SKYWATCHER RETURNS

PROLOGUE

Skywatcher, a young human/Startian hybrid adolescent girl, lived a typically normal life, considering the fact that her life was spent in the alternate universe called the Realm of the Time Beyond Time, where the elements of both the Past and Present are unified in a design set up by the race of beings known as the Fates of Time.  This design is called the Temporal Balance.  

To Skywatcher a prophecy was given by Moon Swan, a Startian woman who had fallen out of favor with her people.  Moon Swan stated to young Skywatcher that it was her Destiny to maintain the Temporal Balance…lest the entire Realm fall into Chaos, Anarchy, and total Destruction!

Frightened yet determined, Skywatcher and her parents, Steve and Sunleaf Hackett, raced to the castle of one ‘King’ Weigndin, also known as ‘King’ Wingy-Ding, a good-hearted if somewhat eccentric mayor.  After a brief bout of frustration, they make known the Danger brewing in the Realm.  

After many a frustrating adventure, Skywatcher defeated the forces that had set out to destroy the Realm and cause wide-spread destruction.  The event changed her in more ways than one.

It is now less than a year since these events transpired.  

It is time for Skywatcher to return…

CHAPTER ONE

From Skywatcher’s diary:

After all that’s happened to me, I still can’t believe it!   

I mean, just think of it.  Me, once a bright-eyed young girl given a Prophecy to keep people safe from Harm. Now that I fulfilled it, where do I go from here, you ask?

Well…see, that’s the real surprise.  I don’t know, and I know you don’t either.

So…let’s find out together, shall we?

And the best place to start is, usually, at the beginning–well, at least where we left off.

It was well after I had left my parents and friends behind, taking to the skies.  Soon upon my flight, I was met by Moon Swan.  Her demeanor had improved considerably, as seen by the broad smile on her ageless, lovely face.

“Hello, Skywatcher.  Are you ready for the next phase of your Destiny?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be, Moon Swan,” I replied somewhat sadly.

She placed her hands on my shoulder, nodding sympathetically.

“I can still see your sadness, my young Skywatcher.  And believe me, that’s quite understandable.  You’re leaving behind not only your parents and friends, but also the carefree adolescence you had till recently.  It’s not easy to adjust to, but I know you’ll pull through for all of us.”   Then, unbelievably, the tears rolled down her face.

After we took a few moments to compose ourselves, we resumed our flight.  Soon our sadness gave way to fascination as we saw what were called the Myriad Worlds.  These were planets and star-systems of various stages of development.  Some were just starting, others in the  pinnacle of achievement, and there were those on a speedy decline.  The oddest thing they had in common was:  not one of them engaged in squabbling of any sort.

I had to admit, it was really wonderful to see these places.  It was even more wonderful to see them getting along so well.  At least, I thought they got along….

CHAPTER TWO

My mind was still clouded with all sorts of thoughts, the main one of these still being my parents and friends, even as the wonder of the Myriad Worlds grew more and more prevalent by the minute.  I turned and looked at Moon Swan.  Her expression had suddenly changed.

“Moon Swan?  What’s wrong?” I asked.

Her face showed a look of pained fear.

“I sense a growing tension in the Temporal Balance,” she replied.  “It’s as if though there are thousands of voices calling out for help…”

This really worried me a lot.

“Is there anything we can do?”

“I fear there is nothing we can do at this time, my young Skywatcher.  But I assure you they won’t be unavenged.  Someone will aid these other Noble Beings.  In fact, that someone has been commissioned to do just that.” Then her smile returned, which gladdened me somewhat.  It also got my curiosity going.

“And who is that someone?” I asked.

She didn’t answer right away, yet her smile remained intact.

“I can’t reply to that, but trust me, he will help them, no questions asked.”  And with that said, the subject was closed.  “Now…” she said unexpectedly, “let’s focus our energies on your New Destiny that’s been laid out by the Fates.”

Shrugging my shoulders in mid-flight, I agreed.  Only I didn’t know where to start!

Moon Swan somehow sensed my inquiry, and led me to a planet right below our flight path.  I got a very vague feeling that I knew this planet.  That feeling became more and more clear upon landing.  Of course!

“Uh, Moon Swan, is this–?”

She laughed joyously.

“Welcome to your new and yet ancient home, Skywatcher.  Welcome…to Startia.”

So this is where I originated from!  Wow!

I quickly looked around, and what I saw truly impressed me to no end.  All around there were buildings floating majestically on what I had no doubt were clouds, though they really weren’t clouds but massive platforms.

I tried to take it all in at once, but a gentle look from Moon Swan told me to turn my eyes ahead to the castle-like structure now coming into our view.  As impressed as I was with the others, this was truly awe-inspiring!!

We landed on the drawbridge leading into the interior of the palace.  The guard, a tall blonde woman with long hair parted in the middle, told us in a somewhat crass if not nasty way to wait where we were until we were summoned.

I turned to Moon Swan, my curiosity still as vibrant as ever.

“What’s with her?” I asked.

Moon Swan shook her head in dismay.

“Oh, probably a bad hair day, or her dress isn’t as immaculate.  Who knows?”

Then, after a few minutes, Yellow Dove–that’s the blonde girl I told you about just now–showed us in, although she wasn’t too thrilled about it.

Soon afterwards, my curiosity gave way to a twinge of fear!!

CHAPTER THREE

We were led to the main throne-room of the castle.  That twinge of fear I told you about earlier was totally gone by the time we reached the throne itself.  A quick look around reminded me of “King” Wingy-Ding’s castle back home, only this one was a lot more cleaner, let me tell you.  I couldn’t help but giggle at the thought.

Once more, that attractive if grouchy Yellow Dove called out(with a shrill British accent), this time to announce the Queen of Startia herself.  Now that made me more than a little nervous.

But…out of respect and good manners, Moon Swan and I bowed down and lowered our eyes to the floor, which, as I’m sure you understand, was quite immaculate and clean to the shine.

“Rise, and be free to address the court,” said the Queen’s soft voice.  (By the way, her voice had a German accent to it.)

We rose, and gazed at the Queen herself.  She was a brunette, with bright blue eyes, long hair ending at a widow’s peak on her forehead, had a friendly thin smile coming from her mouth, and had white-blue wings growing out of her broad shoulders.  She wore a suede-colored one-piece blouse/midi-skirt, with matching lace-up boots.

She looked at us, her smile growing warmer by the minute.

Moon Swan was ready to announce herself and I.

“Greetings, your majesty.  I am Moon Swan, and this is my apprentice Skywatcher Hackett.  We seek an informal counsel with your majesty.  If it pleases the Court, it would be–”

The Queen held up her hand to put a stop to Moon Swan’s all-too-formal request.

“Relax, Moon Swan.  You don’t have to go through this boring long-winded ritual. Just say what’s on your mind.  Otherwise, I’d fall asleep,” responded the Queen.

At once, we two, Moon Swan and I, felt a sense of relief.

“Your Majesty, I’d like to–” I began.

The Queen’s smile never left her face.

“Now, Skywatcher, as I said, you don’t have to be so formal.  You and Moon Swan can call me Mountain Eagle.  After all, that is my name.”  Then she became a little more serious.  “Now…what brings you two here, if I may ask?”

Moon Swan got right to the point by then.

“As I’m sure you’re aware, my young apprentice has warded off a deadly invading army called–” began Moon Swan.

“The Hyradians, right?  Yeah, I’ve kept up with all the machinations of  everything that’s occurred, no doubt thanks to you, Moon Swan,” said Mountain Eagle.

Moon Swan was surprised by this revealed awareness, as was I at this stage.  Somehow, Mountain Eagle knew everything that happened to me, my family and friends, and especially the entire Realm of the Time Beyond Time.  Wow.  

And yet I had the feeling that–well, you’ll know sooner or later.

CHAPTER FOUR

Revealed from the Secret Diaries of Moon Swan:

Like my apprentice before me, I grew quite shocked by what Mountain Eagle revealed to us in regards to all that has occurred, as she said earlier.  As surprising as this was, her next revelation truly took us by surprise.

She was laughing about it, as though it was the funniest joke ever told.

“Oh, forgive me, Moon Swan.  It’s just that I’m quite delighted by everything.  I mean, you brought your young apprentice the ways to keep the Realm safe and sound.”

In spite of my short relief, I suddenly became saddened.  Not for myself, but for Skywatcher.  And I pointed this out to Mountain Eagle.

“I’m pleased that you’re not angered by this good fortune as far as the Realm goes. However, there was a price paid.”

“Oh?  What price is that?” asked Mountain Eagle in confusion.

I drew in a heavy breath before responding.

“You see, Skywatcher had to abandon her family and friends in order to fulfill the new Destiny that’s even now ahead of her.  And this loss is great, I can assure you of that.”

Mountain Eagle turned to Skywatcher somberly.

“Is this true, young Skywatcher?” asked Mountain Eagle remorsefully.

Wordlessly Skywatcher nodded her head sadly, even as her tears flowed down her lovely young-womanly face.

Mountain Eagle stood up, walked from her throne to where Skywatcher stood, and embraced my young apprentice warmly.  My own sadness echoed Skywatcher’s, as I just told you before.  And yet I knew that her sadness was to be short-lived…

From Skywatcher’s diary:

I don’t know about you, but my initial feeling of intimidation by Mountain Eagle vanished completely even as my sadness for my family was at its zenith by this time.  Somehow or other, though, I had the sense that it wouldn’t last all that much longer.  I guess it–I don’t know.  All I know is to just let these events fall where they may.

Anyway, I couldn’t ask Mountain Eagle to just let me go back home to be with my family and friends.  There had to be another quest on the way.  Only I didn’t know when, if ever, it would come.  That, I figured, was up to Moon Swan…and the Fates of Time as well.

Then, unexpectedly, Mountain Eagle looked into my eyes and smiled.  That was odd.

“You’d like to see your family again, wouldn’t you, Skywatcher?” she asked.

How did she know?!?!

“Well, all you had to do was ask.  We’d have been more than happy to let you go home, if only for a short time.”  Mountain Eagle’s smile never left her ageless face.

Oh, wow!  I couldn’t believe it!!

So I did ask, just out of good manners.

“And, uh, may I–?”

Mountain Eagle turned to Moon Swan, still smiling.  Moon Swan had some reservations, I can tell you that much right now.

“Well, Moon Swan?”

Moon Swan still hesitated in her reply to the request.  Wearily she gave in.

“Oh, very well, Mountain Eagle.” Then Moon Swan gazed at me somewhat in a very hard manner, which is sort of typical of her.  Much in the same way she’d dealt with my father. “Your request is granted only temporarily, young Skywatcher.  Remember your New and Noble Destiny is still on the beginning path.  It can’t be denied, you do understand.”

I nodded my head to show that I’d gotten the message.

“Hey, Moon Swan, why don’t you come along?  I’ll bet my parents will be glad to see you again–well, at least my dad will, anyway.”

Moon Swan heartily agreed.

Soon we took off from Startia, our majestic wings carrying us throughout Endless Space.

It’s time for me to come home…

CHAPTER FIVE

“Strangers passing in the street, by chance two separate glances meet; and I am you and what I see is me…”

—David Gilmour & Richard Wright, “Echoes” from Meddle, 1971

From the words of Mr. Steve Hackett:

Hello again.  It’s me, Mr. Steve Hackett, about to relate to you kind and understanding readers another weird and yet heart-lifting moment in my–well, our lives.  I can’t ever neglect my lovely wife Sunleaf now, can I?

Hmmm…where to begin?

Oh, of course.  The beginning.

Well, it was dark–well, night-time in the Realm of the Time Beyond Time.  I was getting off my shift at the Foxtrot Time Works.  You’ll remember that’s what the vile and insidious Robrack first wanted to control and, much later on, destroy!!  

I thank the Fates of Time that he didn’t succeed.

Oh, I do apologize.  I tend to digress at times. I guess I still have my daughter Skywatcher on my mind.  I miss her like you wouldn’t even try to believe.

Anyhow, it was, as I just said, quite late.  My shift now over, all I wanted to do was get home, eat a light dinner, and try my best to relax.  The last thing I needed now was more sudden surprises of any sort what-so-ever.

Entering the living room of my house, I called out.

“Sunleaf, I’m home.  Where are you?”

Not getting an answer straight away, I walked into the kitchen, stopping at the fridge.  As you no doubt remember, I like to eat a turkey lunch meat sandwich to tie me over.

Having finished prepping my sandwich, I was sitting at the table, when suddenly a set of female fingers covered my eyes.

If there’s one thing I like the least, it’s my wife playing games–especially when I just get home from work.

“Sunleaf, I haven’t time for games now,” I said irritatedly.

I thought I heard a high-pitched giggle of a sort.  That also annoyed me, and thus I pulled the fingers off my eyeballs, turned ‘round–and got the shock of my life!!

“Sk-Skywatcher?!?  Is it–?” I stammered.

It indeed was Skywatcher!

My daughter, still in her adult form, had come home!

“Hi, Dad,” she said, grinning from ear to ear.

Just wait until Sunleaf sees this!!!

From Sunleaf Hackett’s words:

I had just gotten in the door a few minutes after Steve did, and you can bet I wasn’t in the mood for any games from him or anyone else right now.

“Sunleaf, come into the kitchen,” called out Steve.

Wearily and somewhat reluctantly, I did so–and my jaw dropped right smack to the floor!

I couldn’t believe it!!

“Skywatcher?!!”

“Hi, Mom.  I’m home,” she said.

CHAPTER SIX

From Skywatcher’s diary:

You can’t even begin to imagine how great it was for me to see my parents, however temporary it would be…but you can be sure that I felt eternally grateful to both Moon Swan and Mountain Eagle.

In fact, in a weird way I almost wished they were here to see this.

