The Drones' ship hovered passed Fernando's hut and landed behind the mine. Fernando and Flopsy had just arrived at their hut after witnessing the Drone ship flying by. Fernando immediately ran into the hut and searched for the Mine Key.
Damn it! Where is it? Fernando screamed.
He ran into the corner and frantically dug through the pile of Specialist Porn Magazines until he found the Mine Key hidden underneath his human porn edition.
Ah! There it is!
He quickly grabbed the key and headed for the mine. Juno was already hiding behind nearby bushes spying on the mole brother. Juno watched Fernando run toward the mine's door. Fernando inserted the Mine Key into a tiny opening in the rocky wall adjacent to the door. There were a few high-pitched beeps coming from the door and a computerized voice soon responded.
Mine Key confirmed. Opening shaft.
C'mon Flopsy! Fernando ordered his pet dog.
The door slid open as Fernando and Flopsy hurried inside. Juno surmised that was where he'll find out more on what really happened with Barry.
Vela said there was a Tribal Transformation Pad in there, Juno said to himself, If I can get to that pad, Fernando won't expect me to be a Gemini, and then I could find out what he knows about Barry.
Juno ran from the bushes and entered the mine before the door closed. The inside of the mine was dark, damp, and gloomy, but Juno was still determined to get to the bottom of the case. Fernando and Flopsy were already gone. Juno had no one to follow. He gazed around his surroundings, but there wasn't much to tell him where to go.
Juno guessed, looks like I'm on my own this time. I hope I'm not too late.
Juno withdrew his Pistol and proceeded forward down the corridor.
Vela was not too far behind; even though, she arrived at the mole's hut minutes later than Fernando. She observed the area and did not notice anything peculiar. Vela walked over to the hut and pounded on the wall.
Fernando! Hey! Come out, now! I got to talk to you!
There was no answer. Vela walked in anyway. She was nearly overwhelmed by the devastating mess of magazines covering the floor. She picked one up and turned it onto its cover. Printed on the cover was a female teenage Tribal in a two-piece bikini lying on a beach.
Vela exclaimed.
She threw down the porno magazine and walked back outside. Vela carefully observed the ground and noticed shoeprints in the dirt. She approached the shoeprints and closely examined the design of the shoe. She recognized the Jet Force insignia on it and glared at it. She knew Juno came by. Vela followed the shoeprints to the mine's door.
she sighed, why are doing this?
She took out the mine key that Fernando had given her a year ago and inserted the key into the same tiny opening in the wall.
Mine Key confirmed, the computerized voice spoke again, Opening shaft.
The door opened up and Vela walked inside the mine. She found nothing but darkness dwelling in the corners and water dampening the floors. She continued forward in search of Juno.
Juno was lost in the mines. He didn't know which way to go. The elevators confused him even more. He didn't know which floor he was on, nor did he remember which way he came. Still, he progressed through the mine in search of Fernando. The room Juno found himself in was very huge. He stood on a rocky platform high above a darkened abyss. Juno swallowed his fear and kept progressing. Thanks to his luck, he found a pad marked with the image of a Tribal.
That must be it! Juno confirmed. That must be the Tribal Transformation Pad.
Juno stepped on the pad and relaxed his body. Slowly, his body began floating into the air. Sparkles of light circled his body. Juno closed his eyes and remained relaxed. Juno stopped floating when he reached five feet above the pad. A majestic light glowed from Juno's body and illuminated the entire room. For a brief second, the room was covered in nothing but bright white light. Afterwards, the light dimmed and Juno was being lowered back onto the pad. Juno opened his eyes and examined his body, which was then covered with white fur. His fingers and toes possessed pointy claws. The clothes he wore were then merely a pair of green shorts and a brown overcoat.
It worked. Juno verified. I'm a Tribal now. Now let's see if I can find Fernando.
Suddenly, Juno's big Tribal ears heard a faint sound that he couldn't hear in his human form. The sound reminded him of a pickaxe being hammered into a rock. Juno quickly turned his head behind him toward the source of the sound, but he nearly tumbled over due to the extra weight of his head. Juno braced himself against the wall and tried to catch his breath.
I'll have to get used to that, he joked.
Juno ran for the source of the sound. He knew he was on the right track, as the sound was getting louder. Eventually, he began hearing more than one banging noise coming from the same direction. Minutes passed before Juno finally arrived one room before the source of the sounds. Juno carefully sneaked into the next room. He saw up to forty Tribals performing manual labor under the supervision of Drones. The Drones were armed with simple handguns, but the Tribals had nothing to oppose the Drones. The Tribals' age levels ranged from around eight years to fifty years. Juno couldn't believe what he was witnessing.
