. - He replied. – It's called Sense of Orientation. Trust me, please. - He asked them now with greater kindness-...

Kira and Peter looked at each other and she reassured him. His intuition told him that Yener knew what he was doing. Indeed they reached a less abrupt depression where the descent was more accessible. They descended aided by ropes and made contact with a moist soil surrounded by dense subtropical vegetation.

- This landscape is very lush and the relative humidity must be enormous, - observed Yener who was still sweating copiously like his peers. -

- Yes and it must contain much more oxygen than above, I too am somewhat dizzy. - Kira added noticing how her head was spinning with some symptoms of drunkenness. -

- Are you okay? - Peter asked him with a restless countenance as he too was beginning to perceive that feeling. -

- Yes, it's nothing, really. Until we get used to it. - He was quick to answer her. - But we will have to get drinking water because the risk of dehydration is high.

- Listen! - then interrupted them Yener who seemed to be more whole doing them in gesture with his hands. I really thought I had captured something. - Don't make noise. - He asked them. -

Peter and Kira  remained silent, in the distance a guttural roar could be heard that was rising in tone with an alarming feeling of approaching them.

- Hide fast! - Yener told them visibly concerned. -

Her companions were stunned, but Kira  pulled on her friend's arm and he followed her. Both were quick to obey by hiding behind dense bushes. Soon they felt that the earth was shaking around them and it didn't take long for them to be amazed, filled with horror as they distinguished the silhouette of a huge greenish bipedal saurium.

- It's an Allosaur! No way! - Kira whispered with a perplexed expression, though tempering his exclamation as much as possible. -

- Where is Yener? - I replenish Peter looking in all directions with an unflattering outlook in his mind for the yumlaincer if that bug discovered him. -

- I don't see him, he must have hidden. - She replied that she did not even dare to turn her neck to check it. -

The huge animal seemed to sniff something, then turned around and lost in the vegetation, its large head almost four meters above the ground took time to stop being visible.

- Where the hell have we gotten ourselves into? - Peter wondered astonished. -

Yener had hidden among the branch using the skills he knew from his training in the monastery. That animal reminded the boy of the players of his Megaleague basketball team, although he was not as evolved, nor could intelligible telepathic communication be established beyond primary wants and needs. Luckily he was able to spot him before he found them, and divert his attention to another place, getting into his primitive brain the impression that he would find something appetizing over there.

-Thanks to the god Kail that I was able to master well the discipline of Animal Affinity. Although I wasn't quite sure it would work with that monster. - Sighed thinking often. – And also the camouflage, masking my smell so that it did not detect me was not an easy task.

It was very clear that in that world you would have to tread carefully and you should resort to the best possible management of your disciplines so as not to end up being the dinner of some bug like that.

-I would like to see here some of those idiots who make fun of the knowledge we receive in the monastery.

He thought about it, grateful to have learned those techniques thoroughly, as he came out of hiding to meet his friends.

- The danger is over, at least for now - sighed Yener who asked rhetorically with her friends once she met them. - What kind of planet is this?

- By our reports one inhabited, although we had never descended to the surface to see what kind of life he had. - Peter replied believing that the matter was directed at him. -

- Yes, we thought that maybe there would be some intelligent race, the surprising thing is to have met dinosaurs, Kira added. -

- In our world there were also reptiles like these. They came from other planets," Yener admitted. - Currently his remote descendants are more evolved and live with us.

- That's amazing! - Exclaimed Peter. -

- And they are also very integrated, for example, I am a fan of some football and basketball teams composed of them. And we will surely be champions this year. – Yener replied with a triumphant smile. -

That left Omega's two perplexed. They didn't know if it was a joke or he meant it. Even Kira hesitated, though she could soon perceive it to be a sincere statement. Of course his companion's world must have been quite strange. In any case, what the hell did I see that in such a situation!

- Maybe that's not much of a point now - kira was actually still surprised by those words. - What we must do is find a way to be rescued and in the meantime avoid as much as possible contact with these beasts.