“So, Skywatcher, what brings you home?” asked Mom.

I couldn’t readily think of an answer…but the answer did come…in the form of a bright light emanating behind the three of us.

We turned around, and there, from that bright light, stepped both Moon Swan, and especially Mountain Eagle.  Oh, me and my big mouth!

My Dad’s eyes narrowed in confusion, whereas my Mom’s widened.

“Hello, Stephen. Hi, Sunleaf.”  That’s what Moon Swan said to my parents.

“Moon Swan?  And who’s that with you?” asked out my Dad.

Moon Swan turned to Mountain Eagle, though my Mom already knew.

“This, my dear Stephen, is Mountain Eagle, the–”

“Ruler of all Startia, right?”  interjected Mom rather rudely.

Moon Swan turned to my Mom angrily.

“Your manners are atrocious!!  But then again, that really doesn’t surprise me with you now, does it, Sunleaf?”  Her eyes were like blazing fires in the sky.

I turned to Mountain Eagle to apologize.

“I am so sorry for this,” I said.

Incredibly, Mountain Eagle wasn’t offended by what she was seeing.  In fact, she was laughing at the whole interaction!

“You–you mean–?” I stammered.

“Oh no, I’m not insulted at all.  You know what this reminds of?”

I shook my head to answer in the negative.

“Well, at one time I lived in a different Universe, on an Earth much like this one.  Anyway, there was a TV program called All in the Family.  I tell you, it was undoubtedly the funniest thing I’d ever witnessed in my life.”  All this was being said while my parents and Moon Swan were arguing about some stupid matter or other.

It was time for me to end this once and for all…

CHAPTER SEVEN

Having decided to reaffirm my new-found assertiveness, I made my way to my parents and Moon Swan.  Of course, they were still arguing about nothing at all.

Casually I tapped my Dad on his shoulder.

“Yes, what is it, Skywatcher?” he asked.

Smiling very broadly, I made my move!

“THAT’S ENOUGH!!”

Boy, did that get their attention.

“Now…” I said, “are you ready to hear why I came home?”

Their argumentative ways were pushed aside in favor of their now-growing curiosity.

“Well, love, that has crossed our minds,” replied my Dad.

I turned to Mountain Eagle.  Her face didn’t lose its brightness one iota.

“You see, Mr. and Mrs. Hackett, your daughter wanted to see you out of her love for you.  That’s the real reason of her visit–well, maybe there’s more in store for you two.”

My parents gazed at each other in all-out bafflement.

“Uhhh…would you be so kind as to run that by us again, please?” queried Dad.

“Yeah, what do you mean by ‘more in store for us’?” echoed Mom.

I had to admit that even I was baffled by this.

“Uh, Mountain Eagle, I hate to ask you this, but what do you have in mind?” I asked.

“Well…” answered Mountain Eagle, “I was thinking about letting your parents come along with us back to Startia.” She first turned to my Mom.  “Well, how about it, Sunleaf?”

At once my Mom’s eyes blazed.

“What?!?  Are you crazy?!  Go back to Startia?  Why?!”

Mountain Eagle turned and looked at Moon Swan in disgust.

“I can’t believe you’re related to this woman,” whispered Mountain Eagle.

All Moon Swan could do at that point was roll up her eyes to the ceiling.

“You know something?  I can’t believe it, either,” she told Mountain Eagle.

CHAPTER EIGHT

From the words of Mr. Steve Hackett:

In spite of Sunleaf’s rather obnoxious means of protest, I myself the idea of travelling to the home planet of my wife was intriguing.  The only problem was the overall welfare of the Foxtrot Time Works.  You see, it’s always been my understanding that whoever is in charge of the Time Works is not–I repeat–not to abandon the post altogether.

I had the idea of relating this thought to the woman named Mountain Eagle, whom I believed to be a tad more reasonable than either my wife or Moon Swan.

“Pardon me, Miss Mountain Eagle, I’d just like to say that I think a trip to Startia is a good idea.  However, there’s the problem with–” I began saying.

“With who’ll run the Foxtrot Time Works, right?  Well, Mr. Hackett–can I call you Steve?–I’ve already contacted your higher boss and he told me you ain’t had a vacation since you started working there.  And that was, what, since you got out of college, am I right?”

“Okay, you’re accurate there.  My reason for not taking vacations, or holidays as we English call them, is my dedication to the maintenance of the Temporal Balance.  Agreed?”

“Agreed, but as I said, I did talk to your boss, and he’s decided to let you take as much time as you need.”  Next she turned ‘round to Sunleaf to convince her.

“Now, Sunleaf, are you agreeable to this vacation?”

At that moment my wife finally gave in to the idea.

“Oh, okay, why not?  But let me tell you, Moon Swan and Mountain Eagle, both of you that we’re doing this for our baby girl.  Is that understood?”

Shrugging their admittedly strong womanly shoulders, they silently agreed to that little “request”.

At last we three, my daughter, and her parents (namely Sunleaf and I) were happily reunited…and also in for another weird (and in my own case, unwanted)adventure.

From Sunleaf Hackett’s words:

Oh wow.  The things we mothers do for our kids, like it or not.

I still don’t get what Mountain Eagle and that overly-prissy Moon Swan concocted, but you can sure bet that Skywatcher had something to do with this.  Sometimes I just don’t know about that kid of mine.  I really don’t.

Then again, who says that parental love has to be logical?

From Skywatcher’s diary:

Now, I know I tried to maintain an exterior calm with myself, but inside I was that giddy kid all over again…and let me tell you now it felt great!

Getting on track, after a good night’s sleep (fortunately we had already packed our clothes, toiletries, and my dad’s turkey lunch meat sandwiches just before going to bed) we got up and immediately set off on our major trip through the skies of the Time Beyond Time, and into Infinite Space.

Oh, you’re wondering how we actually pulled it off, aren’t you?

Simple.  We teleported ourselves–well, we Startians can do that with ease.  At least, Moon Swan, Mountain Eagle and I can.  For Mom it was a little harder, because she had to focus on ‘porting both she and my dad at the same time.

I hope nothing goes wrong.  At all would be nice.

But then again…

CHAPTER NINE

“One inch of love is one inch of shadow; love is the shadow that ripens the wine.”

—Roger Waters, “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun” from A Saucerful of Secrets, 1968 

Revealed from the Secret Diaries of Moon Swan:

My overall trust in Mountain Eagle’s wisdom was now on some very shaky ground by the time we returned to Startia and her capital city.  It’s been accepted as Startian law that no outsider, regardless of gender or planetary origin, was to even dare set foot on Startian soil.  But out my own foolishness, I allowed my apprentice Skywatcher some time to see her parents.  How was I to know that our “ruler” would actually bring them here?

But…there’s nothing I can do about that now, is there?

I mean, Mountain Eagle is our Queen, and her laws are fair.

Again, though, I really do wonder sometimes…

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

I could tell my parents were amazed–well, my dad was, anyway.  On the other hand, my mother acted like she was going to be very sick upon landing back on her home planet.  To give those feelings some proof, she turned and looked at yours truly with a glare that would melt the entire North Pole on your Earth.

“Mom, believe me, this isn’t what I was planning,” I reasoned.

“Ha-ha.  A likely story, missy!” she snarled.

Upon seeing this Mountain Eagle opted to intevene on my behalf.

“That’s enough of this, Sunleaf.  Now do us all a favor and stifle yourself, huh?”

At once, Mom whirled around to Mountain Eagle.

“Listen here, fraulein, this is between Skywatcher and me.  Butt out!”

Now that did it.  My stomach had told my mind to put a total end to this.

“THAT’S ENOUGH!!” I boomed from the top of my lungs.

Boy, did Mom’s eyes bulge out of their sockets…as did Mountain Eagle’s as well.

From Sunleaf Hackett’s words:

Let me say to you right now I was just beside myself when my daughter screamed at me in that tone of voice she did.  I mean, how do you respond to that?

After taking a few minutes to collect myself, I glared at Skywatcher.

“Don’t ever yell at me like that again, woman!  Is that clear?!”

She didn’t respond right away which is no longer surprising to me at all.

“Well…” she sighed, “all right.  But no more of this nonsense from anyone.  Clear?”

Wearily we all nodded.  Oddly enough, even Steve did even though he’s the only one at whom Skywatcher didn’t holler.

I think this time I can speak for us when I say I hope this bad note finally ended…

CHAPTER TEN

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

Now that everybody calmed down Mountain Eagle returned to her throne, where that irritably snotty Yellow Dove stood guard.

“Now…” said Mountain Eagle upon sitting down, “let’s clear the air right now.  First of all, Sunleaf, don’t ever call me ‘fraulein’ again.  And you, Skywatcher, had better learn proper respect for your mother…even if she is a bit of a hothead.”  Next she looked to Dad.  “Well, Steve?  Are you just going to stand there like a statue waiting for the pigeons to use you as a toilet?  What do you have to say about everything?”

Naturally my Dad was at a loss for words, if only temporarily.

From the words of Mr. Steve Hackett:

Hello again.

You’re wondering, I suppose, about my reaction to being on my wife’s home planet.

Well…I wasn’t all that certain but I did get the feeling that I wasn’t exactly welcomed about here, as seen by the demeanor of the young blond woman named Yellow Dove.  Out of my own curiosity, I turned to Yellow Dove.

“Excuse me, but I gather you don’t like visitors here all that much, do you?” I asked.

She eyed me in quite a wary manner.

“Listen, outworlder, I don’t make it a habit of talking to strangers, especially those who have absolutely no right being here in the first place.  I do try to hope you don’t take any offense to that!”  With that off her chest, so to speak, the conversation ended.

Suddenly the brunette woman Mountain Eagle beckoned me to her throne.

“Now that we’re gathered here together, I have decided as your queen to permanently allow Mr. and Mrs. Hackett–oops, excuse me, Steve and Sunleaf to reside here on Startia.”

My jaw plummeted to the ground!

“WHAT?! You said this was only a temporary vacation!  I can’t take too much time off!  What about the Foxtrot Time Works?  And the Temporal Balance?!”

Sunleaf whirled around to me.

“Steve, will you shut up and let the woman talk?!” she hissed.

Oh, may the Fates of Time help me now…

Revealed from the Secret Diaries of Moon Swan:

Do you people remember when I told you about my overall lack of trust in Mountain Eagle’s judgment?  Well, that little announcement concerning my apprentice’s parents stay here on Startia just cemented that suspicion.

And, as I’ll always do, I pointed this out to her.

“Excuse me, Mountain Eagle, but did we actually hear you right?”

She glared at me angrily.

“Are you doubting your queen’s judgments, Moon Swan?!”

“Frankly speaking…yes, I am.”

I don’t know about you but I can feel a showdown in the making…

CHAPTER ELEVEN

“Harmlessly passing your time in the grassland away, 0nly dimly aware of a certain unease in the air…”

—Roger Waters, “Sheep” from Animals, 1977

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

A greatly sickening tension was permeating around us as Mountain Eagle and Moon Swan stared at each other, as though they were in a powerfully intense psychological war.  I can bet that whoever wins, we three Hacketts stand to lose regardless.

Fortunately my Dad stepped in to put a stop to it.

“Excuse me, girls, but there are visitors here,” he said in regard to us–well, he and my Mom.  I have to say, my Dad’s good at making peace with people.

It seems that Moon Swan and Mountain Eagle got the message because they were quick to forgive each other.  Good thing, too, because there was a lot to be learned by us, namely myself in particular.

“Well, now that we’ve gotten that matter settled, you’re wondering why I allowed outworlders to come to Startia,” stated Mountain Eagle regally.

“Well, that has crossed our minds, if you don’t mind my saying so,” replied Dad.

Mountain Eagle closed her eyes to bring her thoughts into sharp focus.

While this was going on, Moon Swan turned to my Dad sternly.

“Next time Mountain Eagle speaks rhetorically, don’t answer.”

Dad, being the type of man he is, brazenly ignored her as he glanced back at Mountain Eagle.  I imagine he was waiting for that answer he requested.

I also sensed that he might not like what Mountain Eagle would have to say…

Revealed from the Secret Diaries of Moon Swan:

As much as I disagree with Sunleaf, there are moments where I have to(somewhat reluctantly) give her credit for putting up with a guy like Mr. Steve Hackett all these years. If he was my husband, I’d have sent him packing long ago, offspring or not.

(Forgive me for getting off-kilter so much.  I don’t usually reveal my thoughts to any chronicler whatsoever.  It’s not in my personality so try not to be offended.

Where was I?  Oh, that’s right.)

Anyway, like Steve we were all waiting with an ever-growing impatience as Mountain Eagle remained in her coma-like trance.  I could clearly tell it was especially taxing for my young Skywatcher.  The answer soon to be (hopefully) provided by our queen could very easily affect the Destiny of not only my apprentice and her family, but also the entire Realm of the Time Beyond Time as well.  In fact, I was certain of this!

Then suddenly Mountain Eagle opened her eyes and commenced to speak.

“The reason for your being here on Startia concerns a Force more powerful than even those of the Hyradian Army now in total defeat.  I have sent forth a message and summons throughout the Time Beyond Time, seeking the greatest heroes ever known.  These heroes and heroines will arrive in their own due time.”

My soul felt a great shudder of fear!

From the words of Mr. Steve Hackett:

A vague sense of recognition wormed its way into my mind after Mountain Eagle finished her statement.

“Say, Mountain Eagle, if I can venture an off-the-wall guess, could two of those heroes be named…Diamond Flame and Red Ice?!?!”

“You know, Steve, sometimes you have more insight than you’re given credit for.  And for that insight…you’re right!”

I looked at Sunleaf in a slightly smug satisfaction.

“Did you hear that, Sunleaf?  Our old friends–”

“Yeah, Steve, I heard.  Whoopee,” she said, twirling her finger in a mock-joyous way.