I thought we abolished all Tribal slavery when we rescued the Tribals and defeated Mizar. Juno pondered for a while, but the idea hits him quickly. Wait. Weren't there some Tribals who were kidnapped when Mizar struck again? These must be them.
Hey, you! a Drone caught Juno from behind.
Juno turned around, but he was caught completely off guard. Juno decided not to retaliate until the element of surprise was his again.
What do you think you're doing? the Drone asked. Get your ass back to work!
The Drone shoved Juno with the gun. Juno staggered, but easily regained his balance. Juno answered, Yes sir.
Juno walked over to the wall and picked up a nearby pickaxe. He pretended to work hard picking at the wall. The other Tribals were doing the task assigned to them. One third of the Tribals axed the walls for more Blue Gems. When enough Blue Gems were found, another third of the Tribals accumulated the Gems into small mine carts. The last third of the Tribals pushed the mine carts out of the room and emptied the carts elsewhere. Juno watched the dreadful scene of Tribal slavery and hoped there was a way to free the Tribals from the Drones. Juno also noticed another mole brother in the corner. The mole brother was sitting on a rock gazing into the porno magazine in his hand. Two Drones carried a teenage male Tribal over to the mole brother. The Drones threw the Tribal onto the floor. The boy was crying, dirty, bruised, and tired.
one Drone addressed the mole, This dirty little Tribal was caught trying to escape.
MC peered down on the Tribal. damn! It's a boy.
The Drones raised an eyebrow.
Well you said dirty little Tribal!
the same Drone addressed MC, I did not mean dirty as in a person of immoral sexual behavior. I meant dirty as in covered in soot.
Hey, both ways could've been real good, know what I'm sayin'?
Honestly sir, I believe you spend more time in those porno mags than your brother.
Ferny? Well, I wouldn't if he just share them with us some time.
Sir, before I am disgusted any further, what should we do with the Tribal?
Tried to escape, eh? He crossed his legs and read the magazine again. Kill im for all I care.
Understood, sir. The Drones began to carry the Tribal off, but then a voice boomed into the room.
Fishface screamed. The Drones stopped and Fishface snatched the porno magazine from MC's hands.
Say, man! MC exclaimed. What're you doin'!
First, I'm getting rid of your sick little pervert magazine!
But, that's really Ferny's magazine.
I don't give a damn! Neither one of you should be looking at this shit! The second thing is to remind you that Moyer wanted the Tribals alive!
Ah, c'mon. Don't you wanna have some fun?
Fishface smacked MC on the backside of his head.
MC screamed. What was that for?
To knock some sense into your head! We need these Tribals in order to keep business going. Do you want to go out of business?
Alright. Alright. Fine.
Good. You two, Fishface ordered the Drones, Get that Tribal back to work.
Yes sir, the Drones saluted.
Juno thought, they are the Drones' true commanders. But, I thought we destroyed every last one of those Drones. How come they're back?
Fishface walked away and MC reached behind the rock to pull out another porno magazine. He opened it up and returned to his pornographic paradise.
Juno murmured.
Fernando walked into the room looking rather sad. Anyone seen that Juno guy yet?
Fishface responded. Moyer's gonna be mad that you didn't kill him.
I know, I know.
MC started, You said Vela's here too, right?
Yeah, so?
Well, I wouldn't mind seeing her again. What do you guys say? Anyone up for a quick bang up on Vela?
Juno quickly turned around and glared at the mole while at the same time Fishface and Fernando screamed, Shut up, MC!
MC reacted.
Fernando began, I don't know about you guys, but I'm scared of Vela.
the other two moles grew curious.
I mean, yeah she's fine and everything, but it's just the way she frowns. It's like she's mad as hell and ready to go postal on the next person that messes with her.
Fishface replied, You're just a punk. That's why Juno's still alive out there somewhere. But, me I'm not scared of Vela. Sure she has a sexy body and heavy arsenal, but when you get right down to it she's just some little bitch in tight clothing. She shouldn't be a big threat to us. Let's not forget that she got her most powerful weapon from me! As a matter of fact, she owes me for letting her have that Tri Rocket Launcher. She even came bawling to me with her measly three gold bricks wanting me to give her that weapon.
But, that's how much you were selling it for.
Never mind that. In any case, Vela can't do anything to us; especially sense she has no clue where we are. What can she possibly do?
First I'll blast you with your measly' three gold brick worth gun, Vela's voice yelled from directly behind Fishface, then, I'll blast all of you with machine gun Fishface's eyes widened. Then, I'll chop all of these Drones' heads off and rescue the Tribals! Now what?
