When he reached the front line, he found the troopers pinned down by incoming fire. They were going nowhere slowly.

“I have called in airstrikes,” the commander told him.

“We should try talking commander. Think of the lives.”

“I always find force talks better sir.”

Jerrix thought rapidly.

“You spoke of a world at peace. How can that be achieved if both sides kill each other?”

“I am open to suggestions sir.”

“Then call off the airstrike and order your men to cease fire.”

“Are you kidding? We would be overrun.”

“Try it at least. Please, don’t make me beg.”

Reluctantly to be sure, the commander picked up his radio and gave the command. The sound of shooting faded into silence.

“It’s eh, your show sir.”

Jerrix climbed to his feet and walked between the warring parties. He saw the burning vehicles and sighed. In a deep voice quivering with emotion, he began.

“People of Sagittarius one. On this day, your government faced the threat of collapse under the blows of a hammer. Are you all so stupid, that you do not realise what you are doing?”

He paused for effect then continued.

“End this carnage now and talk. Restore the Fleons to their rightful homes. Grow together in peace and understanding.”

He waited for a response. Any response.

Then he saw movement. The enemy commander removed his helmet and walked towards him. As Jerrix looked back with pleading eyes, the rebel commander did likewise.

“We will talk,” the enemy said. “We will escort you to the president.”

The rebel commander nodded and turned to Jerrix.

“You should join me sir. This was your doing.”

The cat’s reply was rather surprising.

“I have to live with that knowledge all my life commander. Another cross to bear.”

With head bowed in silence, Jerrix walked away and left the negotiators to decide their own future.

Returning to the wounded pilot, he found him in pain but smiling.
The medic was still there and waiting for air recovery.

“Is it over sir?” the medic asked.

“Yes it is. I will return with you if I may.”

“That sounds like the medic ship now sir.”

As they watched, a small craft touched down and medics filed out.

The injured man lifted him onto a stretcher and put him inside the craft. As it lifted into the air, Jerrix looked back in anguish.

He watched the ground below whizz past as they headed back to the rebel bunker. After touching down, he escorted the pilot to the medic centre before seeking out Terra.

He found her inside the teleport bay where she ran and cuddled him warmly.

“The Fleons went wild when the news broke. I suppose we have a long walk to the ship now.”

Jerrix smiled at her.

“Do you think this clasp is purely for show my dear. If I press it so..”

Seconds later, she saw the familiar light green glow that indicated the craft’s presence.

“Shall we go Tarra?”

She smiled and joined him, promptly vanishing from sight.
--- 
“Where are we off to now?” Tarra asked as Jerrix watched the galactic grid.

“I’m eh taking you home my dear.”

“That is unfair. After all the help I have given you.”

He stared at her closely.

“Just one more trip then and home for you. Agree?”

“Oh all right.”

Jerrix reset the lever and the craft changed direction. Upon the floating grid, a light flashed.

“That is Helos 6 my dear. Should be peaceful there.”

“I jolly well hope so. I try to keep out of trouble.”

“Believe it or not. So do I.”

Tarra looked at herself and felt the thermal globe inside the pocket
of her housecoat. She pulled it out.

“You better have this back.”

He took the globe and placed it back inside the wall drawer. Then he saw the grid vanish and reset the lever.

“We have arrived my dear. We should be able to get you a new outfit.”

She turned and glared as he smiled sweetly. They stepped out and found themselves at the edge of a bizarre. The light green glow slowly vanished as the door slid shut.

“Market day,” Jerrix commented as he walked briskly to investigate.

“We don’t have any money,” she reminded him.

“Oh never mind my dear. I will sort it out.”

They approached the first brightly covered stall, which sold some pretty unusual clothing. The stallholder was on the short side with a bulbous body and four tentacles protruding, two on each side.
Above the body, two large eyes hung from stocks.

Tarra nearly laughed in surprise but managed to suppress it.

“May I help you sir. Something for the lady perhaps?”

“You mean me?” Tarra asked.

“I certainly do madam. We do stock twin garments you know.”

Jerrix picked through the smaller items and finally pulled out a flowery dress.

“What do you think Tarra? I think it is lovely.”

“It must be terribly expensive and I have nowhere to change.”

The stallholder pointed to a small booth as Jerrix handed the dress to her.

“Try it on. For me?”

She smiled and walked into the booth before closing the door.

“How much do you want?” Jerrix asked.

“It is a beautiful outfit sir. I cannot sell for less than sixteen crowns.”

The cat screwed its eyes.

“Twelve and no higher.”

The stallholder thought for a moment and finally accepted. Jerrix
reached into his cloak pocket and pulled out a single jewel note.

“I expect change.”

The stallholder took the money and returned eight crowns. As he did so, Tarra returned beaming from ear to ear.

“It is absolutely brilliant Jerrix. Have you paid?”