Wait until Skywatcher meets them!

CHAPTER TWELVE

“Heroes of the Balance of Time, aid us now and here; come to our Realms, and take away all our Fear!”

–The Children’s Book of Heroes of the Temporal Balance

From Skywatcher’s Diary:  

Frankly, I thought my Dad had flipped his lid.  I mean, who was he talking about?  I’ve never even heard of Diamond Flame or Red Ice.

I turned back to Mountain Eagle for some answers.

“Excuse me, uh, Moutain Eagle, but who are Diamond Flame and Red Ice?”

“I think your father can answer that question for you,” replied Mountain Eagle.

I looked back to my Dad in total confused curiosity.

“Well, love, it’s a bit of a long story, but essentially they’re two friends of mine and your mother’s.  In fact, they’re the new part of the total maintanence of the Temporal Balance.  If I recall accurately, they only arrived a short time ago when it was discovered that our enemy Robrack escaped his imprisonment and sought out his revenge.  They’re originally paramedics from San Francisco, so their concern for Life overall is extremely high.”

That, of course, still didn’t answer my question…

From the words of Mr. Steve Hackett:

I started showing signs of uncharacteristic anger toward Skywatcher.  Now that’s totally not like me at all, but with all that’s happened it can be somewhat understandable.  If anything, the one I should be angry with is Mountain Eagle…but that’s a rather moot issue.

I figured that sooner or later my daughter would meet the heroines I talked about in the brief manner I did.  But I wasn’t sure of her real reaction to it all; time will tell, I suppose.

And yet I still had no exact idea what Mountain Eagle had brewing in her mind…

Revealed from the Secret Diaries of Moon Swan:

Like Steve, I myself was quite baffled by what my illustrious “queen” revealed in regard to the other “heroes” of the Temporal Balance, two of whom Steve mentioned by name.  I mean, I did say this in casual passing to Skywatcher during our flight to Startia.  But, again, how did Mountain Eagle actually know?!

Figuring that I had nothing much to lose, I confronted Mountain Eagle.

“Begging your majesty’s pardon–” I started to say.

“Oh, Moon Swan, just spit it out, huh?”

I got right to the point.

“If I may, how is it that you have such advanced knowledge of the Heroes of the Temporal Balance?  Do you have such a great insight that we other Startians don’t?”

I had her there…or so I thought at the moment, anyway.  Then her face lit up like one of your Christmas trees.

“I may be able to answer your question, Moon Swan.  You see, I am in tune with the Fates of Time themselves.  They’re really a nice bunch of people once you get to understand and know them on a casual level.  Now…do you wish to meet them upon their arrival?”

I had to admit to you that she managed to arouse my somewhat insatiable curiosity.  That made me give in to her, much as I dislike giving in to anybody.

“Okay…when are they due to arrive?” I asked wearily.

Once more she smiled her mysterious smile.

“As I said earlier, Moon Swan, all in due time.  All in due time…”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

Given the choice between waiting for these other heroes of the Balance and going back through Time to fight Robrack, I’d give anything for the latter option.  At least then I’d know what I was in for.

And I don’t think my Dad was really all that much help in his answer…but of course I didn’t say this out loud.

So…I guess the best thing to do is just wait this out and see what happens afterwards.

My biggest hope is that I don’t live to regret it!

From Sunleaf’s words:

I don’t know about you but I was more than ready to kick Steve in his pants right there and then for mentioning Diamond Flame and Red Ice in front of Skywatcher.  She’s got more than enough to deal with, believe me.

It was at that precise time Skywatcher came up to me, a look of confused fear on her young-woman face.

“Mom, do you know about Diamond Flame and Red Ice, the two people that Dad talked about just now?” she’d asked.

I paused a very long amount of time before responding.

“Yeah, Skywatcher, I do know about those two.  Like your Dad said, they’re very good-hearted girls.”

At that she smiled broadly in delight.

“Did you say–girls??”

“Well, not ‘girls’ in the actual age-sense of things, but of the gender-sense.  You see now?” I replied.

“Yeah, I sure do.  And now I can’t wait to meet them.”  A new thought entered Skywatcher’s mind.  “Wait a minute.  Isn’t there another hero of the Balance as well?”

From out of the blue, Mountain Eagle’s voice answered out loud.

“Yes, that’s right, young Skywatcher.  You’ll meet him, in addition to the others, in due time, as I patiently reiterated before.”

Now, like my daughter with me, I was even baffled.

But like Mountain Eagle said over and over, all in due time.

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

The next day I raced up to Mountain Eagle’s throne, my mind flooding with questions.

“Oh, good morning, Skywatcher.  What can I do for you?” she queried.

“Mountain Eagle, I have a lot of things to ask you.  The biggest of these concerns this other hero of the Temporal Balance.”

With all the infintely limitless patience she had, Mountain Eagle held up her hand.

“I understand your growing curiosity about your fellow heroes and heroines of the Temporal Balance, and believe me, if I could answer all of your questions at once, I’d gladly do so.  But like all else in the Realm, I’m content to let things happen as they do.  I can only tell you what I myself already know which, to my mild chagrin, isn’t all that much to begin with.  Again, just try to be patient.  All will be known–and only at the right time, not before or even after.”   

Well, okay.  I guess I don’t have any choice there, do I?

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

“The grass was greener, the light was brighter; with friends surrounded, the nights of wonder…”

—David Gilmour & Polly Samson-Gilmour, “High Hopes” from The Division Bell, 1994

Revealed from the Secret Diaries of Moon Swan:

My suspicion of Mountain Eagle’s intentions instantly morphed into an undying hatred for her as a person.  I had the distinct impression that she was enticing my young apprentice in a way I found quite distasteful, to say the least.  To say the most it was almost–well, I am sure you get the idea.

Now I know that I can’t let this issue with Mountain Eagle bother me in the intense way it does, but it’s already doing so without my being even the slightest bit aware of it.

Maybe I’m just totally misreading her motives here, or maybe I’m just being paranoid.  I just don’t know.

Or…maybe, just maybe she might be telling the truth.  Again, I don’t know…yet.

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

I could barely maintain my control as my wondering about these other heroes of the Temporal Balance grew exponentially.  And also a vague sense of…fear, as well.  I mean, Mountain Eagle did say that everything was going to happen “all in due time”.   Oh, there is one other thing that played out in my mind.  How did my parents know about these other heroes taht kept getting mentioned in conversation?

I think I’m owed one doozy of an explanation…

From the words of Mr. Steve Hackett:

Skywatcher came up to me, that weird expression now plastered on her face.

“Dad…we need to talk.  Now,” she stated.

I wasn’t exactly looking forward to this conversation.

“What is it, love?” I asked innocently.

To her credit, she got to the point in her own casual way.  That I can appreciate.

“You know, Dad, I get the feeling you’re not telling me a lot about those ‘heroes’ named Diamond Flame and Red Ice.  Mom informed me that they’re two women from another Universe.  How much do you really know?”

“Oh, I can answer all that easily enough.  You see, your mother and I met them not long after you’d left.  They’d heard about us through the legends of your deeds that spread all around.”  I hope that satisfied her.

The resultant bear-hug from her confirmed as much…and even more so, it reaffirmed our bond as a family.  Much to my relief, I can add.

“You know,” she said, “I’ll more than be glad to live with that.”

So can I, love.  So can I.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

From Sunleaf’s words:

Now that Skywatcher had her curiosity appeased for the time being, I was beginning to sense that the proverbial other shoe was due to drop soon…and I was, of course, not looking forward to this at all.

What I did next, well, you just won’t believe:  I actually turned to Moon Swan for a little bit of advice on this matter.  How about this, huh?

“Hey, Moon Swan, what do you suppose will happen next in these events?” I asked.

Naturally she gave me her trademark weird gaze.

“Why are you asking me this now?  Don’t tell me your spitfire nature’s collapsing.”  I could see a glimpse of delight on her part which wasn’t that much of a surprise, believe me.

Having heard that my eyes blazed in rage!

“Look here, you!  I came to you with a legitimate concern regarding my child, and you have the unmitigated nerve to question my personality.  Well, I can show you my nature right now!” I sneered caustically.

Again she gave me that weird gaze from her eyes.

“Oh, Sunleaf. you have so much to learn.”

To my own chagrin, I would sooner or later find out…how right she was!

Revealed from the Secret Diaries of Moon Swan:

I can just kick myself for the way I talked to Sunleaf but she does have a tendency to get on a lot of people’s nerves…including both mine and her husband’s.  Do you recall when I gave her credit for tolerating Steve’s ways?  Well, allow me this little “luxury” of reversing that stance.  It should be Steve who deserves the credit for putting up with her!

But of course, the real credit all goes to Skywatcher for putting up with the both of them all these years…as if she really had a choice, anyway.  She’s a strong young woman, I’ll say that for her.

I’m hoping to the Fates of Time that her strength lasts for what’s supposedly due to happen next…

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

I don’t mind telling you that my curiosity had grown into a great anticipation for a grand meeting of these other heroes of the Balance, especially the ladies named Diamond Flame and Red Ice.  However, there was the other hero I asked about, for which I never received an answer.

But, as Mountain Eagle always reiterates, all in its own due time.

Let’s hope, though, it wouldn’t be too long in coming…for all our sakes.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“Neptune, Titan, stars can frighten..”

–Syd Barrett, “Astronomy Domine” from The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, 1967

Another morning had broken, and with it a new glorious sunrise as well.

Life here just about fell into an almost…dull routine, and yet my anticipation increased to the level where I wasn’t able to control myself.

Out of my good manners, I went and told my parents,who were outside of Mountain Eagle’s throne-room.

“Mom?  Dad?  May I talk with you?”

“Sure, love.  What is it?” asked Dad.

“Something on your mind, honey?” said Mom.

I tried to weigh my words carefully…then I spat it out.

“Well, I don’t know if I should tell you this, but I’m actually looking forward to meeting these other heroes and heroines of the Balance.  In fact, my patience for this event is running out and I don’t think I can hold out much longer.”

My parents looked to one another in total shock.

“You’re kidding, right?”  That was Dad’s response.

“Have you lost your little MIND?!?!” yelled Mom.

I was about to reply when Moon Swan flew her way to us.

“What’s all this caterwauling about?”

I don’t know why Mom immediately answered her but she did…

Revealed from the Secret Diaries of Moon Swan:

I heard the verbal exchange among the Hacketts upon my waking up, causing me to fly my way to them.

“Do you believe what my kid just told us?!” yelled Sunleaf.

“Somehow, I can believe it.  You all can thank Mountain Eagle for this,” I said.

Swiftly Skywatcher turned to me, a fiercely resolved look on her face.

“I only told them what I felt was the truth regarding the other heroes of the Temporal Balance.  That is, I would very much like to meet them.”

I looked at Skywatcher with a bit of sympathy.

“I know, my young Skywatcher, that you’re more than a little anxious to encounter these ‘other heroes’ you have heard of.  But again, you’ll have to learn about being patient.  If I may say to you in honesty, you have the physical looks of a woman, but inside you is still the young girl-child you once were.  It’s hard for you to reconcile those two disparate characteristics into one.  But for the sake of repeating myself, try your best to be patient.  Okay?”

Wearily Skywatcher nodded her head with a somber tone.

“Oh, all right, Moon Swan.”

I then left to seek another audience with Mountain Eagle.

I would also get a lot more that I bargained for…

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

“Skywatcher, flying in the air high over all, it’s to you we gaze.  Formed in beauty, strong in resolve; shining on all our days.

Skywatcher, over this humble Realm so far above; fly down now and give us all of your love.”

—The Romance Sonnets for Skywatcher, verse one

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

I thought a lot about what Moon Swan said to me regarding my rather impatient ways.  I chalked it up to my undying curiosity which, as I’m sure you’re aware of by now, never seems to be sated for long.  You know, folks say knowledge is power, and if that’s true then I’ve got so much power I can put the “feminists” to shame.  But Moon Swan’s words, to my chagrin, did little to almost nothing to appease me.

Getting back on track now, I turned from my parents and followed Moon Swan’s flight-path.  Naturally, they took exception to that.

“Skywatcher, where are you going now!?” screamed my Mom angrily.

Without looking back or even stopping I kept on going.

“To speak to both Moon Swan and Mountain Eagle.  I think something big is about to happen.  Come on!”

To my relief I heard their footsteps rush closer to me.  That meant they were going to join me…and boy, did I ever need them now!

From the words of Mr. Steve Hackett:

Sunleaf and I didn’t quite know what our daughter had in mind, but you can be sure that when she feels something that’s even the slightest bit disturbing it’s usually for real.  Not one of those flights of fancy that she used to display before everthing happened.

It grew quite impossible to keep up with Skywatcher as her movement drew closer to the meeting spot where we then saw Mountain Eagle and Moon Swan gazing at us even as we arrived scant seconds later.

Mountain Eagle was the first to address us.

“Ah, you’re just in time, Hackett family.  Look out to the skies and see all that I have said would come.” 

Somewhat hesitantly we did so, and what we witnessed–well, you’ll just have to ask either my wife, or even Moon Swan about this!!

From Sunleaf Hackett’s words:

Our eyes just about bulged when we got a good look at what that resident nutcase Mountain Eagle pointed at in the skies above us.

And what was it we saw, you ask?

Well…try to imagine–oh, what am I saying?

This defies description–unless you’re a fan of your early Pink Floyd!

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Revealed from the Diaries of Moon Swan:

A sense of wonder intermixed with terror coursed its way all through my body as the weird visions predicted by Mountain Eagle seemed to come to its fruition.  It was all I could do to keep from screaming my lungs out!