Fishface turned around only to see the barrel of a Tri Rocket Launcher pointed directly at his face. Vela had her grip firmly on the weapon. Fernando was backing up while MC stood up shocked.
MC wondered, But how'd you get in here?
she answered, Fernando gave me the mine key a long time ago.
Fishface turned to his brother, You told us all those Tribals escaped!
Fernando tried to laugh, you see Vela gave me a Specialist Magazine, and I repaid her with a copy of the mine key. Pretty funny, eh?
You idiot! This is all your fault!
Vela interrupted, and did I mention that I hate being called a little bitch?
So, what is it you want? Barry's not here if you're looking for him.
No, but his Drones are. So, there may be some truth to what Juno said, but I'm not buyin' it until I see Barry himself. Start talkin'. Where's Barry?
Fishface ordered, We got a situation here!
The Drones swarmed around Vela and pointed their guns at her. Vela looked around, but she couldn't keep an eye on all of them at once.
What are you waiting for? Fishface demanded. Kill her, now!
Yes sir! the Drones confirmed.
Not so fast! Juno pointed his Machine Gun at the Drones.
The Drones turned around to see one of the Tribals with a Machine Gun pointed at them. What the Hell?
What the? Fishface yelled. I thought we told you Drones to inspect all Tribals for any weapons!
I'm not a Tribal! Juno explained, I'm Juno of Jet Force! I'm placing all of you under arrest! Tell your Drones to back off!
Vela looked at the Tribal.
Yeah, it's me, Vela. Don't worry. I found that Tribal Transformation Pad you were talking about. Now let's show them what happens when they mess with Jet Force.
Got ya, Juno!
I don't think so! Fishface assumed. You're still outnumbered at a ten to one ratio! Drones, get them!
The Drones fired their guns at Juno and Vela. Vela ducked beneath the Drones' aim and rolled underneath one of the Drones. Juno jumped out of the way and fired his Machine Gun at the Drones that attacked him. Most of Juno's Drones were destroyed while the Drones that survived prepared to fire again. Vela's Drones prepared to fire at her, but Vela leapt into the air and shot her Tri Rocket Launcher at the Drones. The explosion blew up all but three Drones. Rainbow colored blood spewed in all directions.
Taste the rainbow! Vela joked.
The Tribals were frightened and ran away in random directions. Vela landed on the ground and pointed her gun at the last three of her Drones. The Drones threw their guns away and held up their arms.
Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii give up! one Drone yelled.
I was only doing my job, another Drone explained.
I don't like this anymore! the third drone exclaimed.
You cowards! Fishface yelled.
Juno's Drones tried to charge at him, but Juno still fired his Machine Gun. The Drones were defeated easily. Juno thrusted his Machine Gun at the moles. It's all over, Mole brothers!
That's right, Vela verified. Give it up!
Hold up! MC suggested, Can't we make a deal here?
Hell no! Vela responded.
C'mon, Vela. A hot little girl shouldn't be caught up in all this police work.
Vela glared at MC as he was beginning to approach her. Stay away from me.
C'mon, Vela, MC flirted. I know you don't like it here. Especially with your brother, now c'mon. MC was right in front of Vela. You can either waste your time bein' a Gemini or you can come with me and we'll have a great time together. C'mon, whataya say?
Vela still glared at him, but MC held his sly smile. In a few seconds, Vela developed a sly smile on her face too.
MC began to stroke Vela's cheek, That's what I'm talkin' abou-
MC humped over from sudden extreme pain. His eyes bulked from their sockets. He couldn't breathe. His brothers jumped in surprise. The Drones leaned back. Juno turned his head around and covered his eyes. Vela still had her sly smile on her face. MC hacked as he tried to move, but couldn't.
b bu- MC breathed.
It's for your own good. Vela spoke to him. She then removed her foot from his crotch and watched MC tumble over on the ground.
the Drones said.
Anyone else wanna try me? Vela randomly pointed her gun at the Drones and the moles.
The moles and Drones were scared stiff, but someone did respond.
I'll be glad to try you, Moyer's voice entered the room.
Vela and Juno said simultaneously.
On the other side of the room was Moyer coming in dragging something behind him. Vela pointed her Tri Rocket Launcher at Moyer while Juno kept his Machine Gun aimed at the Drones and the moles. As Moyer came into the light, Vela was surprised.
What? Another mole brother?
That's right, Moyer confirmed, I'm another mole brother.
Moyer continued walking into the room. In his hand was a Tribal tied up in rope.
That's Barry! Juno screamed recognizing the Tribal.