- Anyway, your skills have been very useful to us so far. - Admitted Peter addressing the yumlaincer with an impressed tone. - Of course you got a good workout.

- I told you, I learned this in the monastery where I trained. I was there from the age of eight to seventeen. Then I entered the space academy. I control nine basic kail disciplines and I'm missing just one to complete the basic training and reach the master's degree. I hope that will help us get out of here alive. - Yener commented by truly wanting it and this time without having to appear modest at all since he didn't have them all with him. -

- Between that and our emergency team I hope so. - Kira agreed giving himself and distributing encouragement at the same time. -

"Well, let's get going," Peter said, "I'm hot and we barely have any water left.

-Near here there must be a stream," Yener deduced with an observation of the terrain. - The vegetation is very green and I distinguish species that look like lake. Perhaps there we can fill the canteens with water.

-Luckily we have water purification tablets-smiled Kira. - Water will serve us.

Yener believed that he would even be able to drink it by applying his basic discipline of healing or hunting, but better not to tempt luck. The group resumed the march heading towards a somewhat clearer area where the murmur of the water could be heard. Getting closer to that sound source they could see a brook that moved dynamically through a narrow and stony channel, it served to fill the canteens once they adapted the water for consumption. After completing the operation and after drinking a little, Peter proposed to follow that water course in the hope of finding a good shelter. Thus agreed, the three continued the march carefully while watching that channel progressively enlarge until they reached an intersection that linked it with a much larger one.

- Here he meets a river - Yener declared confirming what was evident in this case. -

- And so it looks like a pretty big one - Kira said doing the same to warn. - We must be very careful, it is likely that there are animals that come to drink, and if they are like those before ...

Yes, it is in our interest to be on our guard. - Nodded to the yumlaincer. – Water attracts both prey and predators.

Peter drew the group's attention to an extensive plain covered by large trees flanking that riverbed. A few hundred meters away there was a discontinuity with a slight drop in the ground level. It would seem that the trees that should be in the area had been knocked down. Some appeared swollen and scattered over several meters. Yener approached there followed at a safe distance by his companions and examined those signs.

"Here are traces," he said. - The animal that has done this must be huge.

- Or the animals- corrected Peter by reaching next to him. - There are many traces here. It must correspond to a herd.

- It's what it looks like, a herd of several members. What kind of beings can they be? - Yener wondered aloud getting Kira's answer pointing to the front with voice remains. -

- Maybe like those there?

Looking back at the same time Peter and Yener were petrified to discover a forest of huge necks whose comparatively small heads hung a dozen meters from the ground. Under them some huge quadrupedal corpachones whose powerful legs, like columns thundered the ground at every step. The three boys began to tremble as if it were an earthquake.

- Now I understand how the ground is that sunk! - Exclaimed Peter-

- And both, - kira replied, visibly impressed too - by its appearance resemble the species known as Brachiosaur. The Allosaur we saw before looks like a lizard compared to them.

"Impressive," admitted Yener in turn, "not even in the Megaleague have I seen such great players.

"We'd better step aside," kira, visibly concerned, recommended. -

- Nothing happens - I replenish the yumlaincer after observing a few moments of those giants eating grass and grazing in some trees that sometimes felled carelessly as if they were chopsticks, - they are herbivores, they will have no interest in us.

-- That's precisely why-she objected very perceptively. - I think they come here and they won't mind stepping on us.

Ok, you're right about that. - Admitted the yumlaiancer  with somewhat envarado gesture and tone. -

- You have to find a high place! - Recommended Peter urgently. -

Agreeing to it they ran towards a rocky promontory that would give them a security of a few meters, yet Yener stated with little optimism.

- You could stop by if you wanted to.

- Then let's pray because they don't want to - Peter replied between sarcastic and worried. -

"I don't think that's going to be our main problem," Yener said, using his gun pointing behind his back. - Look!