For the sake of logic I’ll do my best to describe what we now saw.  The normally blue skies above our planet had literally swirled themselves into colors rarely before seen by Humanity.  There were various shades of purples, greens, a few blacks, and even those resembling turquoise and violet-purple combined.  Just swirling all around not only in Space but in Time as well.

In spite of my ever-present feeling of terror I had to admit the sight was impressive!

Of course, unfortunately I can’t speak for the Hackett family.

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

The weirdness in the skies was overwhelming us by the minute.  I tried my very best to remain calm but now I was shaking!!  And I know my parents were feeling scared as much as I was…maybe more so!

All of a sudden…it stopped!  Just like the snap of a finger!

Soon the skies resumed their routine, normal shade of blue…and what a relief it was, too.

I turned to my parents, attempting to talk about what transpired just now.

“Mom?  Dad?  Did you–?” I stammered.

“Yes, love, we saw it.  Reminded me of Pink Floyd, I thought,” said Dad numbly.

At once Mom resumed her normal means of answering Dad’s thoughts.

“Oh, you mean psychedelic, or do you really mean psychotic?!”

“Well…” said Dad in return, “I guess it’s both, huh?”

“Beautiful, Steve.  Just beautiful,” snorted out Mom with a smile.

That’s my Mom for you…but you’ve gotta love her anyway.

From Sunleaf Hackett’s words:

We were awakened out of our stupor from the weird sight by our ever-reliable Mountain Eagle.  And let me tell you now that her excitement almost made me sick.

“Come!  This way, everybody!” she shouted out loud.

Not really having much of a better alternative we followed her to her throne-room.  I don’t know how to speak for the next person but I was not looking forward to this at all.

Skywatcher then turned around to look at us, a hint of fear on her face.

“What do you think’s going to happen?”

Without looking I whispered, “Eyes open and your mouth shut.”  I glanced at Steve.  “You too, hubby of mine.”

For a few minutes we stood there like statues in the park, not moving and barely breathing.  The tension was unbearable for us Startians not including Mountain Eagle (who, I should add, glowed like a kid at the circus).  It was especially hard on my baby girl, believe me, people.

Then…there it was!!

CHAPTER TWENTY

“Lotuses lean on each other in yearning; under the eaves the swallow is resting…”

–Roger Waters, “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun”, from A Saucerful of Secrets, 1968 

Revealed from the Secret Diaries of Moon Swan:

The Hacketts and I waited for the “grand moment” that our allegedly “wise” Queen Mountain Eagle so overzealously predicted and endlessly talked about over and over.  If there’s one thing I hate the most, it’s waiting for anything to take place.  I don’t care what it is.

At once we were thus “rewarded” for our collective waiting by a loud wailing sound that seemed to emanate from outside the castle wall.  We all tried to see if not hear where it was actually coming from, to no avail.  I looked to Mountain Eagle for advice.

“Mountain Eagle, what’s–?” I began asking.

She was in a trance!  It now was useless to ask her any questions!

Next it was Steve’s turn to ask a question, this one directed at me.

“Forgive my momentary ignorance, Moon Swan, but are you sure this is what your Mountain Eagle forecast for us?!”

Fortunately dear Sunleaf, in her usual way, came to Steve’s relief.

“I said eyes open and mouth shut, didn’t I?” she hissed.

He didn’t know what to say to that…

From the words of Mr. Steve Hackett:

It’s becoming more and more impossible to logically describe the sights we were witnessing at a rather alarming rate.  For the sake of those who’ve so dilligently followed our tales up to this point I’ll do my very best to at least make the attempt to do so.

First off,  a literal rip in the fabric of the physical space we now inhabited opened up as wide as it could go without actually destroying everything in sight!  Out of this “spatial-temporal sundering” (otherwise known for you science fiction fanatics as a “space-time warp”) a great clustering of multi-colored lights fluttered to our eyes; almost like moving Christmas tree lights in a sense, I guess you’d say.

Then…the real shocker of all–at least for Moon Swan and Skywatcher anyway.  There, just as predicted–we saw our (meaning Sunleaf and myself) friends Dixie, and featuring–yes, you knew it all along–Diamond Flame and Red Ice!

To my surprise, Sunleaf ran up to Dixie joyously and embraced her!  Quite unlike my usually spit-fiery wife, I felt.

“Hi, Dixie!”  she squealed in delight.

Dixie, naturally, returned the hug in kind.

“Hello, Sunleaf.”  Next she looked to Skywatcher and myself.  “Hi, Steve.  And hello to you, Skywatcher.”

Now I can’t be precisely sure but I thought Skywatcher’s eyes boggle in confusion if not delight.  But I may be wrong…

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Now we have a “special guest” to relate now her thoughts:

Hi, everyone.  It’s me, your old friend Dixie.  Yeah, I’m back with you all.

First of all, I can bet you’re wondering why I’m here, with my girls, relating my feelings in regard to my connection with young Skywatcher, right?

Well, you see, folks, my girls, namely Diamond Flame and Red Ice, and I received a summons from the Startian named Mountain Eagle concerning a great and powerful Force that was to spell inevitable danger to the Realm of the Time Beyond Time.  Plus I figured that, well, my girls can finally meet the legendary Skywatcher Hackett, live and in person.

So I decided to set all this up.

“Okay, Diamond Flame, Red Ice, I’d like for you to meet Skywatcher.  And Red Ice, don’t use so much of your uncalled-for language, okay?” I said.

With a regal sense Diamond Flame was the first to introduce herself.

“Hello, Skywatcher.  I’m Diamond Flame.  My friend and I heard a lot about you.”

“I’m glad to meet you, Diamond Flame.  My dad told me about you and Red Ice a little bit.  I think you’re pretty,” replied Skywatcher.

“Why, thank you, Skywatcher,” said Diamond Flame with a soft smile.

Next it was Red Ice’s turn to bat…and I shuddered to think what she’d say.

“Hi there, Skywatcher.  Name’s Red Ice.  Say, you’re a legend to my friend and I, you know that?”   At least Red Ice didn’t swear at her.

It seemed to me that Skywatcher grew overwhelmed by this praise, as seen by the expression on her lovely young face.

Then we got introduced to the woman called Moon Swan, the one who set all the events of Skywatcher’s life in motion.  Frankly I found her to be a bit of a snob…but that’s just my interpretation so don’t hold me to that, please.

A special entry from the Journals of Diamond Flame:

Now you know I tried to maintain my outer calm about the meeting with Skywatcher, but inside my guts were racing!  I mean, just think of it.  How often do you read a fantasy/SF story as a bedtime tale to your kids, and actually have the chance to meet the star of such a story?  The answer:  never, ever in your lifetime.  It just doesn’t happen under normal circumstances.  Then again, what’s normal around here?

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

I have to admit I was not only a bit confused but just awe-struck as well.  I mean, I never dreamed of having anybody hear of my story in the way that these two nice ladies did, but I didn’t let it get to me a whole lot.  In fact, in kind of a strange way I felt it was–I don’t know–what’s that word?–exhilarating, that’s it.

Getting back on track–well, I just don’t know where to go from here.  I guess the best thing to do, as is usually the way to go, is just let everything happen like it always does…

Now we hear from Red Ice:

Hey, folks.

It’s me all right, just little ol’ Red Ice, back with Diamond Flame on yet another weird adventure–and after we just had finished our last two adventures.  I’m not sure about you guys but if there’s one thing Dixie, Diamond Flame, and I didn’t need right now, this was it.  Not that I have anything personal against Skywatcher, you understand.  Partly–well, mostly it was that we needed a rest, or a vacation.  Hey, even a nap would be a step in the right direction.

Well…anyway, we made some more light casual conversation with Skywatcher and her family, all under the watchful eyes of our good ol’ friend and mentor Dixie.  I think she finally loosened up to us considerably.  Believe me, you guys, that’s a good thing.  See, from what we’ve all been told by this Mountain Eagle woman–and that wasn’t very much, at that–there’s going to be a Force of Danger greater than any even Diamond Flame and I have encountered.

Wait a second here!  Something struck my mind!

“Hey, uh, Mountain Eagle, you mentioned the fact another hero of the Temporal Balance was also due to help us out.  My question is who this ‘hero’ is.”

“Oh, that.  Well, look to your left and see the answer for yourself,” she said somewhat mysteriously in her German accent.

We all did so, and what we saw next–well, it has to be seen to be believed!!

Revealed from the Secret Diaries of Moon Swan:

Before our very eyes another space-time rip occurred, only this one wasn’t as powerful as the one that teleported Dixie, Diamond Flame and Red Ice to our locale…but it was still impressive to witness!

Outside it stepped another trio of humans, two males and a lovely young female.  Of the two males, one had greyish hair, grey-blue eyes, no whiskers of any kind on his face, wore a dark blue suit with a black T-shirt, and white shoes.  The other male was taller than the first, with bluish eyes covered by wire-rimmed glasses, wore a three-piece suit with matching tie, black shoes, and a perpetually smug grin on his face.

As for the female, she was medium-height, with long black hair and dark-brown eyes.  She wore what appeared to be a short-sleeved shirt, white bell-bottom pants, and “disco-style” platform shoes.

I turned to Mountain Eagle in confusion.

“Begging your pardon, but are these–?” I asked.

“That’s right, Moon Swan, these are the other Heroes of the Balance,” said Mountain Eagle in overly conceited delight.

We just didn’t get it, did we?

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

“Floating down, the sound resounds around the icy waters underground.”

–Syd Barrett, “Astronomy Domine” from The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, 1967

From the Diaries of Fugitor, the Time Escapee:

Oh, hello again.

It’s I, ever-reliable Fugitor (real name Tony, as you jolly well know) here for you good readers of these increasingly odd adventures once more about to save the Myriad Worlds from the Injustice that seems to permeate itself all about.  If the truth be told to you now, I’d rather be anywhere or anywhen but here and now.  However, that’s not really my decision to make now, is it?

The three of us, namely Marlena, Arthur and myself looked about our new climes trying to get a familiarity about it all.

Instantly I heard a shrieking shout of delight.

“Tony!!” 

I was quite unprepared for what came next.

From the words of Mr. Steve Hackett:

After finally getting a firm psychological grip on everything that’s happened so far, I turned a brief moment just to see my daughter go and almost make a fool out of herself.  I was about to stop her when something stayed my movement…just as she embraced the new stranger!

Fortunately, though, I still had my voice intact.

“Skywatcher, STOP!!” I yelled.

This she finally did, but not before offering an explanation.

“But, Dad, you know who this is?  It’s Tony, from ‘King’ Wingy-Ding’s castle,”  she said.

I turned my gaze towards the man she thought was Tony.

“You’re not–?” I asked.

He looked at me and smiled ever so slightly.

“Uh, no I’m not, really.  I just get about a lot, that’s all,” said Tony.

“Then who are you, if you’re not the Tony we know?”

He paused a moment before replying.

“Well, if you’d be so very kind and get your daughter off me, I’ll more than happy to tell you all you need to know,” he said.

Wearily I made my way to Skywatcher.

“All right, love, move away from the gentleman.  Now.”

“But, Dad–” protested Skywatcher.

“Now,” I repeated a little more harshly.

“Oh, all right, Dad.  But I still say it’s the Tony we know,” she muttered.

Now that that was settled, the man told us all he wanted to (which, I’m sure, is already known to whoever follows these stories quite closely).

All around things grew even more baffling yet…

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

“Now come the Heroes of the Balance of Time; fight for every single of  the Noble Ones.

Now are here the Heroes of the Balance of Time, from the Suns far beyond the Suns.”

–The Children’s Verse-Book of the Heroes of the Temporal Balance 

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

I don’t really know why I rushed to hug the stuffings out of theman who calls himself Fugitor, but I can bet it had something to do with the fact that he more than slightly resembled our friend Tony, from back home.  You can be sure that I felt embarrassed!

In fact, I was so embarrassed I immediately apologized.

“Oh, that’s quite all right–I didn’t get your name, uh–” he said.

“It’s Skywatcher.  Skywatcher Hackett.”

He smiled in kind.

“Hello, Skywatcher.  My name is Tony, from your sudden guess, but sometimes I call myself Fugitor.  Oh, you haven’t heard of my tale, have you?”

I shook my head no, but I can bet it’s a doozy!

From the Diaries of Fugitor, the Time Escapee:

Well, now that we’d gotten our identities straightened out, I decided to relate to my new friends, namely Skywatcher, her parents, and the others in the room with us, that which I can be jolly well certain you’re already aware of.  To be perfectly honest with you, I have to say that my tales seemed to make quite a distinct impression on all of them, in particular young Skywatcher whom, I was told later by the Fate of Time named Dixie, was already quite a legend in her own right.  Now I was impressed.

Presently I turned ‘round to the gathering and introduced my friends Arthur and Marlena.

Then…the woman named–oh, what is it?–Mountain Eagle turned her way ‘round to us, now with a grim look on her ageless and, I must admit, lovely face. (Don’t tell Marlena I’d said that.  I’ll never live it down, trust me on that.)

I then shuddered to contemplate what her next words would be…

From the words of Mr. Steve Hackett:

The moment I gazed at Mountain Eagle’s face I knew that something rather ominous was in the air although I didn’t know exactly what that “something” was.  All I know is that it was going to tear my family apart beyond repair…but of course, I am a bit of a pessimist in some ways, I suppose.  However, I dared not even think of verbalizing that notion out loud.  Sunleaf would never let me live it down.

For agonizing minute after agonizing minute we waited around loaves of bread expecting to be sliced soon.  The tension was unbearably thick and heavy…and it took a toll on all our collective sweat glands, mine especially.  Then again, I did make the mistake of wearing a heavy leather jacket, so that may have contributed to it, I don’t know.