Barry was out cold. His body was dragged along the rocky floor. Moyer had no care of Barry's condition.
So, you're the one behind all this! Vela declared, Stop right now and release Barry!
Moyer proceeded to the center of the room and stopped. He took a bow and smiled.
Welcome, Jet Force. Welcome. I am Moyer and I am the one who runs the Mole Brothers' Mining Business. I am the eldest of my siblings and I. It does me great pleasure to finally meet you.
Cut the crap! Vela demanded.
Oh dear. Did I upset you? I'm sorry. You know, I'm quite amazed that you guys actually believed Barry's story. I didn't think anyone would have the care to believe an ex-tyrant let alone such a ridiculous story. I was certain my prosecution was perfect since Barry was found guilty.
Vela wondered why the mole was beginning to look familiar. Wait! You're the mole who prosecuted Barry!
Juno bulked his eyes, but then he glanced at Moyer and recognized him too. He sure is!
Moyer affirmed, I knew it wouldn't be long before you guys recognized me.
Vela growled and aimed her gun at Moyer. Drop Barry and remove any weapons you have, now!
Well, I would, but I don't want to upset my little friend.
Little friend? What little friend?
Moyer grinned evilly and laughed under his breath. Vela and Juno still held their weapons at their targets. Vela still wondered what Moyer meant. She did not notice anything until a speeding bullet knocked her gun away from her hands.
Vela screamed.
Juno looked back. Suddenly, his gun was shot out of his hands as well.
The Gemini siblings turned around to the source of the shots and found a flying android there. Its propeller on top, its frowning eyes, and its gun barrels directly beneath its eyes easily made it easy to recognize the android.
Vela and Juno presumed.
Floyd responded,
Vela and Juno immediately reached into their pockets for their Pistols and aimed their guns at Floyd. However, as soon as Juno and Vela had their guns, they each heard multiple Tri Rocket Launchers being reloaded. They turned their heads around and saw each mole brother with a Tri Rocket Launcher pointed at them, even MC who was still on the floor comforting the pain.
I suggest you drop your weapons, Geminis, Moyer anticipated.
Vela and Juno did not have a choice. They dropped their Pistols and raised their arms into the air. Moyer motioned Juno to step over to Vela. The moles had Juno and Vela in one spot so they may keep an eye on them. MC got to his feet and limped over to Fishface and Fernando.
Moyer gratified, but we better search them and take all of their other weapons away.
I got Vela! claimed all three of the other moles. The three then glared at each other.
Whataya mean you get Vela? MC yelled. I get Vela!
Yeah right, Fernando joked, I'd love to see you get kicked in the nuts again. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Fishface explicated, you two are so perverted that you don't even deserve a chance to search Vela!
MC turned to Fishface, And what makes you so perfect to be able to search Vela?
Because I'm not perverted like you two losers!
Admit it! You're in it for the lust just like we are!
No I'm not!
Yes you are!
While they bickered, Vela was trying to inconspicuously reach for another weapon in her uniform. Her hand almost got to her pocket, but Floyd flew closer to her.
she swore and raised her arm again.
Moyer couldn't take any more ignorance. Shut up, all of you!
The three moles looked at Moyer.
I'll search Vela! Moyer finished their argument. You idiots will search Juno.
Fernando declared, That's not fair! How come you get Vela?
First of all, I don't care for girls. Second of all, you idiots can't be trusted to find every weapon she has because you'll be distracted trying to enjoy yourselves. Now search Juno!
The three younger brothers hung their hands and arms down in depression. They whimpered to themselves as they walked over towards Juno. Moyer shook his head in shame.
A little later in the same room, Vela and Juno were tied up together. They sat on the floor with their backs against each other. Their weapons were laid in a corner of the room. Barry was on the floor next to Vela and Juno. He was regaining conciousness. Soon, the Tribals were being brought back into the same room by the Drones. The last pair of Tribals were escorted passed Moyer.
"Is that all of the Tribals?" Moyer asked the Drones.
"That's all of them." the Drone answered.
"Excellent. I'm going to tell the other Drones to commence with Operation Avalanche."
"Understood sir."
"Do you remember your stations?"
"Yes, sir. We have not forgotten."
"Good. You may proceed."
"Thank you sir."
"Yeah, whatever."
Vela and Juno looked confused as they tried to figure out what Moyer meant by Operation Avalanche. Barry tried to sit up straight, but the sound of a computer beep warned Barry not to make sudden movements. Barry looked up to see Floyd aiming his gun barrels at him.
"Floyd?" Barry asked.
"I-am-not-Floyd."
"What? Floyd, don't you remember me?"
