Pentavus
Chapter 8
"Follow me."
The old man led them down the passages. He was just barely in the flare's light, so he had to have some sort of night-vision.
He led them down a large hallway like passage and then off to several side ones. He finally led them into a living-room like area, with a large bonfire in the center, Probably more for warmth than light, Jordan thought, thinking of the man's night-vision.
They sat around the fire. Jordan sensed the good intentions through his precognition.
Just as the man was about to speak, a boy of about twenty or so stepped out of another side area. "Father, what—" he spotted the team. "Who are these people? More traders?"
The man sighed. "These are travelers, son." He turned to the team. "This is my son, Marcus. I am Orthus Mandraga."
He sighed again. "I wish you to hear of what plagues—even now—the people of Pentavus. The thing that now plagues you, Shawn Jordan."
Shawn grunted slightly at the fact that Orthus already knew his name.
Orthus laughed. "I will have to teach you how to block your private thoughts, Shawn Jordan. I will teach you that when I return to Pentavus with you."
Jordan looked up. "Who said anything about letting you come, old man?"
Orthus reached over and grabbed Jordan by the throat. The others raised their guns, but he hardly seemed to notice. "Listen to me, little man. I am the only one who knows how to return you home. I, and I alone, will call the shots. If you expect to survive in this world, you will need me." He let go of Jordan and returned to his calm stance.
"Fifteen thousand years ago, when the Chappa'ai was relatively new, the city of Pentavus was created at the all-powerful capital. Thus, many armies and forces rose up against it. The city was built with many defenses, however. It has large laser beams and force shields that protect it from airborne enemies. It has large walls and gates to block out land pursuers. It has the liquid trinium shield over the gate to block attacks from the chappa'ai itself. Also, the ancients bestowed upon the people of Pentavus a great and powerful gift—"
"Their psychic powers," Jordan finished.
"Yes. Well, the forces of evil, who were working separately, struck a bargain and began working together. They became even more powerful and began taking over large portions of the Pentavite Galaxy. They are cunning, powerful, constitute and evil."
"And who is this...evil force?"
"They have one name that is synonymous with death and destruction."
"And what name is that?"
"The Hafters."
"Hafters?"
"Yes. Now, if you will follow me, we must get back to—"
A large crash covered Orthus' last few words. It seemed to get closer.
Orthus scowled at Jordan. "They followed your wormhole's trail. We must get to the Chappa'ai immediately."
They left the area and headed down the passage towards the gate. Orthus grabbed Jordan's shoulder and pressed a small stone disc into his hand. "Get within 100 paces of the gate."
"What is this?"
"Go!"
They hurried along to the last room—the gate room. There, six creatures guarded the gate. Jordan could not make out much, but he saw green skin and a few tentacles.
The team began ducking behind rocks and firing on the creatures. They laughed in a vomitous laugh and stayed right in front of the gate, guarding it.
Right in front of the gate...
Orthus called out to Shawn through the dark. "Little man, are you within a hundred paces?"
"Yes!"
"Activate the disc and press the crystal on the dialing device! It dials the ninth chevron and will send you back to Pentavus!"
Jordan didn't need to be told twice. He rolled out to the DHD and pressed the button on the disc. The dial began to spin. He pressed the green crystal on the DHD and tumbled back out of the way.
The gate activated and the splash formed. However, there happened to be six creatures in the way. The splash burned through them, leaving a burned mess as the event horizon formed. Sighing with relief, Jordan walked up to the gate and stepped through.