I do think Moon Swan owes us one heck of an explanation…

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

“Over the mountain, watching the watcher; breaking the darkness, waking the grapevine…”

–Roger Waters, “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun” from A Saucerful of Secrets, 1968 

Revealed from the Secret Diaries of Moon Swan:

I received a very stern look from Steve after I had gathered in my mind all that was around me as the Heroes of the Balance finally met and introduced themselves.

“All right, Moon Swan, what’s going on about here?” he asked.

“Believe me, Steve, I’m as much in the dark as you are.  The best I can offer as far as answers go is to ask Mountain Eagle.”  There.  I hoped that would appease him.  It didn’t, obviously.

“You very well know I don’t trust this Mountain Eagle woman.  I’m not sure what her agenda is involving my daughter, but it’s certain it won’t be in the best interest of her safety and welfare.  However…I won’t argue with you for now, so I will see Mountain Eagle to get some answers, not just for myself but for all else gathered about her.”

And unbeknownst to me, young Skywatcher was looking at all this with a growing look of fear on her lovely young face…

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

A weird sense overtook me as I turned to see Mountain Eagle, who had a sort of smug smile on her face…a smile which I never particularly liked!

Presently I turned to the girl named Diamond Flame who(I didn’t know this at the time) was actually a kindred Startian!

“What do you think’s going to happen?” I asked trepidly.

She eyed me in her most somber way.

“You know, Skywatcher, I’m not at all sure what’s due to happen. Believe me, sweetie, I’m just as worried as you are.  But the best thing now is to not let it get us rattled and panicky.  That’s the worst thing to do.”  Then she paused a few moments.  “Come on…let’s ask Mountain Eagle, or whatever her name is.”

So we heroines of Startia, Diamond Flame and I, went to do so.

From Sunleaf’s words:

Oh, hi there, people.

Forgive me for not telling you more but it’s just that everything happened so fast it was impossible for me to get a grip and properly recollect all of this.

Now…on to my business at hand:  I got a sick feeling in my gut regarding the fate of not only my baby girl but all those who were “summoned” by Mountain Eagle in order to combat some “Danger” about to totally engulf the Realm.  Out of my concern as a parent I turned to our “illustrious” queen.

“Hey, Mountain Eagle, are you absolutely certain of this ‘Danger’ you’re so overly fond of thinking about, let alone obsessively describing?!”

She gave me the nastiest look imaginable.

“You know, Sunleaf, your pugnacious spitfire attitude just might be your own undoing.  Plus, it’s causing my stomach to turn.  Just try to be patient even though in your case it’s almost totally impossible to do so.” 

I couldn’t wait all right…to pound my fist into her schnitzel face!!  She knew it, too!

But…I didn’t do it.  Manners stopped me yet I was still seething!

Now Red Ice gives us the update:

Well, you guys, just as the chitter-chatter was about to reach its most ridiculously absurd level yet a loud rumbling noise echoed all around, causing our eardrums to throb like crazy!

Skywatcher was the first to feel the sting of total fear!

“Mom!!  Dad!!  What’s going on?!?!”

In reply the winged one named–oh, what is it?–Mountain Eagle stood up and just about bulged her eyeballs out of their sockets–with an even weirder grin to match!

“There!  It’s just as I predicted!” she boomed out.

We looked all around us trying to see what that “something” was!

“I say, uh, Mountain Eagle, forgive me for asking but just what is it you predicted?” asked the one man calling himself Fugitor.

“Follow me to the outside balcony and discover for yourselves!” said Mountain Eagle.

So like lemmings to the water we did…and did we ever see such a sight!

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

The minute we got to the outside balcony our eyes received the shock of our lives!

For just then we witnessed the most truly awe-inspiring space-time rip that went beynd imagination.  It was as if all the known and accepted notions of Time-Space were thown for a loop bigger than any roller coaster ride!

I turned to my parents, hoping they’d tell me this wasn’t real…but no such assurance was forthcoming.  The fear and terror grew more and more intense with each passing second!

Swiftly Moon Swan walked up to me, feeling the same fear I felt.

“What’s happening, Moon Swan?”

“I’m not at all sure, my young Skywatcher, but try not to fear too much.  You have all of us to help you through this new ordeal…but it will not be as easy as your other encounter, admittedly.”  Then she held my chin in her hand, turning my face to hers.  I really saw the terror in her lovely eyes.  “Believe me, I’m just as scared as you are.  We all are but as I said, we’ll be here for each other.”  We embraced each other tightly.

I can just try to hope that everything does work out…

From the Diaries of Fugitor, the Time Escapee:

That weird force emanating all about had spread a good deal of panic and terror.  Out of sheer habit I raced skyward and attempted to somehow contain the energy-force…if only to keep our collective sanity intact.

I went up as far as the nearest apogee point when all of a swift sudden the force inexplicably morphed itself into a vaguely humanoid shape, masculine in nature.  Then–and this, my friends, is where the odd factor comes into the foreground–this “individual” actually spoke out loud!  I must say he was a tad bit on the bossy side of it all.

“Hold, Fugitor.”

I was rather taken aback at this!

“How do you know my name?!”

He answered even as his humanoid form grew more distinct.

“I wish to speak with all of you who are the ones known as the Heroes of the Temporal Balance.  It is of importance that I do so, without your friend Arthur’s cheap 25-cent quips.”

“Oh…all right.  Follow me, uh–”

“Barney.  Just call me Barney.”

Revealed from the Secret Diaries of Moon Swan:

My stomach churned over and over as the hero named Fugitor went to meet the force face-to-face.  I didn’t know just what he had in his mind, but I knew it wouldn’t be good…for anyone!!

Swiftly and angrily I whirled to Mountain Eagle.

“Well, I hope you’re really happy with yourself!”

She appeared not to respond or even care about the dreaded Chaos she was so fond of predicting to all of us.

Just then the one named Fugitor returned to us; evidently he was unharmed.

But he wasn’t exactly alone…

From the words of Mr. Steve Hackett:

I don’t know about you but speaking for myself in this case, my fear gave way to total confusion as Fugitor landed right near my toes.

“Are you all right, sir?” I asked.

He gave a very incredulous look to me.

“Why, yes I’m fine.  What’s your reason for asking?”  He then turned around.  “Oh, I see now.  Here’s Barney.”

We found ourselves gazing at a tall man, with short grey hair, brown eyes, a rather prominent mustache, and a small grin on his face.  He wore a wide necktie, polyester dress-slacks, and penny-loafer shoes.  My impression:  he resembled the star on that 1970s cop-comedy show some of you readers may remember.

“Pardon me, but you’re not–?” I questioned.

The “gentleman” chuckled slightly.

“No, I’m not him but I do get that a lot.  No, Mr. Hackett, I’m one of the Fates of Time.  Matter of fact, I’m actually the Head Fate.  Please excuse the dramatic entrance but what I have to say to you all is very important.”

I was totally beside myself!

“How do you know–!?”

“Your names?  Simple.  I try to monitor all the events that take place in this Realm.  If that scares you a little, I do apologize.”  I must admit he was charming and friendly enough.  He turned his eyes to the others, starting with Dixie, then Diamond Flame and Red Ice, and finally my little girl–well, my young adult daughter Skywatcher.  His friendly smile never left him.

Inside, my nerves were about to shatter…

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

“The echo of a distant time comes willowing across the sand, and everything is green and submarine…”

–David Gilmour and Richard Wright, “Echoes” from Meddle, 1971

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

Like the others around me I had a growing confusion as the Head Fate named Barney looked us over.  Fortunately his smile was warm and friendly…but it hid a somber thought.

“Um, Barney, sir, did we something–wrong??  Is that why you came?”

If anything, his smile widened.

“No, Skywatcher, on the contrary.  You’re doing all that’s necessary in keeping the Realm safe from most forms of danger.  As I told your father, there is a matter of great importance here.”  Then he turned his eyes to Mountain Eagle…and his smile faded.  “Well, Mountain Eagle, I see you managed to gather the Heroes together.  I take it you’ve allowed them to introduce themselves.”

One voice went to Barney’s ears.  It was Tony’s, of course.

“I do beg your pardon, Barney, but I’d totally forgotten about–”

Barney turned and smiled at Tony.

“Oh, you don’t have to worry about your friend Friday.  He’s been kept up-to-date on everything and I can truly assure you that he’ll be fine.  He’s very resilient, you know.”  He turned back to Mountain Eagle in his expectant manner.

Inside, I was shaking like crazy!

Revealed from the Secret Diaries of Moon Swan:

Now that everybody was, for the most part, calmed down and introduced to one another, the Head Fate named Barney got down to business regarding his purpose in arriving here.

“As I said, ladies and gentlemen, do forgive the overly dramatic and somewhat exaggerated manner in which I used to announce my coming.  However, there is a valid reason for my being here.  And it has to do with the great Danger that Mountain Eagle over here seems to be so obsessed with talking about.”  He turned back to Mountain Eagle, his face now grim and lined with worry.  “As they say in show business, take it away, Mountain Eagle.”

Instantly she stood up and looked us over very intently.

“The ‘Danger’ that you think I’m so obsessed with defies description but out of some people’s insatiable curiosities I’ll do the most trying best I can to tell you all about it.”

From Sunleaf’s words:

My sweat glands went into overdrive as our “illustrious” queen began–finally!–to give this alleged “Danger” a name.

But my fears were nothing compared to the fear felt by the others…especially my baby girl.  I can read that on her face, believe me, people.  Then Diamond Flame and Red Ice walked up behind Steve and myself, mentally trying to offer some support.  In a weird way some of my own fear dissipated but it did nothing for Skywatcher, of that I’m sure…

From the Journals of Diamond Flame:

The anticipation was positively electric as the woman named Mountain Eagle prepared us to receive the information she so desperately wanted to relate.

“Now…what I must say to you must not be taken lightly, so I don’t want any wisecracks from anyone.  Is that clear?”

We nodded our heads in confirmation.  I can tell it really was serious.

“All right, here it is.  The Realm of the Time Beyond Time is slowly and subtly being destroyed by a Force greater than any army the Hyradian Empire can boast.  This Force is so powerful that those who’ve tried to fight it off in its first coming was never heard from again.”

“Excuse me, but what exactly is this Force called?” asked out Skywatcher.

An extremely tense pause permeated all around as Mountain Eagle struggled to answer.  She turned to the Head Fate Barney for a bit of guidance.  Unfortunately none was coming for the moment.

Breathing in heavily she reluctantly carried on her speech.

“This powerful Force is controlled by the Beings…called the Entropy Queens.  I know, it sounds hard to believe, doesn’t it?”  She paused again.  “Nonetheless I assure you it’s true.”

The words had a stinging effect on all of us.

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

I didn’t dare believe what Mountain Eagle said about these–what are they again?–Entropy Queens so I turned to Moon Swan for an explanation.

“Psst.  Moon Swan, who are these ‘Entropy Queens’?” I whispered.

She put her finger to her lips.  I got the message and looked back to Mountain Eagle.

Mountain Eagle paused another moment to address me.

“Do you have a valid question, young Skywatcher?” she asked.

“Well, uh, frankly, yes.  Who are these Entropy Queens?”

“I was just about to get to that, so everybody pay attention.”

So we did…and boy, what a story did she have!

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

“And did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts?  Hot ashes for trees…”

–David Gilmour & Roger Waters, “Wish You Were Here” from Wish You Were Here, 1975

From the words of Mr. Steve Hackett:

As Mountain Eagle commenced to reveal the secrets of these so-called Entropy Queens, we coudn’t help but have a growing fascination and also a weird curiosity as well.  I mean, not one of us had even heard of them much less dealt with them.

But, as I’m sure I’ll learn, the answers are always bigger than the questions…

“Now…” said Mountain Eagle in a somewhat reverential manner, “as I was about to say, the Entropy Queens are a race not unlike the Fates of Time, yet they have a tendency to wholeheartedly embrace the forces of Chaos, Anarchy, and Destruction which we all fear for good reason.  In fact, the Entropy Queens are fallen Fates of Time.

“The reason they fell out of our favor was that they’d put their own ambitions ahead of the safety of the Realm.  It was and still is a serious violation of our code.  Basically–and please forgive the crass show business terms here–they wanted to be the top bananas.”

I couldn’t help but try to speak for the others when I had this question.

“Excuse me, but I can’t help in asking this question.”

“Well, go ahead, Steve,” replied Mountain Eagle.

I readied myself to ask my question when the Head Fate named Barney turned his gaze toward my direction.

“I know what you’re thinking, Mr. Hackett, and let me assure all of you that the Entropy Queens aren’t inherently evil.  No, they’re just blindly ambitious and quite careless in the Grand Schemes of things.”

Somehow that was not very reassuring…

From the Journals of Diamond Flame:

Like the others with me, including my fellow heroes of the Balance, I became oddly curious about the powers or some such that these “Entropy Queens” wielded in relation to their blind ambition mentioned by Barney.

“Pardon me, Barney.  You said that the Entropy Queens were blindly ambitious.  Just exactly what was their all-consuming dream?”

Barney smiled as wide as he could in spite of the ominous tone in the air.

“You may find this a little hard to believe, Diamond Flame, but the best way to say it is basically, they want to be…the most successful Las Vegas lounge act this side of the Realm.  And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the secret of their power.  Sonic manipulation.  That may be the key in stopping them.”

Now Fugtor’s friend Arthur uttered out a joke, the fear suddenly dissolving from us all.

“Either that or a bad review.”   Arthur, havin said that, smiled his smug grin.

As I said, in spite of the coming crisis we all chuckled at that.

Then we got it!

The secret!  Sure!

Let’s hope it works, people…for all our sakes!

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

“Our single was a truly dismal flop.  It’s been remaindered at a discount shop.

As a joke, we’re gonna spray it gold…that’s the kind of year it was.”