"There's no use for that," Moyer boasted, "He won't remember you."
"What did you do to Floyd?" Barry asked.
"It's very simple. I found Floyd's body parts in space and decided to rebuild him. Improvements were made to ensure loyalty to me. Unlike your careless actions, I've blocked Floyd's personality. He will only respond to either my voice, or this remote control that I've created." Moyer reached into his pocket and pulled out a small controller the size of his palm. "See? This thing will let me control Floyd from a distance... just like I did Mizar."
Vela and Juno perked their heads up at Moyer. They were at most surprised.
"You controlled Mizar by remote?" Vela screamed.
"That's right. I did. It was very easy as well." Moyer turned to the Fishface. "Fishface, go order the other Drones to commence with Operation Avalanche."
"Sure thing, Moyer." Fishface affirmed and left.
"Just what is Operation Avalanche?" Juno asked.
"I may as well tell you," Moyer gloated, "It's not like you'll tell anyone about it. I was prepared if anyone found out about us so I've also designed power explosives in precise areas of the mine. I'm going to destroy this mine, you, the Tribals, and the Drones to make sure that no one can trace this back to us."
All of the Tribals gasped and grew more terrified than ever. Some Tribals searched around for any way to escape. Some found an exit within a few feet. They tried to run in that direction, but Floyd fired his shots directly in front the Tribals' feet. Floyd flew around in front of the Tribals and shoved them back with the others.
"You can't do this!" Juno protested. "Besides, I thought you needed the Tribals to keep your business running.!"
"I've already thought about that," Moyer explained. "There are more valuable gems located on Gem Quarry. There's also a much bigger mine there. Yes, it's already owned by some Tribals, but we'll fix that once we arrive there."
Vela was enraged at the information. "You bastard!"
"Bastard? Well, at least I'll be an alive bastard rather than a dead bitch."
"Stop calling me a bitch!" Vela screamed out the top of her lungs.
"Heh. It doesn't matter what you are. Floyd will remain here watching your every move. Don't dare to try anything if you want to live any longer."
"Moyer," Fishface returned, "the Drones are in their locations and are ready to activate the bombs."
"Great. Tell them to set it for ten minutes and I'll deactivate the Drones after the bombs are fused."
"Sure thing." Fishface left again.
"Good."
"Moyer," Barry got his words in, "I'll get you for this! I swear I'll get you for this!"
"That's a little unlikely, don't you think?"
"Someone will figure it out. After I die, someone will find out about it, and you'll be sorry then!"
"I really don't think so. My brain is superior to yours and anyone else. You were a fool, Barry. Your defeat was based on your failures. See how easily I am dealing with my problem, unlike you who let these same Geminis run freely to ruin your ideal. You see? I will not fail. My brothers and I will create a new business on Gem Quarry. There is nothing you can do about it. You have ten minutes left to think about that before you admit it to yourself. I'd prepare your farewells to each other if I were you. You are no longer a part of life."
"Alright, Moyer," Fishface came back in, "the bombs are activated but the Drones are trying to leave."
"Then that's my cue."
Moyer took out another remote control and pushed one of the buttons on it. Meanwhile, the Drones in multiple locations suddenly felt weak. They tried to keep progressing, but it was like tugging a boat that being loaded with cargo every second. After they couldn't step forward anymore, the Drones instantly fell down. They laid motionless on the floor as silent as dead bodies. Back in the room with Moyer, he was ready to leave with his brothers, but Barry got curious.
"Hey!" Barry asked, "Wait a minute. How can you deactivate Drones like that? They're bioandroids."
"Hmph," Moyer joked, "You fool. Haven't you realized by now that the Drones I've created are part machine? I wanted to have a bit more loyal subjects than the Drones you created. I heard about your Drones giving up when times were dire. Yes, I admit that my Drones have done the same thing, but they're part machine and not full machines. The flaw in them is the will to think for themselves. But Floyd here has no personality. He's far better than these pathetic Drones. Now if you'll excuse me, I must get out of here. Give my regards to Hell when you get there. Heh."
Moyer, MC, Fishface, Fernando, and Flopsy rushed out of the room as fast as they can. Barry lost all of the hope he had left. Vela struggled to break free from the rope, but she couldn't get free. Juno shut his eyes and clinched his teeth as he tried desperately to come up with a plan. The Tribals held each other closely and murmured things to each other. Time ran down and not one person knew of what to do.
"That was a piece o' cake, bro," MC gratified.
"Shut up," Moyer shot back, "and just head for the ship."
The mole brothers were exiting the mines. Lupus was hiding in some bushes as they came running by.