He walked towards her taking the nightclothes from her.

“Of course. Now, I suggest we return these to the ship before continuing our day.”

After placing the clothes in an empty drawer, they once more walked through the bizarre until Jerrix spotted something that took his eye.

“Have a look at this Tarra. Would you believe it?”

She looked at the peculiar object but could see nothing of interest.

“It is just an old stone jar. Put it down.”

He was handling it carefully and looking at the peculiar writing on the main body.

“Let those be warned who look inside, their friends and partners shall divide.”

“You can read that scribble?”

He turned sharply.

“How dare you my dear. This is ancient Tarmonic.”

The snake like stallholder agreed with him.

“That is correct sir. Very rare within this galaxy.”

“Oh I know it is sir. How did you get it?”

“I have my contacts sir.”

Tarra frowned.

“I bet it’s stolen.”

“We do not use such language here mam,” the stallholder explained.

“You are not thinking of buying that are you?”

“I really don’t know. One must be careful about fakes. Now let me see.”

He turned the jar over while keeping a grip on its lid. He gazed at the smooth base and nodded.

“Sorry sir but someone conned you. This is worthless junk.”

He put the jar down harshly and sauntered off, leaving a very disappointed man.

At the far stall, he stopped again.

“Fancy a drink. Helosic tea is wonderful.”

“If you think it is safe,” Tarra replied.

He ordered two and moments later two small cups were handed over.
Tarra gazed inside and saw a small drop of thick treacle.

“This is tea?”

As Jerrix took his drink he said, “Best in the galaxy.”

She followed his actions and found the creamy taste quite pleasant.

“What do you think?”

“Not like mom’s tea you know.”

He paid a crown and they walked further on.

“This is a nice place,” Tarra commented.

“As I said before my dear. Peaceful. We need a rest after our ordeal.”

She nudged him then.

“You were not serious about taking me home were you?”

He looked at her sadly.

“You cannot miss your schooling my dear. Your home is the right place. You don’t want to be stuck with me all your life.”

“I have never met anyone like you before,” she told him.

“Of course not,” he replied taking her arm. “There is no one else like me.”

Ahead of them, stood a tall white tower and the cat smiled.

“Ever tried freefall?”

“You mean jumping out of a plane?”

“I have done that my dear but not today eh. How about that?” he said pointing.

She saw the tower but had no idea what lay inside.

“This may be your last chance to try it,” he hinted.

“Let’s do it then Jerrix. Me and you against the universe.”

She took his arm and happily skipped towards the tower.

They rode the lift from the base to the apex, and stepping out found themselves standing on a huge semicircular platform with an open central core. Tarra walked to the edge and looking down suddenly stepped back.

“We can’t just step off,” she said. “Surely it’s not safe.”

“No worries my dear. Safe as houses. Want me to go first?”

“After you then.”

She watched him taking a short run and paws outstretched leapt into space. He started falling at once and she genuinely feared he would be smashed to bits at the bottom.

Then she noticed that he was slowing as he fell, his yellow cloak fluttering. She took a breath and simply followed his brave example.

The first sensation she experienced was rather sickening, her heart leapt into her mouth and her spine tingled as she fell at an ever-faster rate. Wind whistled past her face as the floor rushed to meet her.

Then she slowed and Tarra actually began to enjoy the experience. It gave her the weird sensation of flying and floating at the same time. She looked down and saw Jerrix land safely and her own body moved gracefully to left and right as she controlled her movements.

The ground moved closer and she moved her legs into position, in order to land with the grace of a young lady. Which she was after all. The landing was experienced as a gentle bump and Jerrix smiled at her.

“Can’t do that at home can you?”

“Of course not. That was really fun.”

“It’s also free my dear.”

They were en-route to the lift in order to have another go when Tarra saw two tall beings marching towards them. Each one was dressed in a smart golden uniform and carried a gold rod. She saw the dark eyes and rather small snout as they stopped.

“I see Helos 6 still employs guards,” Jerrix commented.

“The president bids your company sir.”

Jerrix glanced at Tarra.

“Better not keep the old boy waiting then.”

Tarra shook her poor young head wondering what they were getting into this time. Couldn’t they visit without intrigue?

She walked behind and noticed the huge sumptuous building they were being led to. Its golden walls and spiral roof reminded her of the ice creams she had enjoyed at home. Now so far away.

Within this edifice, the carpets were thick and multicoloured and a huge golden door stood before them. Standing to attention, two golden-attired guards opened it and they entered the presidential throne room.

Sitting upon a huge bluish throne sat a smallish creature with a tear shaped head, rather elongated body and two largish legs. His feet were green and scaled, each toe armed with a deadly looking talon. Upon this strange body, a brown robe hung loosely.

The guards withdrew and the President smiled and shook the paw of Jerrix.

“Nice to see you again my friend. How long has it been now?”