–Howard Schuman & Andy Mackay, “The Follies of ’77″ from Rock Follies of ’77, 1977

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

You’ll have to forgive me for how I’m feeling right now.  I mean, I do admit that initially we did have that fear of these unknown–what are they again?–Entropy Queens, that’s it.  Now, of course, the idea sounds a tad silly, doesn’t it?

Only one thing puzzled me:  what powers they possessed.

“Excuse me, Mr. Barney?” I asked.

“Yes, what is it, Skywatcher?” 

“Um, I can’t help but be curious as to how these ‘Entropy Queens’ can control so much of the Force of Chaos.  I mean, how do they do it?”

Mr. Barney’s smile never left him for a second.

“Skywatcher, are you aware of a myth on Old Earth about a group of women called the Sirens?  See, the Sirens used their voices to draw sailors to their island so they could–how do I say this?–get their jollies at the sailors’ expense.  Their voices were said to be lovely in tone, which is more than I can say for the Entropy Queens.  I was in Las Vegas to hear their audition and let me tell you right now they stunk the place out.”  Then he added, “The Entropy Queens, I mean, not the Sirens.”

“So in other words, they’re driven by–” I started to say.

“Yes, Skywatcher.  Pure jealousy, plain and simple.”

Now that fear returned with a vengeance!

From the Diaries of Fugitor, the Time Escapee:

I do have to apologize to you for not reporting back sooner than this but it’s due to the fact that everything being disclosed was baffling, to say the least and to say the most it was quite so overwhelming!

Now, I’m not exactly prone to displays of irrational fear but I must say that this was one instance where I felt it was full warranted.  However, it wasn’t for myself that I received this surge of that emotion.  No, it was really for the one named Skywatcher.  I sensed that all these events rode on her young womanly shoulders.

Little did I realize that it was due to happen a whole lot sooner than any of us had ever dared anticipate!

From Sunleaf’s words:

Well, here we go again, people.

Just as we stood like talking statues we heard a truly awful cacophonous sound!  And we all knew now, didn’t we?

No, I suppose some of you don’t so let me try to describe it as best as possible.

See, what came to our ears more than slightly resembled a low screeching drone mixed in with a shrill high-pitched yodeling “tune” (if you can call it that).

We all tried to look around to see what exactly it was.

“Everyone to the balcony.  Now!” yelled out the Head Fate named Barney.

So we did, and found ourselves turning our eyeballs skyward.  What we saw made just all our jaws drop to the ground!

And just what was it that caused that weird reaction?

Well, try to imagine–oh, see for yourself!

CHAPTER THIRTY

“I know a room full of musical tunes, some rhyme, some ching; most of them are clockwork.  Let’s go into the other room, and make them work.”

–Syd Barrett, “Bike” from The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, 1967

Here Red Ice once more gives us an update:

Oh, hi there.  It’s me, little old Red Ice, doing my very best not to go cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs regarding what we were now witnessing.

There we were, standing on the balcony and getting a good look at what was doubtless the strangest sight ever!

You see, up above were these three heads, and they’re of the female type.  One had long wavy red hair and green-blue eyes, another had dark blue eyes and hair that looked as if it was put on her head by a paintbrush, and the last had red hair like the first, only hers was straight and close-cropped going to what we assumed were her shoulders.

I had to admit they were good-looking in a demigod-sense.

“Uh…hi, ladies,” I said, trying to be friendly.

Swiftly Dixie ran up to me and grabbed my arm.

“Will you get over here with us?” she hissed.

Now that I was (somewhat reluctantly) dragged back, we let Barney address the “ladies”.

“Hello, ladies.  Nice to see you again.”

You won’t believe the the way they responded to that:

“It’s nice to be here, but you have to see the Forces of Chaos are always meant to be.”  

Yeah, that’s right.  They sang it…and now we can see why they bombed out in Vegas!

However, what they ultimately did bring was anything but funny…

From the Diaries of Fugitor, the Time Escapee:

The instantaneous moment we heard these Entropy Queens “sing”, we knew we were in for a spot of great trouble.

I turned to Marlena, who unbelievably remained silent throughout all of these events.

“I say, Marlena, are you all right?”

She whirled her head ‘round, a truly odd look on her face.

“Why…yes…I’m fine, Tony.”

Her reply did next to nothing for morale of any kind.  That, of course, emphatically did not sit all that well with me.  But with all that’s now happening ‘round us that’s so quite understandable.

Immediately I turned ‘round to Diamond Flame.

“I say, Diamond Flame, do you suppose I could try to, you know, fight them off?”

I waited a few seconds for her to reply.  None was forthcoming so I did what I would normally do in these instances.

I set off to meet this menace straight on!

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

I don’t know about you but I got the distinct impression that Tony made a big mistake in trying to take on the Entropy Queens.  I mean, like Barney said, they weren’t bad, just irritated.  If I was in their shoes I’d be irritated, too.

Fortunately Barney was there to help us all out.  He did this by looking up to the skies above Startia’s main castle.

“Hold it, Fugitor!!” he boomed.

Not-so-fortunately, however, Tony/Fugitor was too far away to hear Barney’s warning.

I turned to hide my eyes.  I didn’t want to see what was due up next…

From the Journals of Diamond Flame:

Like Skywatcher I, too, was fearful to find out how the Entropy Queens would react upon seeing Fugitor fly his way up to them.

The next moment confirmed that.

You see, the Entropy Queens eyed one another and, weirldy enough, turned their heads and actually smiled at Fugitor.

“ ‘Ere, Q, it’s a man! Cute, too,” uttered out the one with the painted-on hair to the long-red-haired Queen.

“Oooh, good.  Let’s welcome him, girls!”  replied Q.

“Too right, Liv.  Too right.”  That came from the one Queen with the straight close-crop red hair.  (Oh, before we get too far along I should mention their names were Q, Liv, and Char.  Just so you know…for future references.)

As one they melded their awful singing voices and screeched out a sonic boom so powerful it literally sent Fugitor hurtling toward the balcony at a furious rate of speed!  Then–

“Incoming!!”  shouted out Steve.

Soon we scrambled around for cover as Fugitor hit the ground with a sickening “thud!”  He was shaken up but otherwise uninjured.

“Wow.  I say, Barney, what just happened now?” he asked, turning to Barney.

“I tried to warn you, Fugitor.  They’re too powerful even for you to stop.  We need a far more subtle approach.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Only thing was: what?

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Revealed from the Secret Diaries of Moon Swan:

Like a few of the others, I have to ask your forgiveness for not getting back to you in a more prompt fashion but you know how these events go–especially when these events go so fast!  However, I can’t let you be in the dark for too long.

Returning now to my train of thought:

After seeing the hero called Fugitor fall from the skies I decided to take up where he left off, only this time with words instead of actions.

“What do you wish here?” I asked out loudly.

The three looked at one another in that now-understood manner and made a nodding motion.  Their sick smiles broadened even more, if that’s feasible.

“Oh, we want to control Chaos; that’s a bloody cold fact. The reason’s plain; they all hated our Las Vegas act!

If you pathetic Heroes go and try to stop our dreams then be ready to hear the cries of all the Realm’s screams!!”

Ugh!  Now we really know why they stunk so bad out in Las Vegas.  I mean, if I sang like that, I’d run for cover.

Swiftly Barney faced them in his stern yet compassionate manner.

“Look, ladies, I don’t want to repeat myself but try to understand the situation here.  Just because you didn’t make it in Vegas still doesn’t give you the right to spread fear and panic throughtout the entire Realm of the Time Beyond Time!  I mean, this is where people live and eat and learn and–and feel.  So for the last time, will you at least consider the words I’m saying?”

Once more they looked at each other.

We waited…and waited…and waited…

From the words of Mr. Steve Hackett:

Having overheard Barney’s plea to the Entropy Queens, I began wondering what, if any, decision was now running through their minds.  Don’t forget we’re not dealing with beings who can be at least partially dealt with on a rational and sane manner.

Instinctively I looked around at the others, stopping at Skywatcher.  Like the last epic adventure, we all slowly realized that this would inevitably fall on her young shoulders…and like the last time it gave a sickening feeling in my stomach.

And the waiting continued…

From Sunleaf’s words:

I was more than ready to start eating the floor of the throne-room, and that’s due to the crass, smarmy indecisiveness on the part of the Entropy Queens.  All I can say is that whatever their choice would be, the Realm’s fate will nontheless hang in the balance (no pun intended, I assure you, folks).

And…it all once again fell, I’m sure, on my baby girl’s shoulders.

Now I was really scared for my child!

As I’m sure we all were!

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

“Looking beyond the embers of bridges glowing behind us to a glimpse how green it was…”

–David Gilmour & Polly Samson-Gilmour, “High Hopes”, from The Division Bell, 1994 

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

I got the feeling that, of course, it was all up to little old me to put things right before too long in coming.  My biggest problem now was, naturally, how to execute it without anyone I love be harmed as a result.

So out of a bit of goodness and decency I walked up to the Fate whose name is Dixie.  Somehow I sensed she would help me out.

“Uh, hi.  Dixie?  May I talk with you?”

She wasted no time in her response.

“Sure, Skywatcher.  What’s on your mind?”

“Well, see, I was thinking about how I–”

“Can find a weak spot in the Entropy Queens, right?  Well, it’s like Barney said.  They’re driven by jealousy.  It’s as simple as that.”

“Yeah, that I know.  My thing is how we can exploit their massive egos, so to speak.”

“Hmmm…you have a point, young Skywatcher.  However, I think I should warn you now that the worst thing you can do to the Entropy Queens is to criticize their ‘musical ability‘ to their faces.  They may be brash and egotistical, but they also have great powers and annoyingly short tempers.”

Dixie spoke those to me with great wisdom.  But I knew that a plan had to be found…

Now Dixie relates her thoughts and observations:

Well, hello again.

You’re wondering why I’ve remained silent in my log entries up till now, right?

Well…like all the others (as I’m sure you know) I was just as overwhelmed with these weird happenings.  Maybe more so.

But you know, in a sense everything’s coming together in a very logical manner although you’ll find my girls and especially the young man named Fugitor disagreeing slightly.  My biggest concern if not all-out worry was for young Skywatcher.  I mean, she may look like a young woman on the outside but inside she was still that scared kid she was before her life changed.

Yet I gathered the sense that like before, she would once more be the rescuer of us all…

From the words of Mr. Steve Hackett:

Skywatcher came up to Sunleaf and I feeling very troubled.

“Dad…Mom…may I talk to you?” she asked.

“Sure, love.  What is it?” I replied.

“Well…I’d like to try to stop the Entropy Queens–myself!”

Sunleaf and I were beside ourselves in shock!

“What?!  Have you gone daft, girl?!!” I yelled.

“Who put that little thought into your mind, young woman?!” screeched Sunleaf.

Her resolve showed through once again–and always to our chagrin.

That moment our new friend Fugitor came up to us.

“I do beg your pardon, and I do hope I’m not intruding on a family talk but I overheard young Skywatcher’s proposal.  I’d be honored if you allow me the task of aiding your daughter in kicking out the Entropy Queens.”

I looked at Fugitor, an odd smile creasing my otherwise worried face.

“What do you say, Dad?  Mom?  Huh?” pleaded Skywatcher.

We carefully deliberated this for a long amount of time…even though you probably already know the answer now, don’t you?

“All right…go do it,” I said.

Now the plan was on!

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

“Now the Heroes come together, one by one, arm in arm.

Keeping our Timeless Realm safe from harm.”

–The Children’s Verse Book of Heroes of the Temporal Balance

From the Journals of Diamond Flame:

Fugitor, Skywatcher and her parents ran into the throne-room where we still gathered.  An electric excitement was permeating all around every one of us.

“Everybody…Fugitor and I have a plan,” said Skywatcher.

“Yes, what is it, Skywatcher?” asked Barney.

“If I may, Barney,” said Fugitor, “it was you who gave the clue.”

“Oh?  How did I do that?”

“Well, you mentioned that the Entropy Queens are too powerful for me to stop, am I not correct in the deducing of it all?”

“What’s your point, Tony?” 

Skywatcher further elaborated on the plan.

“Well, Mr. Barney, instead of having one person, even one as powerful as Fugitor, why not have at least two or more people stop them at the same time?”

Barney’s smile widened like never before…

From the Diaries of Fugitor, the Time Escapee:

Within a few minutes of the plan’s announcement, we made proper battle arrangements.  I guess for all you sports lovers reading this it’s rather a bit like setting up a defense for one of your NFL football games, to put it in the basic sense of it all.

Now…the schematics went like this: Skywatcher and I…well, just follow on and see.

Now Red Ice returns after a long pause:

Wow!  Here it is again, folks. 

Another grand epic fight in the wings (no offense to Diamond Flame and especially Skywatcher) just waiting to take place.

And you know what, guys?  I’m really pumped up for this!!

Let’s all hope that this battle plan works!!

Revealed from the Secret Diaries of Moon Swan:

My nerves were becoming increasingly brittle with each passing moment of the Entropy Queens’ indecision.  Fortunately, though, the Heroes of the Balance prepared a battle schematic, from what the young man Fugitor told us.

With eveything due to go into motion I turned to Mountain Eagle.

“Well, your ‘majesty’…I do hope you’re happy with yourself!”

Her facial expression told a strange response to that.

“Why…whatever do you mean?” As I said just now, her face showed an odd look, and her speech was slurry, to say the least.  Her blue eyes were glassy, not twinkling a lot.  Sort of like what had happened to your young Syd Barrett…only this wasn’t chemically induced.

I swiftly realized something was hideously wrong!

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

“And I don’t care if the sun don’t shine, and I don’t care if nothing is mine…”

–Syd Barrett, “Jugband Blues” from A Saucerful of Secrets, 1968

From Sunleaf’s words:

I never thought I would ever see the day when any ruler fell victim to his or her own “truth” or “promise” actually coming to pass.  And let me tell you now it felt weird!