"I'm gonna miss Vela though," MC continued, "She was one fine-"
"Will you shut up already?" Moyer screamed. "We need to head back to the Drone ship and then ditch it!"
"Ditch it?"
"Yes. Do you wanna get caught in space? We're gonna ditch it next to our ship and fly outta here using our ship."
"Oh, okay."
The mole brothers continued in their direction, but Lupus heard everything they talked about when they passed him. He leapt from the bushes and headed into the mine while the door was still open.
Vela was tired of struggling and Juno had not thought of a plan yet. Barry was sitting up the best way he could. He looked around and saw no way of escaping. He saw the Tribals shivering in their clothes and Floyd watching all of them. Barry looked back at Vela. She looked angry as usual, but she didn't know what to do either. Suddenly, her frown dropped and her eyes closed.
"I'm sorry, guys," she said.
"Huh?" Juno and Barry perked their heads up at her.
"I was careless. I just kept believing Barry was guilty and didn't take things into precaution. This is my fault."
"No it isn't," Barry insisted. "Moyer had this whole thing planned from the time you defeated me."
"What?" the Geminis asked simultaneously.
"That's right. He told me his whole plan like some evil genius while I was in his ship. The moles' business was going down because they relied on the Tribals to do their dirty work. Once Vela came and rescued them, they didn't have anyone to do the work for them. Their business exponentially fell, but Moyer knew it would happen. He was already a lawyer by then, but he did own the family business. He planned to use Mizar as a cover up plan to kidnap more Tribals. So he rebuilt Mizar and the Drones. He managed to do all of this in a year. I can't believe he did. Since I was sentenced to Rith Essa, Fernando had a perfect watch over me. So Moyer planned to use me when the Mizar incident took place. They locked me up in Mizar and Moyer somehow controlled Mizar by remote. He seems to be better at mechanics than I am. I'll get him for that. He also planned this escape plan. He did this just in case anyone found out. He planned to destroy me, the Tribals, the Drones, all of his evidence, and the ones who got too close to finding out his plan. After that, they're gonna settle their new mining business on Gem Quarry. We got to do something!"
"There-is-nothing-you-can-do." Floyd protested.
"Floyd! Try to remember me! I'm Barry. I'm the one who originally made you."
"I-have-no-memory-of-you-in-my-data-banks. You-are-merely-an-enemy-of-Moyer's-and-must-be-destroyed."
"C'mon Floyd! You have a personality and Moyer is trying to block it! You can overcome it!"
"I-repeat. I-am-not-Floyd." Floyd sensed an upcoming presence. He looked up trying to determine who was coming. He beeped a few times and aimed his guns at the hallway.
Lupus was sniffing the trail in front of him. Soon, he found the scent of Vela and jerked his head up. After confirming it, he howled and ran even further down the hallway.
"Stop-where-you-are!" Floyd yelled down the hallway.
Floyd fired a few shots at Lupus, but Lupus saw them coming and leapt over them. Lupus came down on the floor where the others were and their faces were enlightened.
"Lupus!" Vela and Juno called to him.
Floyd fired again, and Lupus jumped out of the way again. Lupus fired his Pistol at Floyd. Floyd was hit and his Floyd parts were seperated again. He lost his propeller and his two gun barrels. Floyd fell to the floor as electricity sparked from his body.
"Great, Lupus!" Juno thanked the dog. "Now come over and chew these ropes off."
"No," Vela disagreed, "That would take too long. Come over here and shoot through the ropes."
Everyone was shocked by Vela words, but Lupus ran over and positioned his Pistol parallel to Vela's side. He pointed the barrel of his Pistol at the rope, but not at Vela. He fired the Pistol and the rope tore apart. Vela and Juno quickly unravelled their way out of the rope.
"Good Lupus," Vela said, "Now get Barry out."
"Hey!" Barry disagreed, "I don't wanna get shot."
"Just shut up, Barry. Lupus is not gonna shoot you."
Barry shut his eyes as Lupus came over to free him. He didn't make much movement other than his shivering. He clinched his teeth and expected the worse to happen. He heard a loud Pistol shot, but didn't feel anything. "Huh?" He checked the rope and it was torn on one side. Lupus ran back to Vela and Juno as they were getting their weapons off the floor.
"C'mon," Vela ordered, "We better get out of here now!"
Barry was getting out of the rope, "Uh, yeah. I'm coming. Hold on."
"Wait," Juno insisted.
"What, Juno?" Vela questioned.
"I need to get back to that Tribal Transformation Pad. I'm not staying like this forever."
"Juno! This mine is going to explode and collapse any moment! We need to get outta here!"
"I know. Look, you guys go on ahead. I'll catch up."