Behind them a group of bipedal saurians about three meters high and heads well endowed with powerful jaws approached at a more than remarkable speed. Its legs ended in sharp claws.

- Damn it! We have been caught off guard! - He shouted Peter giving instructions to the others. - Let's form a circle and shoot them with the paralyzers.

Yener and Kira accepted the suggestion to the point and already lying on the ground and pointing their weapons at those animals waited for them to be shot. But to their surprise and relief those monsters did not seem to pay attention to them at all, their eyes were surely directed towards the herd of Brachiosarus, more specifically to some young that walked in the center. Their parents, alerted by the presence of predators, closed ranks trying to cut off their enemies who were trying to sneak through any loophole. Two of them jumped into the rump of an adult Brachiosaur who shook one like a baseball by hitting him with his huge tail and throwing him tens of meters. The boys watched that fight with their mouths open.

- It's Awesome!, a group of Carnotauros attacking their prey. - Peter described it as if it were a reportage. -

- Well, they're clear about it! - predicted Yener. - For us they are terrible beasts but a Brachiosaur of those will take them off as if they were flies.

-- I wouldn't want to be in the middle," Kira added in relief. - Thank goodness we have been ignored.

- Compared to one of those huge critters we are a despicable target. - I replenish Yener adding with sharpness. - As far as I can tell in them, their instinct is focused on hunting one of those huge animals, and they do it in a group. That is why we are not interested in them. Although if they can't shoot down any of those moles that could change. We had better stay on the back.

- I agree on that, we have to find a sheltered place to camp and try to rebuild a radio. - Kira seconded worried about that same possibility -.

They rushed before the battle was decided one way or the other. After a few hundred meters through some large ferns they found accommodation in a grotto that was previously recognized with the group's lanterns and Yener's techniques. Once they discarded any danger they penetrated into the interior. The place had a small hole with which to access the roof which suited them greatly to install the antenna of the emitter.

- Now we just have to get the radio set up - Yener told them in an animated tone. -

"Which is not going to be an easy task," Peter reminded him. -

- Come now, don't be spoilers! - reproached him for Yumlaiance in turn. - With our knowledge and what we have managed to rescue we have many possibilities.

- It may be, but we will have to act quickly because we must have a few hours of good light and if we turn on the flashlights we could attract the attention of any animal nearby. - Kira warned them with his usual good judgment. -

Everyone agreed with that suggestion and proceeded to put together the necessary components. It had a ship's motherboard, somewhat damaged, but fortunately not in the essentials and other parts that, along with the manual transmitter that Yener and the boys carried, provided them with a receiver transmitter. With one of the weapons they obtained energy to transmit by using their laser generator as batteries. All that remained was to place the portable antenna at an appropriate height for the signal to leave the planet.

- You will have to climb to the top of this cavern and place the antenna, - Yener indicated that he offered at the same time for it. - I can do it.

- Need help? - offered him in solidarity Peter. -

- It wouldn't hurt if you covered me in case any of those bugs saw me as a snack thank you. - He smiled. -

Said and done, Yener climbed with the antenna to install it and meanwhile Peter and Kira watched over him with weapons, ready to intervene. And as it could not be otherwise was Yener finishing installing the communication system when a large wingsed beast recognizable as a Pteranodon approached him trying to catch him.

- For Kail! That monster reminds me of a Kran from the stories of the master Huron Trusted. - The astonished and intimidated boy exclaimed. -

              And it was no wonder. That beast could be anyone's nightmare. Almost that made those mythical flying monsters of legends look like little birds! It had a tremendous wingspan. Maybe at least seven of the meters that omega's used. And the head topped in a huge peak, was as big as a man's. Throwing himself on the ground Yener managed to dodge the first rush, Peter came to her aid, fired his laser, but failed. Fortunately it was Kira who obtained the most success by hitting that huge animal on one of its wings. The Pteranodon frightened by that unexpected attack went back to flight with a squawk of frustration, getting lost among the nearby trees.

