They hurried to the Dauntless Spirit’s shuttle station, experiencing no further resistance while on their way there. Vadir suspected many of those trapped on board had perished in the initial crash. Or worse they are being converted and we're not even considered a major threat. That wouldn’t be a surprise but it just means when they do come for us it will be in force.

It had taken some time for Vadir to get things up and running. He had two hawks on his shoulder both more curious than offering assistance. One of the engineers, Mason, looked back at Captain Miller. "Why do you even need us? When he can just interface with this stuff."

"Consider it hands-on experience," Miller said as the shuttle lurched forward, grinding along the rail.

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

"That thing you just did with the glowing veins. What is that?" Webber asked.

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

"Can all of you do that?" Mason asked.

"Most of us can do a simple trace. Anything more takes practice. There are some far more skilled than I."

"How do you mean?" Webber asked, cocking his head.

"Well, this power can manifest in different ways. It can help you lift stuff, move faster, and even think faster. But it has its limits."

"How so?" Jackson asked.

"Too much channelling of the Aether can have long-term negative effects on the mind. Nothing for you to worry about though. It shouldn't take too much longer for us to reach Med Bay. That's if the rail is still intact. It's a miracle the ship isn't more damaged."

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

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

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

The whispering sounds of low growls set him on edge as the first Mortan clambered into the tight space. He had on instinct raised his weapon to shoot it when something climbing in from his right side grabbed the barrel and pointed it up in the air. A spray of plasma painted the ceiling and he clenched his free hand, focusing his power into his fist he drove it at the head of the other attacker and they soon bounced back against the wall. He tried to aim again but another Mortan appeared right in front of him and pushed the rifle up against his chest. Where are they coming from? Vadir released another powerful punch. The psionic energy lifted the creature off its feet before allowing it to hit the ground. From his left side, his arm was grabbed and held back as the Mortan on his right did the same, stopping him from engaging them normally. He tried to struggle free but saw two more Mortans enter the tram. Their combined strength pushed him to his knees and one of those Mortans soon loomed over him. At the end of its arm was a sharp point. An injection tendril. I can’t become like them. I can’t - He could do nothing as his head was pulled back and the sharp point entered his neck. Whatever the fluid was, it blurred his vision because before passing out he saw the Mortans for who they really are… The Welcome Wagon? Then that means…

Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

----------------------------------------

“Welcome back,” Gregory said beside him.

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

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

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

“Is that so,” said Mason. “You went to shoot us and we had to think fast to avoid any real casualties.”

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

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

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

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

“Not sure, it’s all kind of fuzzy. I saw what it wanted me to see. Speaking of - where is Captain Miller?” Vadir said, trying to sit up.

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

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

“Then they are in more danger than they know. If it got in my head. Just think about what it can do to you.”

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

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

“What do you mean by that?” Mason asked.

“Dream walking. It’s a rare practice for some of my people.”

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

Vadir couldn’t bring himself to lie to them. “No.”

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

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

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

----------------------------------------

The Captain’s radio crackled into life and shattered the silence. The rest of the Wagon paused as he answered, “This is Miller, I read you.”

“Gregory here. Vadir is well but we may have a new problem.”

“Well don’t keep us waiting, what made him attack us like that?”

“Something got inside his head. He’s not sure what but he’s worried it could go after you.”

Miller signalled for the others to continue walking. “Noted, appreciate the warning. We’re not far off where the Captain is.”

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

“How would he do that?” Miller asked.

“It sounds daft but he calls it, dream walking.”

“At this point, nothing about him surprises me anymore. We’ll let you know -”

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

“We’ll be in touch, Gregory. We just made contact.”