Weeks later, Jason felt more free than he had ever felt in his life. Since his arrival, he had learned what he could about this place and how he had gotten here. As he understood it, he came from a different dimension. The talisman must have had some property that allowed him to jump to a different dimension at will. He arrived on Auto-Beta because there was a constructed exit portal there. The station was a point of departure and arrival for inter-dimensional travel. How exactly he had survived the experience was still a mystery. The scientists here suspected that the talisman had something to do with it. Currently, they were studying the talisman in the science labs.
Since his arrival, Jason had become a sort of mascot for the team of scientists, officers, and medics involved in the inter-dimensional travel department of the station. He had been given a room near the crew and was provided for by the station. Jason had made plenty of friends here already, and everyone was quite polite. It was unheard of to have a visitor from another dimension who had no knowledge of "modern" technology, so Jason was something of a curiosity. He was given free reign, and the first thing he set out to do was to learn... and learn everything he could. He no longer cared about going home. During his first week, it had been hard accepting that he would never see his home and his family again, but this new place was simply too exciting and interesting for him to dwell on the past. He knew his family would be fine without him... and as for him, he was happier than he had ever been. Jason was determined to integrate into this strange new world he found himself in. Everyday, he learned something more.
Meanwhile, Jason wandered through the station. It was huge... like a major city back home. Auto-Beta was shaped like a sword--one main spire surrounded by docking rings at the top, the end farthest away from the planet Gyrent-12. There were many sectors, each devoted to different aspects of life. There were the science labs, which inhabited the sector nearest to main command, at the center of the station. Then, there was the market, which was located along the outer rim, directly off the docking rings. The crew's quarters were located at the top and inside of the station, while all other quarters were located near the bottom of the station. Currently, Jason was making his way towards the market.
This was by far the most interesting part of the station. Here, much to his shock, he had encountered not only other humans but aliens of all shapes and sizes. Some were humanoid and walked on two legs, while others walked on all fours or slithered. Quickly, he had learned not to disregard anything when, on his first day out, he had accidentally bumped into an alien that, to him, looked exactly like a decorative plant. The aliens arrived from all different places to buy, sell, and trade services and merchandise. There were colorful market stalls boasting odd cuisines and devices everywhere he looked. Jason was often unable to decide where to start. However, today something immediately caught his attention.
He spotted a group of security officers, identified by their sharp black jumpsuits and station insignia patches. Leading them was Lieutenant Genhyl Gp'tal. Jason had met Genhyl on his first day at the station, and Genhyl had immediately appointed himself a sort of guardian of Jason's. He was the one who had shown Jason around, taught him the quickest routes to familiar places, and warned him where not to go alone. The two of them got on well, and Jason considered Genhyl his friend. Gazing ahead at the gathering of officers, Jason noticed that Genhyl did not look happy at all.
His normally soft green skin was flushed yellow and his golden cat-like eyes were narrowed into thin slits. He was yelling and baring sharp fangs at the owner of market stall. The owner was a short, purple T'milian, and it looked terrified. Jason didn't blame it... it had taken him a little while to get used to Genhyl's predatory teeth and eyes, which were normal for L'mdanans. Jason had never seen Genhyl this angry. As he watched, Genhyl ordered two of the security officers to arrest the T'milian. Once they had dragged the stall owner away, Jason decided to see what was going on.
"Genhyl!" He called, walking over to the stall. Genhyl looked over and nodded, raising his hand in a greeting. When Jason got within speaking range, he continued. "What's going on? You look angry."
"This... merchant," he began, "is a monster!" What actually came out of his mouth was a series of guttural growls and hisses, but Jason had been implanted with translating nanites, just like most people of this place. The small robots translated the sounds in his mind, so they made perfect sense to him. Genhyl continued. "He was selling a Clarus Dragon egg here, at our market!" Genhyl's eyes were flashing with golden fire, and Jason had to stop himself from stepping backwards.
"A dragon egg?" He asked. There are dragons here? "Sorry, but I'm not sure I understand."
"You mean you don't have dragon's where you come from?" Genhyl asked, looking shocked.
"Well, we have legends and stories," Jason said, "but I've never seen a dragon. Everything about them is considered fiction."
"Well, here, my friend, dragons are very real. Not only are they very real, but they are sacred and protected. Dragons require great care and are only given to those worthy of them. Many dragons need to be bonded to the right person at birth or they will waste away and die! Some species, such as the Clarus dragons, are quite rare. To take an egg from its hatchery and attempt to sell it to just anyone at a public market is a grave crime. I cannot believe that merchant thought he would get away with it!" Genhyl, by this time, looked angry enough to tear something apart. Snarling, he turned towards the stall and swiped his hand at it. To Jason's surprise, four gashes appeared in the soft material making up the front wall. Looking down, he realized that Genhyl had suddenly sprouted long claws on his hands.
He must have looked scared, because when Genhyl saw his face, he paused and took a few deep breaths. After a short time, the claws receded, leaving only Genhyl's normal short nails in their place. "Sorry," he said, "that happens occasionally." Jason nodded.
"This must be very terrible," Jason told him.
"It is... we need to get her to a warmer, safer place. This market place is too loud and crowded. She's probably quite scared by now." Genhyl looked worried and opened the gate to enter the stall. Jason followed.
"Her?" He asked. "Is she here? How do you know?"
"She's right here," Genhyl said, ducking down. "We wouldn't have known she was here if a group of Ridarian telepaths hadn't alerted security." In a large basket on the floor, sitting in a pile of torn and dusty blankets, sat a large egg. Its shell glowed and swirled with many colors. Looking upon it, Jason immediately felt warm and happy all over. He broke into a wide smile.
"Wow..." He whispered. Genhyl lifted the basket without much effort.
"I promise, I'll explain more, but for now, we need to get her somewhere safe." He moved out of the market with Jason trailing beside him.
Background from Absolute Background Textures Archive. Storyline and characters created by and copyright © Rachel "Indyana" Gratis, 2001-2004. Dragon from Veniam Mactare.