- Thank goodness! - sighed Yener as soon as he met them. - Thanks for your support, guys!

- It was nothing - smiled Kira. - Hopefully you will soon hear our signal! - He added with the fervent wish that it would be so. -

- And let me say it, I'm really looking forward to leaving this planet. It is beautiful to visit, but not to live, what is more, despite the lush landscape, I will not recommend it as a holiday destination. - Commented Peter showing a sporting sense of humor. -

     While the one from Yumlaiance had placed the antenna and were able to start transmitting.

- We can only wait for them to get the message - Yener said calmly. -

-And rest as much as we can. - Sighed Kira who was already exhausted. -

Her classmates nodded and allowed her to go to sleep. Peter offered to keep an eye on the first one. Yener would do the second shift of surveillance.

-This must be common in all military trainings of the cosmos. - Yumlaiance's smiled. -

That's right, we had to do a lot of guards during our cadet days. - Peter told him. –

-Well, good guard, I will relieve you in about two of your hours. - Yener told him. –

Peter nodded and Yumlaiance's and Kira went to sleep. After gathering some wood and plant remains the boy lit a fire.

-Surely no animal will approach the flames, their instinct will keep them apart. - It was said. –

So a few minutes passed. After an hour he kept up, although exhaustion was gradually gaining ground. He watched his companions sleep.

-A cup of hot coffee would help, too bad not to have it. - Sighed. –

And he couldn't afford to falter. Outside you could hear all kinds of noises, something similar to gurgling, some roar, other times they seemed like sounds similar to those of crickets. In any case, they sounded at a distance enough not to fret, but you could never be entirely sure. He had to shake his head a little because the sopor was becoming more and more frequent.

I only have about twenty minutes left. I can't falter now. - He harangued. –

He began to walk back and forth in that small space, scrutinizing the roof of the cave in case there was any other danger. Except for insects and the occasional spider that weren't exactly nice, he didn't see anything that worried him. At last time passed and he went to wake up Yener. He did somewhat the tow, but once he opened his eyes he realized where he was.

-Your turn. - His partner told him. –

"I was dreaming about my house. - He revealed it to him. - My mother was going to prepare some sweets for me...

I see that we are not so different. – His interlocutor smiled. -

Yener returned the smile letting that boy lie down to sleep. He felt much more rested now.

- Who could have anticipated this? - Asked. – So far from home and with this responsibility.

And the truth was that that trip with those two guys had not disappointed him at all, he wanted adventures and there he had them. Although it had to be admitted that he would almost rather be fighting for his life against these prehistoric animals than face what awaited him in his new position.  Not to mention the more than certain reprimand with which Commodious Cresat would give him on his return.

-If we come back. "He thought"

          Then there was the thought of his home, family and friends in Yumlaiance. He no longer wanted to see them just to congratulate him and make them proud. The only thing he cared about at the time was simply being able to see them again.

-For that it will be better that you do not mislead me. Or I'll end up in the belly of one of those critters along with my new friends. - It was said. -

           And those two guys liked him very well. They were courageous, well prepared and knew how to work as a team.

-Omega's interstellar police are very well trained. And I'm going to show you that the officers and the officers, especially if they're warrior monks from Somer, aren't far behind. - It was harangued. -

            So it sharpened his senses, he could perceive many forms of animal life, some hostile, but fearful of the bonfire. Yener fed her some branches of plants that she could find near the entrance of the cave.  He didn't venture too far beyond there as he could feel the presence of terrible predators who would wipe him out in a moment if he put himself within his reach.

- I hope they don't think of peeking out their snouts in here! - Wanted. -

           Fortunately everything was quiet for the next hour and when he wanted to realize it he saw Kira standing next to him.

-Rest a little. - He suggested her kindly. -

- Are you okay? - Wanted to know him. -

Yes, I have been able to regain strength. - The young woman smiled. -

          Yener nodded, considering the telepathic skills of that girl, it was best to let her sleep those four hours in a row, her perceptions that way would be much more sharpened. Now it was he who tumbled to rest. Soon the dream came to a long way. Kira sighed.