"What?"
"I'll make it. Trust me, Vela."
Vela growled at him, but Juno already took off toward the Tribal Transformation Pad. She calmed her nerves and yelled back to him.
"Wait!"
Juno stopped and looked back.
Vela turned to Lupus, "Go with him. Get him out if it starts to take too long."
Lupus barked and ran over to Juno. Juno nodded to Vela and ran out of the room.
"C'mon, Tribals!" Vela ordered. "We're getting outta here!"
Vela led the way followed by Barry and the other Tribals. Juno and Lupus scrambled through the mine as fast as they could to get to the Tribal Transformation Pad.
Meanwhile, the moles have reached their destination. They entered the Drone ship and prepared to launch. Moyer sat in the cockpit.
"Okay, guys," Moyer spoke, "We're gonna head towards our ship, then we're gettin' outta here."
The Drone ship's engine hummed loudly. Bushes were blown all around. The Drone ship lifted off the ground and turned towards the mole's desired direction. Once the ship was above the tall trees, it sped away into the atmosphere.
Minutes have passed. Vela and the Tribals found the front door of the mines. Vela inserted her Mine Key again and the computer confirmed it opening the door. Vela left the key in the keyhole to keep the door open for Juno and Lupus. The Tribals rushed out and got as far away as they could from the mine, but Barry and Vela turned their heads back at the mine waiting for the remaining Geminis to escape. They shot looks of worry back at each other.
"Don't worry, Vela," Barry told Vela, "Juno's gonna make it out."
Vela kept silent and looked back towards the mine. They both knew time was against them, and Juno and Lupus seemed to be the ones who would take the fall.
Juno was already at the Tribal Transformation Pad and was already in the process of becoming human again. Lupus frantically hopped around the pad waiting for Juno to finish. Juno's body returned to normal and was lowered back to the floor. Lupus was still anxious to get out of the mine. Juno touched the floor and opened his eyes. He looked at his hands and saw his human hands were back. He felt Lupus tugging on his pants. Juno got the idea and let Lupus lead him to the exit. The ran back through the room the Tribals were in and headed through the way Lupus came through.
Vela had enough waiting. "I'm going in!"
She charged for the entrance, but Barry grabbed her arm before she could get any closer.
"Are you crazy? We don't need another Gemini to worry about!"
"Can it, Barry!"
Barry jumped back and let go of Vela's arm. Vela ran for the entrance, but suddenly she saw someone in the mine trying to get out.
"Juno," she screamed happily, "Juno! C'mon!"
Lupus saw the light ahead of them and Juno followed the dog. As they drew nearer and nearer, Vela motioned them to hurry faster and faster. In no time at all, multiple explosions sounded off before Lupus and Juno made it out. A dark sandstorm of dust and soot roared out of the mine and covered Vela and Barry. Vela and Barry coughed uncontrollably from inhaling the dirt, but Lupus and Juno could not be seen.
The ground shook intensely. Louder the blasts grew. The mine was engulfed in a barrage of fire and rubble. The mine began to collapse into the ground immediately. A hole formed in the center of the mine. As the hole collected more rocks and fire, it increased in diameter per second. Mine carts were sucked into the abyss. Mine tracks broke apart and were devoured by the darkness beneath them.
Vela and Barry covered themselves against the wind and rocks blowing towards them. Barry rubbed the dirt from his eyes and tried to look at the mine. His ears heard the immense danger approaching. He felt the ground being ripped from underneath them.
"Vela! We have to get out of here!" Barry demanded.
"Not without Juno and Lupus!" she shot back.
Vela braced her feet against the ground. Cracks formed in the ground and Vela felt herself fall a few inches.
"Vela!" Barry yelled back.
Vela pressed onward. She entered the mine and climbed over the rubble in front of her. Barry threw away his sense to stay behind and joined Vela. They both crawled over the rocks and boulders in their way. In the distance they saw Juno trying to dig through a pile of rocks before him. Juno's uniform was torn, his skin was scared, his helmet was bashed in, and the visor on his helmet was cracked. The loud rumbling noise behind Juno kept him from hearing Vela's voice call him. Juno hadn't noticed his sister til she was nearly in his face. He looked up at Vela's face as she was trying to motion him to leave. Juno shook his head and screamed from the top of his lungs so Vela could hear. "Lupus is under here!"
Vela was shocked, but also knew she couldn't waste time thinking about it. She grabbed the rocks and forced them off of Lupus. As Barry approached, he figured Lupus was buried underneath the rocks. He instantly helped out. Vela, Juno, and Barry tripled the time it would have taken for just Juno to free Lupus. The floor still shook, and the expanding void of darkness was still approaching.
