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Chapter 7: Prototype Halcyon X

In order for the success of the journey, a new space ship had be invented that would be able to make full use of Rift Energy. The Dhimen knew the deepest secrets of the power locked within. A prototype was built and designed as a two man vessel, one pilot, and one navigator. There were only two men who could pull off this crazy mission.

Van "Ice Hawk" Ferioz and Kathor "The Tracker" Naithaal were both ordered to meet in front of the United Daicoo Counsel.

Kathor was shocked and outraged that they had called on a mercenary for such an important mission. As a decorated soldier and war veteran he felt disrespected to even be asked to work together with someone like that. Van did not hesitate to make the most of the situation with his smug attitude to rub it in Kathor's face and escalate the situation further for his own amusement.

Eventually everything was settled as even Kathor could not debate that Van was the best pilot in the Daicoo system.

On the day of the first test flight, both men were eager to see what this new ship could do.

The prototype was called The Halcyon, and it had two cockpits, a central engine and the state of the art weapon systems, all powered by Rift Energy.

At first everything seemed to be working perfectly, but when the maximum speed was to be tested it became almost a disaster! At first the navigational systems went haywire and then the engine began to have a meltdown, forcing both Van and Kathor to eject their cockpits which were also outfitted with smaller versions of the engine. They were like twin smaller ships and if not for this safety measure they would have both been killed during the test. The Halcyon exploded leaving nothing but debris. Van and Kathor barely managed to get out of the immense blast radius which lit up a large area of the solar system.

Faced with this problem, the Dhimen had only one solution... A sacrifice had to be made. One of the Dhimen would have to sacrifice its life for the good of both races.

The alien who had first come into contact with Van volunteered to be a part of the mission, and would sacrifice his life for the greater good.

New hope was found when the new ship was completed. To avoid engine meltdown, the heart of the Dhimen was used as a shield and cooler system. The heart would cover the engine as the blood would circulate as the coolant. For the navigational system, the brain of this brave alien had been directly connected to the advanced systems of the vessel. This in turn gave the ship and the Dhimen, a new life... the first sentient ship was born, and promptly called, The Halcyon X.

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Story by Frank Johansen