I hope we come out of this with good, at least I have a good feeling.

She herself feared these waves of intuition that, many times, clearly revealed what was going to happen. Sometimes I could do something about it, but most of the time I was still a mere spectator.

Something tells me that soon we will be helped. - I thought now visibly comforted. -

        So it was, during Kira's guard she received a signal from space, luckily this seemed to increase in intensity and finally managed to hear it carefully, ran to wake up the others. While it was heard.

- Here cruise Omega's Hummingbird. Do they receive us? Please tell us your position so that we can specify the one that the yumlaincer have indicated to us and go and pick them up.

- We must increase the power of the emission, Yener advised while yawning. - Let them know where to turn.

-- All right-nodded Peter letting more energy out of his gun. -

At the moment and to their contentment they got an answer.

- We get them more clearly. Let's go there. Estimated time of arrival two minutes.

- Let's pick things up and go out into the open field so they can transport us without interference," Kira recommended. -

They did it to the point and soon they could see that ship a few hundred meters above their heads, but not only did they see that, they also saw that, in addition to two huge bipedal saurians, (again!) and by the desire with which they ran towards them, carnivores and hungry, threatened them.

- They are the bugs of the beginning; dammit! - spat Yener. - Right now they decide to come and say goodbye.

- Alosauros and wanting to have dinner! I don't think they want to let us go for good. - Kira said with manifest concern. -

"We have to hold them until they fix our position with the conveyor beam," Peter said. -

- Ok, I'm taking care of that," Yener said pointing at the ground. -

- But what do you do? So you will give on the ground, Kira warned him. -

-- He answered this shooting into the undergrowth, which sparked a good fire. - That will scare you. But it must burn even more...

- Maybe if I entertain you a little- kira proposed by firing her gun at the two animals. -

The allosaurs were momentarily paralyzed as the flames leveled up and spread among the boys and animals. But they recovered right away and even managed to surround them.

They are not stupid at all. - Peter admitted to his regret. -

- They must be very hungry to risk crossing the fire - declared the yumlaincer. - We're going to have to shoot at them.

Yener and Kira targeted one at each animal. Those huge dinosaurs were only about twenty feet away and approaching. The young woman's paralyzer was barely able to keep one of those critters motionless for a few seconds.

-It is not designed for an animal of such size and body mass, so the effect is very limited. - She declared with horror. –

Neither was Yener's weapon capable of killing the other, although it was capable of injuring him, but that, far from representing a relief, contributed to infuriate that huge dinosaur even more. Peter wanted to help his teammates by shooting in turn, but his gun was practically unloaded after having given up almost all of his energy for the transmission.

- We are lost! - Omega's exclaimed. - If they don't fix us and transport us already.

-I can try to block the instincts of one of them, the one who is not hurt. - Offered Yener, indicating the girl. - You paralyze the other as much as you can, Kira. –

The questioner obeyed by shooting the animal of the two that was more aggressive. Yener in turn managed to project his discipline of animal control onto the other Alosaur, making his primitive brain believe that they were not an appetizing food. At least for a few minutes that would work, but would it be enough?

I won't be able to control it for much longer. - Admitted the restless yumlaincer. - You are too hungry.

This other one will not be paralyzed for more than a moment. - Kira replied. –

Both animals were already barely ten meters from them. Yener's discipline lost power almost at the same time that the paralyzer of the girl was exhausted and with Peter's weapon already unloaded they could only ask for a miracle and luckily for the group this materialized, when finally the ship had them fixed in a luminous beam and proceeded to transport them leaving the two reptiles with a span of noses. If that expression could be applied to them. When the scare was over, the three of them found themselves on board and discovered Commander Graham.