"I see him!" Barry declared.
Vela, Juno, and Barry desperately hurried to throw rocks off of their friend. They could see that Lupus was badly injured. The earthquake briefly shook harder throwing Juno, Vela, and Barry into the walls. Some of the rubble that was stacked higher began to roll down towards Lupus. Barry was the first to shake off the pain. He looked up and saw that the rubble about to tumble over. He stepped in front of the pile of rocks and pushed his weight against it to prevent it from falling. "Hurry up!" Barry screamed at Juno and Vela. Juno and Vela resumed to rescuing Lupus. Lupus was covered in dirt all over his body. His Pistol was destroyed as its pieces laid on the floor. Blood streamed across Lupus' body. His eyes' were shut and his teeth were clinched. The rubble was finally off of Lupus and Juno lifted him up.
"I'm sorry, Lupus," Juno apologized, "I'll get you outta here."
Vela and Juno were stepping over the boulders and heading toward the exit. Barry jumped away from the pile of rocks he was holding back. He dusted himself off and was about to follow Vela and Juno, but his ears detected a different incoming threat. He looked back over the pile and was terrified. Juno and Vela looked back to tell Barry to move, but they soon saw what freightened Barry. Each of them witnessed the room beyond them crumble and fall into the vast nothingness below. Vela, Juno, and Barry slowly gasped to themselves.
"Let's get outta here!" they all screamed.
They ran over the rocks in their path toward the entrance of the mine. The darkness behind them followed as it swallowed anything in its way. Vela was the first to get out. She stood outside catching her breath and waited for Juno to come out with Lupus. Juno got to the last boulder and leapt out of the mine, but he didn't stop running. Vela was preparing to run with Juno, but she kept motioning Barry to hurry. Barry climbed over the last boulder and jumped out. With that, Vela grabbed the Tribal's wrist and tugged him along with her. They all ran away from the mine as fast as their feet would go. In seconds, the entrance of the mine was also overtaken by the huge emptiness, but the danger continued. It spread for a few meters and took bushes, trees, and grass along with the rest of the destruction. It finally stopped. Vela, Juno, and Barry could see the Tribals ahead. None of them looked back until they were all reunited. Soon, everyone looked back at the danger they escaped. All they could see was an enormous dust cloud forming above where the mine used to be. The cloud slowly emerged to the sky and spreaded around the huge pit.
"We made it," Barry said happily.
Juno looked very sad as he looked down at Lupus in his arms. Barry turned around wondering why no one else was happy. He found everyone's attention focused on Lupus and felt sorry that he nearly forgot.
"Let me see him, Juno," Barry insisted.
Juno lowered Lupus down to Barry and Barry inspected the fallen dog. He checked Lupus' limbs, and his head. Barry lightly touched Lupus' face. Lupus whimpered a little and his lips moved a bit.
"Juno, listen," Barry demanded, "Lupus will survive if he gets immediate attention right now!"
"I'll take him back on my ship," Vela insisted. She went to carry Lupus back to her ship, but Juno disagreed.
"No."
"What?" Vela snapped.
"I'll take Lupus back. You go after Moyer."
"What? Juno, my ship is closer than yours!"
"I know, Vela. But this is my fault that Lupus is in this condition. Besides, you landed your ship somewhere in the middle of the jungle, right?"
"So?"
"The jungle bushes, trees, and stuff would slow us down. I'll take Lupus back safely."
"Juno!"
"And one more thing..."
"What's that?"
"Don't you want to go after Mizar?"
"Huh?" Vela didn't know what Juno was talking about.
"Look, I'm sorry you hate me because I beat Mizar and you didn't. Well, now's your chance. He's on his way to Gem Quarry this very moment. I know I can't make up for what happened a year ago, but I can say that I won't deny you a chance to prove yourself. You can do it, Vela. Your ship is closer so you'll have no problem getting there in time. You have to stop him. This is your chance."
Vela thought about what Juno said. They stared at either other for a while. Vela shook her head and spoke back to Juno.
"Lupus doesn't have time for us to argue. You just make sure that you get him fixed up, okay?"
"Okay."
"Fine. Then I'll go after Moyer."
Vela left for her ship, but Barry ran after her.
"Wait, I'm coming too!"
"Go away, Barry," Vela ordered.
"No way! I have a stake in this too!"
The two bickered back and forth on their way to Vela's ship. Juno ran straight for his ship and yelled back to the Tribals, "Just stay where you are! I'll call for a rescue crew as soon as I'm in space!"
The Tribals were left with no other choice. They remained in their spots.