The sun was shining brightly down on Glorin, the island nation on Omni. It was a bright, calm day. The sun shone above, no clouds to block its light. A soft breeze blew in from the east. All in all, no one could ask for a more perfect day.
Most everyone in the city was gathered near the center of the town, to marvel at the completed alabaster- stone arch which rose nearly ten full stories above the ground. There were balloons everywhere, streamers, and all the accompaniments of a celebration. Several wooden viewing stations were erected off to one side, to allow the celebrities, diplomats and rulers gathered a close view of the new technomagical marvel.
Lord Colicor stood there, the center of attention, as the last few stragglers made their way in, trying to find space to stand and see the newest invention. He looked over the gathered masses, proud of his accomplishment. Tomorrow, he thought, a thousand troops will launch through each gate to the cities of Omnispace and remove the existing leader, putting his puppet pawns into power. He stood on the threshold of assuming total, complete control of Omnispace.
"Ladies and gentlebeings," Lord Colicor began, his voice augmented by spells so all gathered could hear, not only in Glorin, but all over the sphere, "I am so very pleased to see all of you here today."
High above Omni, the Eternal Wanderer made its final approach to the blue-green world. Onestar stood on the bridge, Hall on the helm and Blaise in the captain's chair. The rest of the crew were gathered at their posts, ready to man weapons or repel boarding parties. The rose crystal viewer had been tuned into Lord Colicor's address on Glorin, and all gathered could hear what he had to say.
"Gentlebeings, I am pleased to report to you that the last of the Spelljamming transports have landed. No longer do we have to rely on those outmoded, outdated starfarers for our sustenance, our livelihood! Now, we are moving forward into the future!"
In the background, thunderous applause could be heard, but on the bridge of the Wanderer, only scoffs and a razberry or two could be heard.
"I'm not out here spanning the stars for kicks, buddy," Kath scoffed. "I love the stars, and I don't like having to go through the abyss to get from point A to point B!"
"Damn straight," Phantom commented.
"Gentlemen," Onestar added quietly, "please?" The bridge fell silent again.
"Today, we stand ready to enter the next wave of transportational technology," Colicor addressed the crowd. "Through the advances of the Grand Arcane Trading House, we now have the ultimate transportational system installed throughout Omnispace: We have Dimensional Gates!"
More applause, louder this time, filled the air. Onestar walked up toward the navigator's station, over to Meridian and Normakon.
"How long until we land?" the samurai asked.
"Soon," Meridian replied.
"We should land at Glorin within the hour," Normakon added.
[What do you know,] Hall said, his voice coming from the deck above. [We've got a navigator that knows how to talk to us with more than four words!]
"Whatever," Meridian replied.
"Not now, you two." Onestar headed up another flight of steps to the command deck, and moved next to Blaise. They watched as Colicor pointed to the huge arch behind him, describing the advantages of planar travel. From below deck, the sound of footsteps could be heard coming up from below. Onestar leaned over the railing to see Ville make the last step to the bridge.
"Captain," Ville said, "request permission to return to duty."
Onestar looked down at Ville for a moment, noting the warrior's new outfit. He wore a simple leather vest, a dark shirt and pants, and his sword attached to his belt.
"Granted. Please take the captain's chair, Ville."
Ville knew that every eye watched him climb the steps to the upper bridge. He walked proudly, nodding to each crewmember he passed them. He stopped for a second to see Phantom at the security station. Phantom only smiled slightly and nodded. Ville returned the nod and continued past.
When he reached the command deck, Blaise stood to give Ville the seat.
"Blaise, look, I want to tell you..."
The arcane placed one large hand on Ville's shoulder. "Tell me later, after we get out of this." Ville nodded and took the captain's chair.
"Entering final approach path, captain," Ville announced.
"Hall, announce battle stations."
[All hands, Battle stations. Repeat. All hands, battle stations.]
Colicor had finished his speech about the advantages of planar travel, and walked over to the large arch, to a covered stand. Placing his hands on the cover, he continued to speak.
"Ladies and gentlemen, according to the arcane, this system could not have been in operation as quickly as it is were it not for this artifact under this cover. When it was discovered nearly a year back, none of us knew what it, but thanks to my friend Te'Ess-Arr, we now know that it will help us access the outer planes much quicker, and make the gates more efficient!"
With one quick tug, the covering came loose, revealing a simple metallic box. Ornate in design, covered with bas-relief and carvings, the artifact had no apparent openings. The only thing out of the ordinary was a large red button on the top.
Normakon glanced at the rose crystal viewer, looking with all of his eyes at the artifact. Something about it looked familiar to him, but he wasn't sure what.
"Gentlebeings, when I press this button, the gates will be activated and linked to each other. A delegation on Karnak waits on the other side, ready to pass through! They will be bringing fresh wines, meats and other treats previously unavailable as quick as this!"
Normakon continued to stare at the box. As Colicor moved his hand to the top of it, all of the beholder's eyes opened wide. He floated as quickly as he could up to Onestar.
"Helm, get us away from here! Now!" Normakon yelled. Everyone looked at the beholder as it floated upward. "It's the Bringer of Doom! Get us out of..."
Normakon didn't finish his sentence. Colicor pushed the button.
The rose crystal viewer went white.