See, I was still in the throne-room with the others when our “illustrious” queen had her emotional meltdown.  However, that wouldn’t really matter now.  Soon the showdown would come…unless those shrill Queens make that decision now!!

Presently I turned to Moon Swan, showing a great deal of worry.

“Hey, Moon Swan, I just had a sick thought.”

“What’s that, Sunleaf?”

I paused a spell before answering her…and my answer wasn’t to her satisfaction.

“Oh, nothing.  It’ll pass.”

As I said, that wasn’t good enough for her.

“All right, Sunleaf.  Out with it, girl.”

Oh, fine.  Anything to appease her, I suppose.

“Hey, who’s going to take her place now?”  There.  I said it.

To my relief she didn’t answer that, focusing on the events soon at hand.

I–well, we can hope it doesn’t come to a bloody fight, believe me!

From the Journals of Diamond Flame:

Okay, here’s how it was to go:  Skywatcher, Fugitor, and I were to fly up to the Entropy Queens themselves and distract them should they decide to go ahead and lay waste to the Realm…which is, I’m afraid, what they’ll do anyway regardless of Barney’s heartened plea otherwise.

As the seconds ticked away, Skywatcher grabbed my hand and squeezed it tightly.  I knew she was badly frightened on the inside of her, because I was, too.

Then…the moment arrived!

“Well, we’ve made our choice, it’s plain and clear.

Get your little Heroes straight on over here,” the Entropy Queens sang.

Immediately we raced to the balcony to meet them head-on.

Barney started to sweat profusely in spite of his outwardly calm demeanor.

“Well, ladies, what’s your decision?”

There was another tense pause before the answer arrived to our ears…and it wasn’t to our liking, believe me.  I mean, they gave it using one voice at a time.

First, the one named Q(the long wavy-haired Queen):

“What we’re gonna say, you ain’t gonna like to ‘ear”

Next up was Liv(the one with the painted-on dark hair):

“ ‘Cause now we’ll go an’ spread out all the fear!”

And finally Char took her spot.

“And we’ll keep doing it, year after bloody year!”

We accepted that decision, albeit reluctantly.

“Well, ladies, the choice was yours to make, and for that, we have to stop you,” said a somber-voiced Barney.

The choice was indeed made…and the time for war was on!!

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

“Now I have seen the warnings, screaming from all sides.

It’s easy to ignore them; God knows I’ve tried.”

–David Gilmour, “Take It Back” from The Division Bell, 1994

From the Diaries of Fugitor, the Time Escapee:

As I’m sure my friend Diamond Flame somehow mentioned it to you, the battle-moment was indeed here–and we were most emphatically not looking forward to it in the least bit.

But, as I know I’ve stated many a time throughout the duration, the time of fear has to be set aside for the nonce.  Now, I have said that I was always up for a challenge.  However, I never even dared realize the high awful cost of it all…and I, of course, don’t mean in the material sense.

So…with that bit of “comforting” news told to you, we made ready for war.

After all this is said and done, I’ll tell you more…that is, if I survive this!!

From Sunleaf’s words:

Let me tell you again, people, that I grew really sick about my baby’s safety.  I mean, this isn’t an ordinary fight we’re talking here.  Everything was riding on this.  Everything.

Revealed from the Secret Diaries of Moon Swan:

All I can add is that I had hoped it wouldn’t come to this!

A great battle between these Entropy Queens and the Heroes of the Temporal Balance…all, I feel, so–premature!

But…if this is what the Fates of Time wish for the Realm, well then…so be it.

And may the Fates protect us all…especially our young Skywatcher.

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

I struggled valiantly to put my own fears aside as the ensuing battle with the Entropy Queens loomed on the horizon.  And I have to say that our hopes did not hold out any victory.  I mean, this exactly wasn’t in my plans now, was it?  If anything, I’d gladly offer up any part of my body, namely my sinuses rather than fight.  Of course, none of us had any say in it.

Just before the three of us (namely Diamond Flame, Fugitor, and I) set off to face them, Barney called us up to him.  He clearly didn’t want to say what he said; however, it was necessary for the cause.

“I don’t need to remind you of the grave importance of the situation here.  I wish it were otherwise, ladies and gentlemen, but it is what it is.  All I can say is…may the Fates protect you and keep you safe till your return.”

I turned around to look to my parents.  The worry was definitely etched on their faces.

“Be careful, love…and come back to us,” said my Dad.

My Mom’s teary eyes echoed his statement.

Then…we set off–and like Barney said, may the Fates help us now!

Here Red Ice tells us more, from the ground:

Boy oh boy, don’t you just hate it when you’re left behind to fend for yourself?  Well, that’s exactly how I felt when the airborne heroes set off to meet the Queens head-on.  So I decided to address the issue.

“Hey, uh, Barney, with our resident flying heroes up there right now, what in the world are we land-locked heroes gonna do in the meantime?”

Man, did I get an earful from Dixie!

“Hey!  Ears open, mouth shut!  Now, you!” she hissed.

Once again I felt sheepish, but you have to admit I did have a point there.  That was acknowledged by Barney.

“I can understand your concern about the situation, and believe me, I would like to offer you some sage advice about how to approach the events.  Well, Red Ice, all I can say is do try to be patient.  Your moment will come sooner than anticipated.”

Okay, but it ain’t gonna be easy!

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

“Encumbered forever by desire and ambition, there’s a hunger still unsatisfied…”

–David Gilmour & Polly Samson-Gilmour, “High Hopes” from The Division Bell, 1994

From the Journals of Diamond Flame:

Now usually I would feel exhilarated by the flight into the skies above me, but this time I had no such sensation in my body.  I can just imagine what both Skywatcher and Fugitor were feeling in their hearts, believe me, people.

And yet I couldn’t help but constantly consider what Barney told us regarding finding a “subtle” weakness we can exploit…

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

A very odd thing happened to me as we met the Entropy Queens now in a position above the main part of Startia’s castle.  I can’t readily describe it but all I know is that it was really…I don’t know.

I turned to Diamond Flame to see what she was thinking, but I knew enough about good manners not to ask right away.  Our meeting and battle was most prominent.

Soon…there we were.  Face-to-face with these overly prissy Entropy Queens!

I dreaded to consider what might take place next…

From the Diaries of Fugitor, the Time Escapee:

“We see you’ve met us face-to-face; 

Now we’ll put this realm in its jolly rightful place.”

That musically odious “greeting” met our ears upon the meeting’s start.  I, for one, had more than quite enough of this, thank you so very much.

“Look, ladies, let’s get it spot-on.  You’re here to spread Chaos and terror throughout the Realm, am I not right?  And do let’s try to answer in a reasonably normal fashion–at least, as normal for you, anyway.”

Presently the Queen named Q (someday I’d like to meet her parents) flashed her blazing eyes ‘round to me.

“Ooh, girls, he’s giving us a talk-down.”  Then she commenced giggling herself silly, with the two named Liv and Char (and this fact is only from what Diamond Flame related to me later) joining in.

Not having anything much else to lose, I stopped their laughing spell with a rapid burst of energy-force.  That did little to nothing, I feared.

“You know, honey, that wasn’t too right of you now, was it?” said the one called Char.

“No, it wasn’t now, was it?” echoed Liv, the middle one.

“I agree, girls, it wasn’t too jolly right, huh?” uttered Q rather smugly.

For a spot we three, Diamond Flame, myself and young Skywatcher floated ‘round, not knowing what to expect.  In the interim, the Queens whispered amongst themselves, as if planning their course of action.

Oh, what have I done now? I mused to myself…

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

“Beyond the horizon of the place we lived when we were young in a world of magnets…”

–David Gilmour & Polly Samson-Gilmour, “High Hopes” from The Division Bell, 1994 

Now Dixie relates more of her obvservations:

Unbeknownst to our skyward heroes we on the ground weren’t exactly kept idling in our places.  I felt a needle-poke of anger at the rash move pulled off by Fugitor.  I don’t know what he was trying to do, but I can bet it didn’t work.  But…I can’t stay mad at him, really.  If I was in his shoes, I’d do just the same thing.

And speaking of rash acts, my pupil Red Ice had a weird twinkly look in her eyes.

“Hey, Dixie, I have an idea.  Watch.”

“Red Ice, don’t you even think about it!” I warned sternly.

In that instant Red Ice drew out her blade, ran to the balcony, found a medium-sized boulder just below our vantage point, and made her move!

“Hey, girls!!  Chomp this!!” she yelled.

Red Ice hurled the boulder toward the middle Entropy Queen as hard as she could.  Soon the boulder reached her and–well, you’re not going to believe this, but it flew right smack into the Queen’s mouth.  The Queen, to all our shock, actually started to chew it!!

“Mmmm!  Crunchy bon-bons, girls!” she said after swallowing the thing!

Immediately I went up to Red Ice.

“Listen here, you, what did I tell you about your impatience?! Huh?!”

She said absolutely nothing afterwards…and that was a good thing.

Revealed from the Secret Diaries of Moon Swan:

I felt a sinking feeling in the pits of my stomach as the Fate named Dixie chewed out Red Ice for her sincere yet misguided attempt to ward off the Entropy Queens.  In a sense, it’s as if they were gaining the upper hand–all without using their “singing” voices.

Yet I coudn’t still shake the feeling that the time for them to use that power was upon us…

From the words of Mr. Steve Hackett:

My sweat glands worked overtime as the intensity magnified.  Like everyone else, I kept glancing into the skies above the castle.  I felt an overpowering dose of nausea as I witnessed the man named Fugitor use his abilities to try blinding the Entropy Queens, to no avail, not to mention Red Ice’s attempt as well.   To my sickening realization I knew everything would have to fall on Skywatcher.

At that instant I walked up to both Dixie and Barney.

“Do you think they’ll really use that hideous power of theirs?”

“Knowing the Entropy Queens, Mr. Hackett, I’m afraid that’s a very likely and distinct possibility…unless our airborne Heroes come up with a viable solution within the coming moments.  If they don’t, all is lost forever,” grimly stated Barney.

Now this is one time I still wish I had my old guitar–sure!!

I made out my new proposal to the Fates.

“I’ve got an idea!” I yelled excitedly.

“Well, we’re all ears, Mr. Hackett.”

Let’s hope this works!

From Sunleaf’s words:

I overheard what my dear old husband told the others–and of course, I wasn’t too thrilled to hear about this!

I turned to Steve, my eyes blazing.

“You’re not really serious, are you?”

He didn’t answer me, focusing only on the Fates.

“You can go through Time, right?” he asked.

Barney seemed a tad hesitant in his reply.

“It is one of our job requirements, Mr. Hackett.  Eh, why do you ask?”

Presently I stuck in my two cents–much to his annoyance, naturally.

“He wants to ask you to travel back in Time and get him his old electric guitar.”  I looked back to Steve.  “Your idea is beautiful, Steve.  Just beautiful.”

“It’s not for me, Sunleaf.”

I didn’t believe that, so I pressed him further.

“Then who’s it for, hubby dear?”

Then I got the hint!

“You’re not–?!  You mean it’s for–Skywatcher?!”

He nodded even as a smug grin crossed his face.

“Now that’s beautiful, Steve.  Just beautiful,” I said wearily.

Incredibly enough, the Fates were all for it!

You’re wonderful, Steve.  Absolutely…wonderful.

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

Revealed from the Secret Diaries of Moon Swan:

Fates!  And I thought Mountain Eagle was the crazy one out of all of us!

“Steve, have lost all of your senses?!” I sneered.

He looked back at me, his trademark grim gaze on his face.

“No, on the contrary.  I’m just doing my time-honored duty as a worried parent.  I’m sure you’d do the same were it your child up there now.”  (The Fates left to find his guitar while we were arguing, unknown to us.)

That answer did not satisfy me…but it’ll have to do.

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

An overpowering tension consumed us as we waited for the Entropy Queens to make their next move.

Sure enough, they did!

“All right, girls…let’s really show ‘em!” said Q.

And with that, they let loose a loud note that sent shockwaves echoing throughout the skies.  Instantly, and to our surprise, the sound hit a nearby moon, causing it to shatter into a billion fragments!!

Swiftly Diamond Flame whirled her eyes to us.

“FIGHT!!” she shouted loudly.

The battle was on, with Fugitor firing blast after blast from his hands while Diamond Flame flew around, swinging her long blade around them.  I was in on it as well, trying to pummel their noses.  All while we did this, the Entropy Queens kept up their awful concert, each sound getting closer and closer to the castle where the others were watching–including my parents!

We weren’t sure how much more we could take…

From the Journals of Diamond Flame:

The battle was indeed quite intense, with the Entropy Queens acting as though they’d gained the upper hand, as seen by the looks on their faces.  Surrender, however, was not an option we had.  Too much depended on this.  Way too much.

From the Diaries of Fugitor, the Time Escapee:

I must say that these Entropy Queens, as stubborn as they are, made quite the worthy adversary, much unlike my last foe Roger.   Whereas he tried to conquer everything himself, I surmised that at least these girls had teamwork in the foreground of their minds.

However, and I’m certain it’s been mentioned many a time throughout this saga, they definitely still had no business actually being here.

I just wish that, somehow or other, someone would help them take the hint…

From the words of Mr. Steve Hackett:

While the air-battle was still going on, the Fates returned with a replica of my guitar.  I smiled broadly as my part of this plan reached its fulfillment.

Out of the blue, I turned to Sunleaf.

“Here,” I said, proffering the guitar to her, “take this.”

“Oh, that’s rich, Steve.  You know I can’t play the guitar, and also I am not going to carry you up to the Queens‘ faces, thank you.”