“Three long year’s sir.”

“You know each other?” Tarra asked.

“He helped with our trade negotiations and caught a tea smuggling
gang to boot,” the president explained.

Tarra scowled at her companion as the conversation continued.

“If you had let me know you were coming I would have greeted you in person.”

“You know me sir. Pop in and out quietly.”

“So as not to be noticed perhaps? Eh Jerrix?”

“It may surprise you to learn that I prefer the quiet life.”

The president turned to Tarra.

“Who is this delightful lady?”

Jerrix made the introductions.

“The last time he was here he travelled alone you know.”

“Did he now?” she replied.

Jerrix coughed softly.

“Were we summoned to indulge in small talk sir or is there a more
important subject you wish to broach?”

The president eyed him up and admitted the truth.

“The ambassador of Siphona will be coming soon to open diplomatic relations. I value your opinion.”

“Siphona sir? I am not aware of that system.”

“Must be refreshing for you then,” the president replied.

“Quite so sir. I find it strange being told of a system that I have no knowledge of.”

The main doors opened and a guard announced the ambassador’s arrival. As Tarra turned, she cowered and hid behind her brave companion. Both he and the president did not bat an eyelid.

A star shaped silver machine around three feet in circumference hovered gently towards them. As far as Tarra could see, it was blind.

“Mr President,” it said. “Must we talk in the presence of minions?”

“Mr Ambassador,” the President replied. “Jerrix is my most trusted advisor.”

The machine swivelled in his direction.

“I apologise sir.”

“So you should,” Jerrix replied.

“May we know more about you?” the president asked.

Swivelling back, the ambassador continued.

“We feel that opening relations with you will do us both good sir.”

“What do you mean by we?” Jerrix asked carefully.

“I was referring to my people.”

“I certainly hope for a prosperous alliance,” the president commented.

“As do we. Our scan of this world detected large deposits of dolomite, which is a rather rare mineral.”

“It is indeed sir. The ore drives our entire economy.”

At this point Jerrix interrupted.

“Your people scanned Helos 6?”

“We did indeed sir. We have travelled far to get here. Spending months in the darkness of interstellar space.”

Even the president picked up on that.

“Your people came here?”

“We are traveller’s sir?”

Jerrix pricked his ears up.

“Not scavengers then?”

Now the president interrupted.

“Where are your people sir?”

“Why in orbit of course.”

The president looked surprised.

“You have never encountered a race such as we I take it?” the ambassador asked.

“No never sir. Diplomatic relations normally leads to trade etc. It’s obvious we cannot trade with a travelling race.”

“Our needs sir, are small. We only wish to mine the mineral.”

“Only Helosians are allowed that privilege sir. I believe you understand the reasons,” the president told him.

“I regret your reply Mr President. I will of course report back to my people. You should expect a reply shortly.”

The star shaped machine gently floated out of the room, and the doors were closed.

“What did you make of that?” the president asked.

“Obviously sentient beings sir. Despite their metallic exterior. I conclude they have an ulterior motive for coming here.”

He stopped.

“Well,” the president said. “Spit it out.”

“They want to strip your world of its resources sir. Dolomite being the top priority.”

“I agree with your assessment Jerrix.”

“What’s so important about dolomite?” Tarra asked.

“It’s highly degradable my dear. As it does this it releases tremendous energy.”

“A bit like uranium then?”

“Not quite my dear. No radioactive emissions.”

“I see.”

Jerrix smiled at her then became very grave.

“You must place your defence forces on alert. In the meantime I have an urgent need to return to my ship.”

“You may go sir. I will do as you advise.”

Jerrix turned and grabbing Tarra by the hand hauled her out. Once outside he broke into a run.

“You’re not going to leave them in the lurch are you?” Tarra asked.

“Certainly not. You will find out soon what I am up to.”

They reached the bizarre and dashed through the shopping public before entering the ship. He ran to the south statue and pulled out a fork shaped device and seemed to fiddle with it.

“Is that a scanning device?” she asked.

He glanced up.

“That is what I love about you Tarra. So intelligent.”

He dashed out again when they saw a swarm of the star shaped beings diving from the bright sky. These were larger than the ambassador and about five foot in diameter.

The travellers stared up at the awful sight. Shoppers and tradesmen alike looked up in surprise as bolts exploded around them.

“Hit the deck,” Jerrix screamed as the bombardment commenced.

As the bolts struck their targets, the victims vanished.

“We have to return to the ship,” Tarra shouted.

“I agree with you my dear. Far too dangerous out here.”

He stood up and turned, coming face to face with one of the machines.

Tarra saw him waiving his device at the machine. She saw a bolt being fired and saw him disappear.

“Jerrix!”

She bolted straight for the killer, hoping to out manoeuvre it when it fired again. Tarra felt the impact and her violent world went dark.