A/N: Yeah I got off my lazy behind and started writing.

Ghost Planet - Chapter 6

Mechanism of a Leader

With glaring eyes and an unfortunate feeling of scepticism, Graveheart studied the man on the screen with close observation. If it was another illusion, it was doing a poor job of passing on a sad dread, not unlike the kind he experienced only hours ago. Indeed, it was the same illusion; it was Cryos. But with his large round eyes widening, revealing an expression of honest relief and his concerned mutters of the name 'Graveheart' over and over, it was clear to Graveheart that this was no illusion. The Ice man was showing every bit of himself that Graveheart had come to know and respect of him as a close friend. And with this, he let out a heavy breath from his rocky lips, which eased his stringy nerves and allowed him to bathe in relief.

He knew it was safe to smile. "Cryos! Cryos, by the Maker, is it really you? King Cryos?"

Slate was focused on the control panel trying to make the transmission clearer. The picture of Cryos finally came through like crystal, and his voice was clear as if he was standing before them. "Well I'd rather hope so, unless there was a swift election in my brief absence." The remark was refreshing to Graveheart, devoid of the turmoil and confusion of the circumstances. "Where have you been Graveheart? I understand taking some time to delve into the wonders of a new world, but for days? I would have come sooner, but my attention was needed in the alliance where, by origins I am completely ignorant of, tempers are steaming. It would appear the planets are in an uproar. Where is Pyrus? This is involves him unfortunately."

The content feelings inside immediately flushed away, and the reminder of the grim weight on his shoulders tore away his grin. "There was something unexpected here. It was . . . my fault. It is my fault." He found himself lost for words. If he were to continue to explain, he knew he'd probably fall deeper in regret. It was something he knew well of himself, it was expected, and at the moment, he was punishing himself. "He is lost on the planet, along with Tekla. I ordered us to split into teams to look for the world engines . . . communication—our devices were drained of power, there is no way to communicate with them, we have no idea where they are. This planet, it has strange creatures, strange things are happening—and this blasted fog!" Graveheart pounded his fists angrily on the console. Slate turned to him in surprise, his state of mind clearly on a different level than his chief's.

The commander poked his head in front of the monitor seeing Graveheart in no condition to continue talking. "Uh this is Slate, Commander of the Guard. How long ago did you get here?"

Cryos nodded in recognition. "A few hours ago. We couldn't detect any readings of your ship, so we landed and split up in hopes we could find a familiar signal. Unfortunately, when we returned to the ship without success, it was found dead, completely drained of power. I am still waiting on the return of one of my scouts who isn't responding to hails. I assume I should fear the worst, if this is no coincidence to Pyrus and Tekla's disappearances."

"I'm sure you got the reports of the initial scans of the planet and how it was uninhabited. Well you can throw them out the hatch, 'cause this planet has big inhabitants, with an emphasis on the big. They are the ones responsible for sucking your ship dry, and right now, I think it's best we meet right away."

Cryos nodded firmly. "If the threat is as dangerous as you say, we should meet halfway. I have your coordinates here in my hand, we should meet each other within an hour. Try to stay in contact, but if anything should go wrong and communication is severed, stay there. We will find you." His next words were directed at Graveheart, the voice calm and sincere. "Don't worry old friend, we will find them. Together."

Graveheart was not reassured, but he mustered a half smile and spoke. "Be safe. And if you run into any of these creatures, don't provoke them. They are attracted to heat and energy and should completely ignore you if your instruments are powered off."

"Understood."

With that final word, the image of Cryos was gone and the two of them exchanged glances, fearing the worst.

Slate's young face grew tense. "So, I'll go fetch the king. You should stay here in case he contacts the ship again." Slate got up and started walking to the rear of the ship.

"No."

The commander stopped and turned at the blunt rejection. "No? Sorry to say chief, but you're in no condition to be wondering the planet on your own and someone needs to stay—"

"We are not splitting up." Graveheart's voice was filled with so much bottled anger that Slate drew back, deciding not to argue with the man. "I'm not making the same mistake twice. We go together, understood?"

"Yeah . . . sure, sure."

The larger rock man sighed. Maybe he was being too firm on the kid, but it was necessary. He knew the commander was out to prove himself. It was the same outlook every up and coming soldier had, and it was something Graveheart saw all too often getting men his age killed. It had been like that for him when he was a Quarrior, although it wasn't always the driving force. Ever since Jade entered the folds of the army, his reasons to fight became more personal, more clear. Every fight was to protect her, to make her proud of him, to make her smile, as futile as the attempts were at times. Her face and teasing smirk were all he needed as a reward at the end of the day.

He gazed after Slate. The commander glumly sunk down into the chair, staring blankly outside the pilot window where the fog was set and darkness was beginning to lift. It seemed he was waiting for his superior officer to act so he could follow, and it made Graveheart realize this was something very damaging for him to be experiencing. It was attention to authority, not for the sake of heeding the chain of command, but for Graveheart's sake. The young man didn't want to put any more strain on his 'chief' and make the situation worse. Ignoring his own judgement, he succumbed to the decision without any discourse. It reminded Graveheart of himself and his own sacrifices in vanity he made just to keep the alliance alive and strong against the Beast. He now understood why Jade made him commander of the Rock infantry. It wasn't because of his ability to give orders or to form battle tactics; it was because she saw Graveheart inside of him. A young leader who didn't know his potential and would forgo his commanding status for a while if he knew it would help him understand a fellow soldier a little better.

"Hey," Graveheart said in a more cheerful tone. "Got any spare com devices stored in here?"

"You know me." Slate gave a one sided smile. "Always one for double packing."

The both of them strung up the necessary equipment for the rendezvous with Cryos, and they powered off the Surmount before exiting through the rear hatch.

"I'm happy the door is cooperating this time."

"Hey chief! I'd say things are looking up already."

I wanted to continue writing and actually get into the action/mystery bits, but considering the theme I had for this chapter, I thought it was best to end it there.