I tried my very best to maintain my calm even as I persisted in my demand.

“Get this to Skywatcher.  She’ll know what to do.”

At least, I can hope she’ll know…

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

“Entropy Queens, do as you please; watch out now,‘cause you’re gonna sneeze!”

–The Children’s Ha-Ha Book of Villains in Limbo

From Sunleaf’s words:

Boy, the things a mother does for her kid!

I wanted to kick Steve in his rear end for this daffy little plot he cooked up but I’ve got to put that on hold for now.  Imagine the nerve of that guy secretly teaching our baby girl to play that awful prog-rock on his guitar, all behind my back!

Well…having gotten that off my chest, I took the guitar and swiftly flew my way to where the other Heroes were even now engaged in a stand-off with the Entropy Queens.  We, naturally, saw the Queens destroy that nearby moon (which was luckily lifeless) via their silly “singing”.

“Skywatcher!  Over here!” I shouted.

Skywatcher turned around rapidly.

“Mom, what are you doing here?”

“Here…take this.  It’s from Daddy,” I said, giving her the guitar.

Wordlessly she strapped Steve’s guitar onto her shoulder, smiling as widely as possible.

Then I turned and flew my way back to the castle and the others…but not before eyeing my daughter for what may be the last time…

Revealed from the Secret Diaries of Moon Swan:

I was shaking my head in complete and total disgust when I saw what transpired between Skywatcher and Sunleaf regarding Steve’s guitar.  The entire Realm was in grave peril, and what does Steve conjure up?  A free concert!  For all I know, that may yet spell the death-knell of our world!  Thanks heaps, Steve!

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

Now I felt more than ready to take on the Entropy Queens–and I can thank my Dad for this chance.

Out of good manners I turned to Diamond Flame.

“Hey, Diamond Flame, over here!”

Rapidly she flew to me.

“Yes, what is–uh, Skywatcher, what is that?” she asked.

“Oh, this.  It’s a combined effort between my parents and I.”

She gave me a very incredulous look.

“Listen, sweetie, don’t forget this isn’t Robrack we’re fighting here.  These Queens can use music to destroy everything.  You saw what happened to that moon above us.”

Suddenly we were interrupted by a brief but intense flash of light coming to our right.  We knew it came from the one named Fugitor.

“Come on, Skywatcher.  Let’s see if this cockamamie idea works.”

I felt it would–but I didn’t tell this to Diamond Flame.  At least, not out loud…

From the Journals of Diamond Flame:

Skywatcher and I swiftly flew back to where Fugitor tried, and unfortunately failed, to hold off the Entropy Queens any longer.  It really did seem as though the battle was now in their favor.

Then, inexplicably, we heard a definitive bout of sneezing to our left.

“Gesundheit,” I said to Fugitor.

“Well, I do thank you but you see, I’m not the one who sneezed,” he replied.

“If you didn’t just sneeze, then who–?”

At that moment Skywatcher tapped my shoulder and, smiling, pointed to the direction of the Entropy Queens!

Curiouser and curiouser, as Alice said…

Now we have an “unexpected” reporter (or two) to give us the update:

Hi, everyone.

It’s me, Miss Marlena Patricia Rodriguez, paramour of Fugitor, now here to relate what took place just now:

We were standing on the balcony waiting for the worst to come when we got a much welcomed dose of relief.  See, what happened (from the rather miniscule view we got) was that the middle Entropy Queen named Liv (the one whose hair was extremely short) started sneezing like crazy!

I couldn’t help but laugh myself silly even though I’m sure Tony (that’s Fugitor’s real name, in case you forgot) would tell me (and I quote), “Oh, do stop carrying on so!”

Still…it’s not over yet.  Not by a long shot.

Now Red Ice relates her thoughts and feelings:

As I suspect you’re aware by now, those of us still on the ground were waiting for our chance to get in on the fight.  I can’t speak for the next person, but this waiting endlessly was really getting to me.

Going against Dixie’s training and advice, I opted to do things my way!

Turning to my right, I caught a glimpse of a set of boulders that were the remnants of the moon sonically pulverized by the Queens.  Drawing out my blade I lunged one after the other at them, hoping to at least distract them while Skywatcher executed her plan, such as it is.

Frantically the lead Queen named Q (nice name, huh?) turned to the others.

“Let’s take care of that little pest, girls!” she “sang” out loud.

Oh boy, now I’ve done it!!

CHAPTER FORTY

“Above the planet on a wing and a prayer; my grubby halo, a vapor trail in the empty air…”

–David Gilmour, “Learning to Fly” from A Momentary Lapse of Reason, 1987

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

Something new was driving me on and on as I turned to once more face the Entropy Queens, still armed with my Dad’s guitar.  Slowly I put the pieces together regarding the middle Queen’s sneezing spell…of course!

I eyed them intently as I prepared to tune the guitar to my specifications.

“Hey, Queens!  Over here!” I shouted.

All three of them looked away from the castle just as they were ready to lay waste to it.  Below, I caught a fleeting glimpse of Red Ice hurl boulder after boulder at them, ostensibly to distract them.

As I suspected the Queen named Liv sneezed like crazy…and I didn’t even start to play the guitar yet!  Now that’s funny!

“ ‘Ere, you brat!  Don’t think ‘bout playin‘ that ruddy ax!!” “sang” Q, who got a sudden surprise.  See, Liv turned to Q’s left side and sneezed so hard that literally half of Q’s hair sheared itself off her head!

Let me tell you now, Q wasn’t too happy.

“Listen, Liv, watch where you sneeze, if you don’t ruddy mind!”

Liv acted the innocent in this part.

“Guitars I’m quite ‘lergic to, in case you was ruddy blind!”

I didn’t give the last Queen a chance to butt in because I was now ready to play the guitar the way my Dad showed me…and soon their egos would take a beating!

The time was here.

I didn’t waste a moment.

From the Journals of Diamond Flame:

I had to admit that Skywatcher really came through for us all on this one.  You see, the minute she played the guitar the Entropy Queens grew quite panicky!  It gave us new hope.

Quickly I turned to Fugitor.

“Okay, again!”

Like Skywatcher he didn’t squander his opportunity.  He was using his powers to create a Pink Floyd-style light show to accompany Skywatcher’s music…even as the Queens tried to use their own voices to harm Skywatcher!  

On and on the battle went, with no one gaining any ground (so to speak) until–

“GET DOWN FROM THERE!!  ALL OF YOU!!  NOW!!”

Oh, now we’re in for it…

Now Dixie relates more, from her view:

Now that the brief, intense and somewhat silly battle was at a merciful end and the airborne Heroes safe with us, Barney summoned the Entropy Queens to have a meeting…and he wasn’t all that happy to do it.

Fortunately, though, he also was pleased that the Heroes succeeded in stopping the Queens from doing any more damage than they did.

Then we got a pleasant surprise.  See, we were finally able to talk to the Queens on ur level…and I must say that once they assumed human form, they looked attractive.  They were tall, slinky, and overall sensuous, outside of Q’s rather weird hairdo (thanks to Liv’s sneezes).

Their clothes consisted of form-fitting T-shirts, diamond-studded denim jeans, and tannish-brown high-heeled boots.

Without wasting time Barney got right to the point.

“Before I say what I have to say, let me point out that I’m not at all angry at those whose efforts were instrumental in keeping the Realm safe.  Skywatcher, Fugitor, Diamond Flame, and Red Ice are to be commended for their bravery and heroism.  Now…” he said, turning to the Queens, “what’s the real reason for this insanity from you three?!”

The Queens turned to one another, not knowing what to say at first.

“This one ruined my new Alberto VO-5 hair!” moaned Q, pointing at Liv.  (For once, she talked normally.)

“ ‘Ere, how was I to know that my guitar allergies would flare up?!” screeched Liv.

“Oh, that’s you all ruddy over now, isn’t it, Liv?!  Huh?! @^*&#@!” boomed out Char.

Barney’s patience for this petty cry-babyishness ran out fast.

“That’s enough, ladies.  Your hairstyles and asinine allergies will be the least of your problems if you don’t hear what I have to say.”

I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes right now… 

From Skywatcher’s Diary:

We were eagerly waiting for the next leg of Barney’s lecture to the Entropy Queens.  I couldn’t help but smile when it finally came.

“Now, ladies, you’re irritated because your singing act bombed out in Las Vegas.  I assure you that it’s understandable to feel disappointed, but that’s absolutely NO excuse for you to do what you did.  You’re lucky that moon you obliterated had no life on it.  Otherwise you’d be up on murder charges.  And let me reiterate now that our brand of Justice can be quite harsh.  Now…what do you think we’re going to do with you three?  Hmmm?”  Presently he turned to the rest of us.  “What kind of punishment should we decide on for these three?”

For a long amount of time no one uttered a single word regarding an answer…until, suddenly, my hand went up!

“Excuse me, Mr. Barney?  I think I have an idea,” I said.

Everyone looked at me in bafflement.

“What’s your idea, love?”  asked my Dad.

Of course my Mom just wasn’t going to enjoy hearing this.

“This better not be one of your wacky meatball ideas, young woman!” she hissed.

Ignoring her for the moment, I turned back to Barney. 

“Yes, what is it, Skywatcher?”

“You mentioned that their singing act didn’t work out in Vegas, right?  Well, I was thinking of having them do a comedy act instead of a musical one.  That way, they can get what they really want, and maybe get discovered.  Who knows, they might even get to work for this Roger Waters guy.”

Everyone mulled over this for a while…then Barney flashed his trademark smile.

“That’s not a bad idea, Skywatcher.”  He looked back to the Queens.  “Well, ladies, it seems that our young Skywatcher has a valid proposal for you, and if I were you right now I’d take it.  So…what do you say?”

The Entropy Queens shrugged their shoulders in resignation…then their reply was next!

“Your crazy idea, it sounds so jolly well right and happily fair;

But there’s one thing needed, and that’s for you to fix Q’s lovely hair.”

In a quick flash Barney simply snapped his fingers, and Q’s hair was fully restored.  And with that said and done the Entropy Queens vanished from our sight, never to be seen or heard from again…unless we all get tickets to their comedy revue show.

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

“Home, home again.  I like to be here when I can…”

–Roger Waters & David Gilmour, “Breathe (Reprise)” from Dark Side of the Moon, 1973

Now Dixie concludes this tale:

With the Entropy Queens now out of the picture, Barney made another, more somber announcement.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this isn’t over in spite of our victory.  You have all demonstrated to me that the Heroes of the Temporal Balance can unite against a common foe when the crucial moment arises.  And…to those who felt neglected during the course of the events I truly apologize.  Yet still you remained on good friendly terms, and in Skywatcher’s case the need for family took precedence over any subtle form of selfishness.  I salute all of you.”

“Excuse me, Barney, but what about Mountain Eagle?” asked Moon Swan.

“You have no real need for worry, Moon Swan.  We’ll see to it that she recovers from these traumtic events.  In the meantime, it’s now you that the noble women of Startia must turn to.  You have wisdom, compassion, and strength.  You’ll do great.”

Just then Fugitor asked Barney a very valid question.

“I say, Barney, now that these events have passed, does this mean now that we’re to return to our own Realms, having no memories of all this?”

Barney mused this over.

“Usually that’s the way we do it, Fugitor.  However, there’s a legend that says when the Heroes strive to preserve the Balance, all Noble Beings will know the true ways of the Universe.  So…I’m commissioning all of you to remain as one team–and more importantly as a family.  Henceforth, you will be known for future legendry as…The Union of the Convergence.”

I hope the Heroes, including the Hacketts, know what they’ll be in for.

But of course, we Fates of Time already know now, don’t we?

And no, we’re not telling…just yet, anyway…

“…and with the Heroes having averted the crisis endowed by the Entropy Queens, the greatest Challenge of their lives doubtless would be at hand.  Yet they knew that as one, they can and will face it head-on, for such is the way of all Heroes.

“And as for the young warrior Skywatcher, her own mighty challenge was on her own horizon…and she, too, will face it head-on…all with the aid of her family, of course.”

–The Chronicles of the Union of the Convergence, chapter one    

  Here ends the second book of the Chronicles of Skywatcher.

AUTHOR’S AFTERWORD

I know, I know.

“Sequel-itis” again, right?

Well, just bear with me on this one.

I had no doubt in my mind that there would inevitably be a continuation of Skywatcher’s adventures.  Now, I didn’t exactly plan to have my others Heroes meet her so quickly but then again my “characters” have their own say in the matter, don’t they?  I did, however, have a lot of fun relating their stories along the way.

I’d now like to thank those whose driving force made this one possible–and there are an awful lot.   So here goes:  Hal Linden, Tony Banks, Rula Lenska, Julie Covington, Charlotte Cornwell, the late Julie London, Howard Schuman, Andy Mackay, Sarah Douglas, Steve Hackett, Catherine Schell, Patty McCormack, Deidre Lenihan, and of course Roger Waters and David Gilmour.

Next there’s my friend Henry Seymour III, Bernadette Obermeier, Dr. Linda Lengyel, my long-time chum Jim Maloy,  and Sedef Maloy.  And naturally those authors who won’t be discounted:  Edgar Rice Burroughs, J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, Michael Moorcock, Anne MacCaffrey, L. Frank Baum, and even Mike Grell.

Because of their guidance, I’m here at last.

Oh!! I can’t, and won’t forget you, all my fellow SF/fantasy fans.  As always these stories are all for you, every one.

Live long and prosper (as Leonard Nimoy says).

Sincerely yours,

Thomas R. Skidmore

Western Pennsylvania

March 14, 2011

 

 

¹ See Union of the Life-Blades  and Shadow Mirror for their saga. ² See Fugitor: The Time Escapee and The Myriad War for Tony’s full story till now. ³ See The Myriad War