- I'm glad to see you, guys- smiled this visibly relieved, so much so that he even allowed himself the luxury of joking with derision. - I see that you have not been bored in your visit!

- Of course not, my commander. - Peter responded by fitting the comment with the same good humor, which precisely gave him the relief of being safe. -

- We were narrowly unharmed, largely thanks to Yener. - Kira added with recognition. -

- It was a joint effort- he modestly refuted adding with more carefree. - Now I just want to be back to the boring routine.

That made his contertulios laugh, the truth is that it could not be more sincere, fearing for sure the anger that would fall on the part of Commodor Cresat. Although I would take it for good use. In fact, this experience had made him learn many things about his omega friends and also about himself. For starters, you should be much more cautious and listen to those who had the most experience.

-Well, I'm used to master Azor and his way of teaching me, he always lets me make a mistake first, realize it and then make me reflect. Although of course, a mistake on that planet and would have ended up becoming food for lizards. - He said he was relieved now that this had not been the case. -

- All right, we're heading to Omega-agreed Graham in the meantime. -

- Do you know where my cruises are? - He wanted to know the boy, remembering that two ships in his fleet had been escorting them to the limits of the system. -

-When they lost your signal they called us. They had orders not to go into the system. - The commander explained. -

"It's true, I gave it to him." -

That would serve as a lesson to him. He had been so pleased with himself for having that commanding ability that he forgot to give more precise instructions. Luckily the commander of the ship who contacted him immediately alerted Cresat asking for instructions when he could not locate him. The Commodus immediately informed Omega and they sent the Hummingbird that he had no problem detecting his rough radio signals. I was thinking about that when a broadcast came along. It was Colonel Larans.

-Go ahead, Colonel. - Graham greeted him giving way to the image of him on the ship's center screen. -

- Are they all ok? - The officer was immediately interested. -

Yes, sir. - Peter replied. -

When they arrive I expect a full report, Lieutenant. - He answered this one just concealing his relief. -

Yes, my colonel. - He just answered this one. -

- How are you, Mr. Ambassador? - Pierre was then interested, turning his attention to the yumlaincer. -

Perfectly, Colonel, thank you very much. - Answered this one. -

I have a message for you, from Commodor Cresat, who has asked me to come and see you as soon as I arrive. - His interlocutor transferred him. -

I will do so, thank you very much for your information. -

-Good trip, Larans out. - He said goodbye to this cutting off communication. -

Yener gave a long sigh, that confirmed his worst fears, you could already imagine what was going to fall on his arrival. Although better not to think about that for now but about all the valuable lessons I had learned.

-I will have to bear the cost of my actions. - The young man thought with resignation. -

So they came home. Although in his favor for Peter and Kira it was recorded that this arrogant officer was truly competent. They said so when they were resting in a cabin on the ship.

I think he is a good person and legit. He genuinely cared about us. - Kira commented. -

-Well, wiout doubting what you say, that was normal, in such a case, of extreme survival, I think that even the consul of Cassiopeia would have cared about our well-being, for the account that he would have had! Unity makes strength. - Peter laugh. -

I understand what you mean, but this goes further. He considers us his friends. - Kira exposed him. -

In that case, I think it should be something reciprocal. - His partner declared. -

His interlocutor nodded, glad he thought so. Of course it was a matter of fate that the mission was signed up at such a late hour. What would have happened if he wasn't there? Well, he shouldn't underestimate his own abilities either, but in any case his help had been very important and that created a reinforced bond of friendship between the three of them. Things would now be much smoother for everyone. On the other hand, and although they evidently could not know it yet, during the absence of the boys there had been news in Omega that commander Gordon let them know when he called the two of them to his control room. Upon entering he indicated them.

-Sit down guys, I have something important to tell you.

Peter and Kira looked at each other and obeyed each other, the girl didn't even have to bother probing Commander Stevens. He himself immediately went on to inform them of events that had just happened that could greatly affect the new political relations between the planets.

**ESPAÑOL**

**NEXT**

**STORIES**