Authors note: Sorry it took pretty long to post this. The next chapter will come soon or over the weekend. Please review!

Chapter 2: Negotiations

Jacob awoke. His vision was blurred at first, but after a few seconds he could see clearly. He was in a prison cell of some kind. The cell was dirty and made of stone, with bars locking him in. Jacob looked outside the bars. There were several other cells, all empty. Jacob turned around and saw Fantha waking up.

"Hey Jacob. What's going on?"

"Exactly what you think. They trapped us here, and they'll probably let us rot," Jacob replied. He looked around for a sign of a native.

"Are they at least going to give us a fair trial?" Fantha said worriedly.

"Doubt it," Jacob said. "They didn't let us explain ourselves when we landed. They just attacked!" He looked at Fantha. "I don't think we'll leave to easily. It's gonna be rough."

Jacob felt for his gun on his holster. It wasn't there.

"Damn, they took our weapons. You got anything?" Jacob asked.

Fantha felt his clothes. "Nah, not even my transmitter. Can't call for help without the ship."

A squeak was heard, followed by a slam. Jacob and Fantha looked over to see a native enter the room. He walked straight over to them.

"Master Vigor wishes to negotiate with you."

The native unlocked the cell and led them to Vigor's room. It was large and fancy. It seemed like a king's throne room. Almost the only color in the room was black and red.

Pillars lined the sides of the room. A carpet led to a throne. On the throne sat the man who captured them. It was Master Vigor. His face was again hidden.

The native left. Jacob and Fantha were alone with Vigor. Fantha gulped.

"What brings you here?" His voice came like a whisper, yet loud and powerful. He had a very deep and scratchy voice.

Jacob and Fantha looked at each other.

"We've come as explorers. We come from somewhere far away. Another world, just like this one." Jacob tried to find the words to describe this. "Outside of this world is a large space. In it are things called galaxies. They are like swirling vortexes. Inside these galaxies are many stars, just like your sun. Revolving around these stars are planets. On these planets are people. Well, sort of. There are different types of species of beings on each planet. For instance, you may have noticed I look different than you because my skin is green. I am a different species than you." He hoped he explained it well enough.

"Really… Others. How many?" Vigor seemed interested.

"Well, a lot. Billions." Jacob replied. Master Vigor thought deeply. Jacob decided to say something more. "Most of the planets in this galaxy have higher technology than you do. They all know about each other, and most of them even joined forces. The galaxy is under the rule of the republic, which we're soldiers of. We came hoping this planet would become a part of it. We treat people equally and defend you, as long as you stay loyal." Vigor didn't move, just sat thinking.

"All right, I've heard enough. Leave."

The door opened and a few natives came out. One approached Master Vigor.

"I want you to find out as much as you can about this galaxy from their ship," Vigor commanded the native. Jacob and Fantha were brought back to their cells.

"Hey, better get some shut eye." Fantha's voice came tiredly and quiet, as though muffled. The two republic soldiers have been up for a while, thinking, not saying a word. It was late, and though Jacob grew weary, he couldn't sleep. He felt something. He definitely knew it now. This time, it wasn't just the presence of all of these strange natives. It had always been there, faintly, but it was stronger now. He remembered the magic Vigor used on him.

How did he do that?

Jacob had been thinking about this question ever since it happened. Never in his life did he see anyone do something like that.

Then Jacob realized something: maybe he could do it. Use magic. The feeling he felt was the same he felt in the natives, but it was inside himself. Maybe whatever force in the galaxy gave them the power is giving him the same power.

Jacob looked around and spotted a small stone, about the size of his thumb, on the floor of the dungeon. Jacob fixed his eyes on it. He concentrated on it. Jacob noticed he can feel it. It felt like life in it. He kept concentrating on it until he realized something: he was grasping it. It felt as though he had a third hand around it, not attached to his body.

Jacob held it for a moment with this magic. Then he strtched out his hand towards it. He concentrated harder until he could feel it easily. He held his breath and closed his eyes. He lifted his hand higher. He felt something. He opened his eyes.

The rock was floating.